+
1. No tracker or
warm up today.
2. Turn in your
homework
assignment
Sociology
February 3rd, 2015
Case Study: Ethan Couch
+
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.
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
+
Incident
+
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/texasteen-dwi-wreck/index.html
+
Brian Jennings (43), Breanna Mitchell (24), Hollie Boyles (52), and
Shelby Boyles (21)
The Deceased Victims
+
Discussion
Break 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.
+
Review
Sociological
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
+
Review

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.
Sociological
Perspectives
Functional Theory
+
Review
Sociological
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
+

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
Review
Sociological
Perspectives
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 time
5pts: Grammar, Spelling, and Mechanics
10pts: Clearly express your opinion
10pts: Appropriate incorporation of sociological terminology
Study all of your notes!