SOCI-101 Organizations, Society, and Global Relationships Discussion

Introduction to SOCI-101 Organizations, Society, and Global Relationships Discussion

In SOCI-101, the transition from understanding micro-level interactions to exploring the macro-level influences is pivotal. This Owlisdom How-To guide focuses on how large organizations, like Apple, shape not only the global economy but also influence societal norms, individual behaviors, and the very fabric of our daily lives. By examining these macro-level influences, students will gain insights into the interplay between organizations, society, and global relationships. This SOCI-101 Organizations, Society, and Global Relationships Discussion assignment provides a platform to critically analyze and discuss the pervasive impact of these entities in a structured and academically rigorous manner.

Think back to how the text defines organizations, then Identify two organizations that impact your life.  

Identification of Influential Organizations

In this section of SOCI-101 Organizations, Society, and Global Relationships Discussion, we will discuss identifying influential organizations.

• Reflect on and identify two organizations that significantly impact your life. These could be educational institutions, companies where you are employed or consume products, or any other type of organization that affects your daily activities.

Example

Reflect on and identify two organizations that significantly impact your life. These could be educational institutions, companies where you are employed or consume products, or any other type of organization that affects your daily activities.

In examining the pervasive impact of organizations on individual and societal levels, I have chosen to focus on two entities that significantly influence my daily life: Google and the local public library system. Google, as a tech giant, touches almost every aspect of my digital life—from the Android operating system that powers my smartphone to the search engine I use for academic research and beyond. On a macro level, Google’s algorithms shape the information I access, affecting my understanding and interaction with a broader global context (Giest & Grimmelikhuijsen, 2020). Its role in data analytics and advertising also illustrates the broader economic and privacy implications for society at large.

Describe how these organizations have an impact on your life.

Impact Analysis of Organizations

In this section of SOCI-101 Organizations, Society, and Global Relationships Discussion, we will discuss the impact analysis of organizations.

• Describe how these organizations influence your daily life. Consider various aspects such as economic, educational, technological, or social impacts.

Example

Conversely, the local public library system impacts me on a more micro level, providing a personal space for community engagement and access to a vast array of resources that enhance my educational pursuits. It plays a critical role in democratizing information and fostering literacy and lifelong learning within the community. The library system also represents a societal commitment to public goods, emphasizing the importance of knowledge accessibility regardless of socioeconomic status.

Please explain whether these organizations affect the micro level, the macro level, or both.

Level of Influence: Micro vs. Macro

• Analyze whether the impact of these organizations is felt more on a micro (individual) level, a macro (societal) level, or both. Provide specific examples to illustrate these influences.

Example

Google primarily exerts a macro-level influence by shaping societal behaviors and norms through its vast array of digital services. Meanwhile, the local public library significantly impacts the micro-level, directly affecting individual and community engagement through accessible educational resources and programs, fostering personal development and cultural enrichment.

Next, apply a theory to one of the organizations you listed above and give examples of why the theory you choose fits the organization.

Theoretical Application

In this section of SOCI-101 Organizations, Society, and Global Relationships Discussion, we will discuss theoretical application.

• Select one sociological theory discussed in the course materials. Apply this theory to one of the organizations you identified, explaining how the theory helps to understand the organization’s role and impact. Provide concrete examples to support your argument.

Example

Applying the Functionalism theory to Google reveals how it maintains social equilibrium by offering tools that address specific societal needs, such as information searching, digital marketing, and online education. Google’s ecosystem supports various societal functions, illustrating a complex interdependence between technology and societal progression.

Lastly, the textbook provides a great deal of information regarding the concept of globalization.  Discuss some ways that globalization affects your own life.

Globalization Discussion

In this section of SOCI-101 Organizations, Society, and Global Relationships Discussion, we will discuss globalization.

• Discuss how globalization affects your personal life, linking back to the broader impacts of the organizations you’ve discussed. Consider aspects like access to global markets, cultural exchanges, or changes in employment.

Example

Discussing globalization, both Google and the local library system influence my understanding of global cultures and communities. Google provides a window to the world, while the library offers curated access to global literature and resources, enriching my personal and academic knowledge.

Cite from at least one assigned resource from this week. Use both parenthetical and a full APA reference list.

Citations

• Ensure all your discussions are supported with at least one citation from this week’s course materials. Use APA style for both in-text citations and a complete reference list at the end of your post.

Example

References

Giest, S., & Grimmelikhuijsen, S. (2020). Introduction to special issue algorithmic transparency in government: Towards a multi-level perspective. Information Polity, 25(4), 409–417.

Comment on the post and use the person’s name.  Pick one of their responses to the prompts above and discuss if you agree or disagree with that question and give support/reasons for your answers.

Peer Responses

• After posting your initial analysis, engage with two of your peers. Read their posts and select one point related to their discussion on globalization. Comment on whether you agree or disagree with their perspective, using their name in your response, and support your position with reasoned arguments.

Example

Peer Response 1

Hi Sarah,

I appreciate your insightful analysis, especially your discussion on Google’s macro-level influence and the local public library’s micro-level impact. Your perspective on how Google’s algorithms can subtly shape political and social norms offers a profound understanding of its broader societal effects. However, I would argue that the local public library also possesses a subtle macro influence by promoting literacy and access to information, which are foundational to democratic societies. This dual role enriches our understanding of how seemingly local institutions contribute to broader societal frameworks and ideals, reinforcing the intricate dynamics between micro and macro influences in our lives.

Peer Response 2

For your second response, continue engaging thoughtfully by adding new perspectives or examples to another peer’s post, enhancing the ongoing discussion.

Closing

Completing the SOCI-101 Organizations, Society, and Global Relationships Discussion equips you with a nuanced understanding of how large entities like organizations influence both individual lives and broader societal patterns. This SOCI-101 Organizations, Society, and Global Relationships Discussion exercise not only enriches your sociological perspective but also sharpens your analytical skills, enabling you to dissect complex interactions between personal experiences and macro-level dynamics. Utilize the guidelines provided to meticulously craft your analysis, ensuring it is both comprehensive and coherent. By engaging thoughtfully with this material, you will contribute effectively to the scholarly examination of global relationships, enhancing your academic proficiency and preparing you for further explorations in sociology. In the upcoming module of SOCI-101, we will explore Social Stratification Discussion.