The Hunger Games: Sociological Perspectives
The Hunger Games, a novel by Suzanne Collins, is about a dystopian society which paints a
rather grim picture of the world of tomorrow, whether it be from a social, economic or
political point of view. We are going to use this fictional society as the basis for examining the
different aspects of sociology that we have studied and applying different solutions to these
problems and comparing them to some social issues that happen currently in the world. Since the
book is rather lengthy, we will view the video instead to save some time.
There are many different sociology issues in the Hunger Games. As a class we will view the
video, with each individual filling in the worksheet of examples for each indicator. After
viewing the film, we will share the sociology examples, create possible solutions, and draw
parallels to life in our society.
Directions: Individually, complete the first 2 columns of the chart and take note of examples of
things to answer the discussion questions below while watching the film. After viewing the film,
we will break into small groups to discuss the following questions and finish completing the
chart then we will share these with the whole class.
Group Questions for after the film, consider each as you watch the film, list examples as
necessary:
1. Consider the notion that this story compares to historical societies, for example, ancient
Rome, but also to our world today. Contemplate individuals and the way they behave in
group situations in the film.
2. Does society dictate our values?
3. Are we supported or pressured by family and friends, or does our culture influence our
behavior as evident in The Hunger Games.
4. The extreme fashion in the Capitol is admired by many. Does society dictate the norms of
how we look? If yes, does wearing fancy clothes and make-up contribute to a better
world in today's society as they do in The Hunger Games?
5. Why does our society adore athletes and movie stars, spend money on entertainment
rather than improving our society, and support politicians because they are "popular?"
Class Discussion Questions:
The overall sociological concept of conformity should be a common theme you
examine. Your essay should investigate various sociological theories (societal
control, social norms, social values, peer pressure, oppression, power, poverty,
wealth, segregation, social class, and conflict theory). Consider the notion that
these stories compare to historical societies, for example, ancient Rome, but
also to our world today. Contemplate individuals and the way they behave in
group situations. Does society dictate our values? Are we supported or
pressured by family and friends, or does our culture influence our behavior as
evident in "The Lottery" and The Hunger Games. The extreme fashion in the
Capitol is admired by many. Does society dictate the norms of how we look? If
yes, does wearing fancy clothes and make-up contribute to a better world in
today's society as they do in The Hunger Games? Why does our society adore
athletes and movie stars, spend money on entertainment rather than improving
our society, and support politicians because they are "popular?"
Video Viewing Guide: Fill in each box in the second column as completely as possible with examples/details that we will be able
to discuss as a group after the video. After the video we will be working in groups to complete the last 2 columns.
Sociology
Film Examples/Details
Potential Solutions
Examples from OUR Society
Theme
Conflict
Theory
Gender
Roles
Age
SocioEconomic
Class system
Power
Viewer’s
Choice

ID theme:
_____________
Parental Permission Slip: The Hunger Games
To complete a project on analyzing different perspectives in Sociology, we will be watching the
film of The Hunger Games. This film is Rated PG-13 for intense violent thematic material and
disturbing images - all involving teens. With this rating, it is necessary to have a parent’s
consent to watch the video. Please sign and return this permission slip by _________________
indicating that your child may or may not view the film. Students will be able to do the project
without viewing the video, however, they will need to independently obtain a copy and read the
book in order to do the project.
If you would like more details on the reasons for the rating, please visit the IMDB parent’s
guide. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/parentalguide?ref_=tt_stry_pg
Thank you for taking the time to read and sign this permission form. Please sign the portion
below the dotted line and return it to me by ______________________________.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the school by email or phone.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Melissa Dearth
PHS Sociology/Government
m_dearth@pauldingschools.org
419-399-4656 ext. 1142
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Student name (printed) _____________________________________
_____Yes, I give permission for my child to watch The Hunger Games for Sociology Class.
_____ No, I do not give permission for my child to watch The Hunger Games for Sociology Class.
Parent/Guardian signature/date ____________________________________________________
Parental Advisory Guide to the Hunger Games:
There are no examples in the guide of Sex/Nudity or Profanity.
Violence & Gore
6/10
Almost all of the violent scenes are off screen or cut away before anything bad is seen. We sometimes see the
aftermath of violent acts but nothing bad.
The opening fight of the games implies a few deaths, we briefly see blood splattered onto the ground and other
objects, and throughout the games, we see open wounds (no longer bleeding) on many of the characters. A group of
older teens travels as a pack and hunts down young children, there are a few just-offscreen stabs and kills. They find
a teenage girl at night, alone, and we hear her screams, implying death.
A boy's neck is snapped, and we see a few people moments after death. An arrow sticking out of a boy's chest, a
poisoned girl, her skin a light blue. One girl is killed by a flying spear and pulls the weapon out of her chest before
dying, and another girl is swarmed by poison wasps and is killed by them. Katniss receives burns from a forest fire,
a girl is slammed into a wall, snapping her neck, Peeta and another boy roughly punch each other, Katniss also
receives a knife slash across her head. An explosion is triggered. One boy in the cornucopia bloodbath gets his neck
slit by another tribute. In the final battle, dog-like beasts attack Katniss, Peeta, and another boy. Katniss shoots one
in the neck with an arrow to no avail. When the third boy falls into the pack, they begin eating him and tearing him
apart (offscreen), and Katniss shoots him to kill him quickly, as a sort of "mercy killing"
Video footage shows a past Hunger Games, where a boy beat someone to death with a brick. We see the beating
partially, with the blood covered brick being raised into the air and brought down hard, almost out of view.
Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking
4/10
Haymitch is constantly drinking when he is on screen and we see him staggering drunk the first time we meet him.
He empties a flask into his morning coffee. .
The poison wasps cause the victim to have drug-like hallucinations.
Frightening/Intense Scenes
6/10
One jump scene.
We see a girl covered in in wasps and all swelled up from the stings.
Some dead children are seen, (the actual killings are not).
A few emotional scenes.
A few moderately intense scenes.
We hear a boy scream while it is implied that he is being attacked by dog like creatures.
Total - 19/50
Children under 10 should watch this with an adult for at least the first viewing and I wouldn't recommenced
letting very young kids watch it.
Original Essay Example:
The overall sociological concept of conformity should be a common theme you
examine. Your essay should investigate various sociological theories (societal
control, social norms, social values, peer pressure, oppression, power, poverty,
wealth, segregation, social class, and conflict theory). Consider the notion that
these stories compare to historical societies, for example, ancient Rome, but
also to our world today. Contemplate individuals and the way they behave in
group situations. Does society dictate our values? Are we supported or
pressured by family and friends, or does our culture influence our behavior as
evident in "The Lottery" and The Hunger Games. The extreme fashion in the
Capitol is admired by many. Does society dictate the norms of how we look? If
yes, does wearing fancy clothes and make-up contribute to a better world in
today's society as they do in The Hunger Games? Why does our society adore
athletes and movie stars, spend money on entertainment rather than improving
our society, and support politicians because they are "popular?"
Other sociological topics that you may want to examine when writing your
essay include:
Race, Nationality, and Ethnicity
Mass Media
Sociology of Food
Youth Cultures
Sociology of Gender and Sexuality
Social Movements
Cults, Clans, and Communities
Class Conflict and Inequalities
Spirituality, Superstitions, and Legends
Commodoties