In Search Of Respect: A Literature Review

While there have been many books that have made a lasting impression on me, In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in El Barrio, an ethnography read in my Cultural Anthropology class, fall of my sophomore year is still one that stands out to me. This was the first ethnography that I have ever read, causing me to be fascinated with the study being done. Reading about Philippe Bourgois’s experience of living in Harlem during the crack epidemic, made me realize the extreme negative effects that unemployment and poverty can have on a population. It was eye opening to learn why these individuals, who are looked at as cold hard criminals, were pushed to do the things that they did to support themselves and their families. This ethnography touched upon …show more content…
I choose to write a literature review on push-pull factors of international migration, after sitting in two immigration and assimilation classes with Dr. John. Although I ended up not needing the class as a requirement, after being there for two days I was intrigued and wanted to learn more. Writing this literature review caused me to research and learn about migration and immigration, push-pull factors, other cultures, globalization, and world theories. Beginning this project I had little to no knowledge about international migration and globalization however, by the end of my writing process I felt as though I had a much more thorough understanding. In the end, when presenting my work to my fellow classmates I felt as though I had taught them something as well which was an extremely satisfying feeling. This has become a topic that I would like to read and learn more about after the research that I have done. Overall, I believe this is a project that I will remember forever, because of the amount I learned and the influence it had on …show more content…
I am taking away from the sociology program, the importance of standing up against discrimination and to make others aware of their actions. Secondly, I am taking away the importance of diversity. As a result of making many friends different than myself here at Kutztown, I was able to learn in depth about other cultures, religions, social classes, etc. The sociology program helped me to realize the importance of learning about the different aspects of others lives that I did. Finally, I believe the most important theory I have learned was the functionalist theory. I feel this theory accurately describes the world today and I have find myself relating it to things in everyday life and throughout courses I have