Sprague discusses the idea that social theory revolves around “old, white, capitalist men”. His idea of the social canon is revolved around the founding fathers of sociology that include Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. Basically what he is saying is that other people are not taken into account when it comes down to sociological theory. In order to elaborate on his main points he described three major problems: the hierarchy of the social, poor problematic analytic categories, and that the role of social theory is largely misguided. He also provided solutions, which included connection, engagement, and integrated diverse standpoint.
This reminded me of how the United States of America was always run mostly by old, white men. The United States nation was defined by a white male perspective until Barack Obama came. When Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States people saw it as a hope for change while others saw it as a joke. I recall seeing people making memes and making unnecessary remarks about him. In the year 2009, Barack Obama was elected as the first African American president. During Barack Obama’s presidency, he emphasized on ending the Iraq war, energy independence, and providing universal health care. I voted for Obama and was glad to see that change. When I say the word change I want to emphasize that I was happy to see someone that was different. He was not White, he is not that old, and I saw that he had different ideas that he wanted to implement. It was surprising to the audience to see that an African American was elected president. I’m sure if Obama was able to make that change then a women can also carry the position as President. Hopefully one day, the United States has the privilege to have the first female president.
It is important to be able to integrate different theories instead of learning from the white male perspective. In my opinion, I believe that social theory is very limited. Since the day I started taking Sociology classes I noticed that these white men are so important and seen as Gods. It is important to incorporate other theories such as the feminist theory. The feminist theory is needed in order to change the foundation of sociology. If other theorists were acknowledged just as much as the “Big Three” then social theory would be more interesting (not that it isn’t). We also need to connect with other people and include the perspectives of others. We must engage people as well incorporate diversity. This alternative can create an embodied vision.
This reminded me of how the United States of America was always run mostly by old, white men. The United States nation was defined by a white male perspective until Barack Obama came. When Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States people saw it as a hope for change while others saw it as a joke. I recall seeing people making memes and making unnecessary remarks about him. In the year 2009, Barack Obama was elected as the first African American president. During Barack Obama’s presidency, he emphasized on ending the Iraq war, energy independence, and providing universal health care. I voted for Obama and was glad to see that change. When I say the word change I want to emphasize that I was happy to see someone that was different. He was not White, he is not that old, and I saw that he had different ideas that he wanted to implement. It was surprising to the audience to see that an African American was elected president. I’m sure if Obama was able to make that change then a women can also carry the position as President. Hopefully one day, the United States has the privilege to have the first female president.
It is important to be able to integrate different theories instead of learning from the white male perspective. In my opinion, I believe that social theory is very limited. Since the day I started taking Sociology classes I noticed that these white men are so important and seen as Gods. It is important to incorporate other theories such as the feminist theory. The feminist theory is needed in order to change the foundation of sociology. If other theorists were acknowledged just as much as the “Big Three” then social theory would be more interesting (not that it isn’t). We also need to connect with other people and include the perspectives of others. We must engage people as well incorporate diversity. This alternative can create an embodied vision.