+

SociologyFebruary 3rd, 2015Case Study: Ethan Couch

1. No tracker or warm up today.

2. Turn in your homework assignment

+Objectives

1. Identify the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology.

2. Describe the characteristics, viewpoints, and concerns associated the case study in relation to sociological perspectives

3. Compose an opinion paper to the given written prompt.

+Introduction: Ethan Couch

Born on April 11, 1997

On June 15, 2013 he crashed his father’s pickup truck into pedestrians while he was driving under the influence of alcohol in Fort Worth, Texas.

+

Incident

June 15, 2013, Ethan Couch was caught on video surveillance shoplifting beer from Wal-Mart.

Couch drove his father’s truck down a rural road. Meanwhile Breanna Mitchell’s vehicle was stalled on the side of the road. Hollie Boyles her daughter Shelby lived nearby and came out to help. A youth minister, Brian Jennings came to assist as well.

Couch crashed the truck her driving into Mitchell’s parked car, and hit an oncoming car in the process.

There were 4 causalities: Breanna Mitchell,Brian Jennings, Hollie and Shelby Boyles.

Couch registered a blood-alcohol content level of 0.24

+

Trial & Sentence

During the trial, Psychologist G. Dick Miller testified to the court that Ethan Couch was a product of Affluenza, and unable to make the link to his mal behavior.

Affluenza was described as a condition caused from his parents’ teaching him that money buys privilege.

Couch was sentenced to a rehabilitation facility where his parents will have to pay for his time there.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/12/justice/texas-teen-dwi-wreck/index.html

+

The Deceased Victims

Brian Jennings (43), Breanna Mitchell (24), Hollie Boyles (52), and Shelby Boyles (21)

+DiscussionBreak into 4 groups (20 min)

• In your groups: Discuss your assigned question and prepare a presentation for the class of your group’s sociological reactions and opinions.

In your group’s presentation, it should include:

• Review of your question

• State each person’s perspective and reaction

Psychologist Dick Miller testified in December 2013 that “Affluenza" describes a condition caused when a

child of privileged background suffers no consequences for repeated bad behavior.

+

ReviewSociological Perspectives

People attach their own meaning to symbols and response in a way that is reaction to their subjective interpretation of the symbols.

This theory looks at the world in a way that focuses on communication, symbols, and meaning.

Focuses on the meaning of language and symbols that give meaning to our lives.

Examines surface and deeper meanings.

Example: Wedding Band. For one spouse means eternal love, for another it was a financial expense.

Symbolic Interaction

+

ReviewSociological Perspectives

This view of society is a complex and interconnected system. In this view all parts work together to function as a whole.

Example: The way the each part of the human body works together.

Example: The government, businesses, schools, and families.

Functional Theory

+

ReviewSociological Perspectives

Views society as a system of groups that are NOT equal, and always in conflict with one another.

This theory is used to explain the unfortunate social trends within society such as racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia.

Example: Sports, wouldn’t make much sense without competition and the pursuit of points for victory.

Conflict Theory

+

ReviewSociological Perspectives

Perspective that views society as traditionally unequal between men and women, but strives for the sexes to have equality.

Example: Women are underrepresented in leadership positions, less likely to become college professors, less likely to be business owners.

Men also face inequality in certain aspects such as they are less likely to get custody of children after a divorce, less likely to be flight attendants

4th perspective, relatively new to be a separated into its own

category

Feminist Theory

Extension Assignment

Due on MONDAY:Write an opinion statement.

“Do rich people get off easier when they break the law?” Base your opinion on a sociological perspective that we have talked

about in class. Opinion statement should be between 3-5 paragraphs of your reactions from the case, and input after hearing your classmates

speak and discuss.

(30 points total)5pts: Proper Length & Turned in on time5pts: Grammar, Spelling, and Mechanics

10pts: Clearly express your opinion10pts: Appropriate incorporation of sociological terminology

Study all of your notes!