Question #2: Define in detail the Thomas Theorem, explain how it is relevant to sociology, and explain how it helps explain sociological events in Chicago. W.I Thomas (1863-1947) was an influential sociologist who was at the University of Chicago in the early 20th century. Thomas mainly focused on the importance of the interactive dependence of individuals and social life and culture. He is well known for his term “the definition of the situation”. This term means that before an individual acts, he or she examines and deliberates the situation. He argues that individuals will make decisions based on how they interpret the situation, whether or not the interpretation is correct. His assertion is that human behavior is subjective and that
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An example of this in Chicago’s history is the killing of Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman was sitting in his car when he saw Martin walking through his neighborhood. It is said that Martin was heading home from the store after getting some skittles and an iced tea. Zimmerman called 911 because he thought that Martin was up to something or that he was on drugs. After talking to the police, Zimmerman was told not to chase Martin, but he did otherwise. He got out of his car and started following Martin. We are not fully sure what happened this night, but we do know that Zimmerman pulled out his gun and shot and killed 17 year old, Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman had never met Martin before but was certain he was up to something. He defined this situation as real, since he felt dangerous, and that this perception was real in its consequences. Martin was not a dangerous person; in fact he was a really good kid. Zimmerman felt that something suspicious was going on but there is no evidence to support his perception. Reality is what we believe it to be and if we are mislead, bias, or prejudice, our perception of reality can be clouded and the consequences can be profound. The Thomas Theorem does not excuse behavior, but it helps us to understand how events like this can occur in today’s …show more content…
By 1930, the population consisted of nearly 3.5 million people. Chicago was the fastest growing city in the United States, especially after the Great Fire of 1871. The fire started burning around 8:30pm-10:00pm on October 8th and was not completely put out until October 10th. The hard blowing winds caused the fire to move to the north and northeast parts of Chicago. The fire destroyed thousands of buildings, killing nearly 300 people, and left 100,000 others homeless. The damage was so extreme and cost the city of Chicago $200 million (Chicago Fire of 1871). There are a few theories of how the fire started. Legend has it that a cow kicked over a lantern in a barn located in the southwest side of Chicago owned by Patrick and Catherine O’Leary. The falling of the lantern caused the fire to begin and spread through the city. Catherine O’Leary denied this rumor and the exact cause has yet to be determined. Other theories hold that humans or a meteor could be responsible for the event. Following the fire, reconstruction efforts began quickly and spurred economic development as well as population growth (Chicago: City of the
An example of this in Chicago’s history is the killing of Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman was sitting in his car when he saw Martin walking through his neighborhood. It is said that Martin was heading home from the store after getting some skittles and an iced tea. Zimmerman called 911 because he thought that Martin was up to something or that he was on drugs. After talking to the police, Zimmerman was told not to chase Martin, but he did otherwise. He got out of his car and started following Martin. We are not fully sure what happened this night, but we do know that Zimmerman pulled out his gun and shot and killed 17 year old, Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman had never met Martin before but was certain he was up to something. He defined this situation as real, since he felt dangerous, and that this perception was real in its consequences. Martin was not a dangerous person; in fact he was a really good kid. Zimmerman felt that something suspicious was going on but there is no evidence to support his perception. Reality is what we believe it to be and if we are mislead, bias, or prejudice, our perception of reality can be clouded and the consequences can be profound. The Thomas Theorem does not excuse behavior, but it helps us to understand how events like this can occur in today’s …show more content…
By 1930, the population consisted of nearly 3.5 million people. Chicago was the fastest growing city in the United States, especially after the Great Fire of 1871. The fire started burning around 8:30pm-10:00pm on October 8th and was not completely put out until October 10th. The hard blowing winds caused the fire to move to the north and northeast parts of Chicago. The fire destroyed thousands of buildings, killing nearly 300 people, and left 100,000 others homeless. The damage was so extreme and cost the city of Chicago $200 million (Chicago Fire of 1871). There are a few theories of how the fire started. Legend has it that a cow kicked over a lantern in a barn located in the southwest side of Chicago owned by Patrick and Catherine O’Leary. The falling of the lantern caused the fire to begin and spread through the city. Catherine O’Leary denied this rumor and the exact cause has yet to be determined. Other theories hold that humans or a meteor could be responsible for the event. Following the fire, reconstruction efforts began quickly and spurred economic development as well as population growth (Chicago: City of the