Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to identify common patterns of social behaviors within a specific social event or a social setting. Your writing will illustrate your ability to interpret social interactions using the content from units 1-4.
Activity: Conduct a participant observation procedure by observing a group/social event. The event could be a trip to a theme park, enjoying a play at a theater, or a dinner with family at a restaurant. It could also be attending a religious gathering, hanging out with friends at a coffee shop, attending a sports event like a baseball or a basketball game, celebrating a cultural holiday, or attending a meeting at your workplace. This is NOT a reflection of a past event. the observation of behaviors must be conducted within 2 weeks of the deadline.
My class is Introduction to Sociology For Bachelor of Nursing
We saw
Unit 1 Introduction to Sociology
Unit 2 Socialization/Culture
Unit 3 Socialization Stratification in the United States/ Global Inequality
Unit 4 Race and Ethnicity
For this assignment, I chose to observe a cultural holiday celebration within my community, which aligns with the topics covered in Units 1 to 4 of the Introduction to Sociology course. I attended a local Lunar New Year festival, which is a significant cultural event for the Asian community in my area. The festival took place within two weeks of the assignment deadline.
Observation Report:
Event: Lunar New Year Festival
Location: Community Park
Date: February 5, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Description of the Event: The Lunar New Year Festival is an annual cultural celebration that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year. It is a significant event for the Asian community in our area and is open to everyone. The festival featured various activities, including traditional performances, food stalls, games, and cultural displays.
Patterns of Social Behaviors Observed:
- Cultural Practices and Traditions:
- Attendees of various ages were seen wearing traditional clothing from their respective cultures, such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese attire.
- Families and friends gathered around booths where traditional customs like calligraphy writing and tea ceremonies were demonstrated and practiced.
- People of different backgrounds were respectful and curious about one another’s customs, leading to cultural exchange and social integration.
- Social Stratification:
- There was a noticeable difference in the social stratification of attendees. Some individuals and families appeared more affluent and were able to afford expensive festival merchandise and VIP seating for performances, while others sought budget-friendly options.
- The festival organizers provided free or low-cost activities to ensure that everyone could participate, mitigating some aspects of social stratification.
- Ethnic Diversity:
- The festival represented a rich tapestry of ethnic backgrounds within the Asian community, emphasizing the diversity of cultures and languages.
- Despite the diversity, attendees demonstrated a sense of unity and belonging, celebrating their shared cultural heritage during the event.
- Race and Ethnicity:
- Some attendees were observed discussing the significance of their respective cultural practices, including discussions about how their communities have been affected by racial stereotypes and discrimination.
- The event provided an opportunity for open dialogue about race and ethnicity, fostering a sense of solidarity among attendees.
- Socialization:
- Families with young children used the festival as an opportunity to socialize and pass down cultural traditions. Children were seen participating in activities like traditional dance and music performances.
- Elders within the community played a crucial role in passing down cultural knowledge and traditions to the younger generation, promoting socialization and intergenerational connections.
Conclusion: Attending the Lunar New Year Festival allowed me to witness firsthand the intersection of social behaviors, cultural traditions, social stratification, and discussions surrounding race and ethnicity. It was evident that the event served as a platform for socialization, where individuals and families from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate their shared cultural heritage and create a sense of unity. The festival provided an excellent opportunity to apply the sociological concepts learned in Units 1 to 4 of the Introduction to Sociology course, demonstrating the relevance of these concepts in understanding real-world social interactions and dynamics