Sociology makes my heart skip a beat -- a strange declaration, indeed. The reason why I chose sociology over psychology, although the two are ever-intertwined in the world of clinical social work, is because of the impact society, social relationships, and social roles have on our every day lives. We do not live in a vacuum of rugged individualism, but rather, we live in concert with our social environments, each layer building on the other to create the whole person. The more we understand this fact, the easier it will be to create lasting change at the macro level that will trickle down to us as individuals in the micro level (the way it should be).
The more time goes on, the more I see myself going on for my Ph.D. in medical sociology to study, teach, and do research on the psychological and social impact of illness and disability, including stigma, stress, spirituality, social roles, etc…The man who stole my heart (besides for my dad and Pat) is Erving Goffman, a large contributor to social theory in the form of symbolic interaction and the dramaturgical perspective. Basically, he studied social stress, stigma, and the impressions we give off to others, as well as the way we view others viewing us. Prevalent in today’s spiritually hungry society, we decide how we feel about ourselves by the way others view us. NOT GOOD. Instead of going inward to solve our dilemmas, we look outward – sometimes, to people we don’t even know or care about. When you think about it, does it make much sense to judge ourselves in this way? No, not at all, and Goffman creates the opportunity for you to notice these interactions in your every day lives.
I can go into more detail if anyone is interested.
Anywho, I need to run. Off to get acupuncture and start my other hormones!
Happy Healing!
11 comments:
Maria, could you share a list of, say, your top 5 fave books for wellness (all levels)? You seem like a fellow bookworm, and I'd love to know your recs. Hope your pain has abated a bit today, my friend.
Great post. I agree with Olivia, I would love to see your top book list! :)
I mentioned out twitter convo in my latest post! LOL! :)
Opps not twitter.. TEXT CONVO! Sorry! Good luck wit the new hormones! HUGSSSSS!
Maria, I've still been reading every post and praying for you like crazy. How are you feeling today?
Sociology is so interesting. I know you can become a PhD, you have such a stron passion for learning and enthusiasm for knowledge. Every goal you set is fair game with your mental strength.
Good luck with accu. and hormones today, I'm still praying!
Mae
This post is really thought provoking. It's so true, why do we let others dictate our perceptions of ourselves? Why can others control who we are, when we know our own selves best? The timing of this post is ironic, since I just had a fight with a friend because I'm realizing she basically makes me feel worthless most of the time :(
Hope you're feeling okay today! xoxo
Loved this post. I recognize that I do this a lot! I hate it that I worry or think about what others think. I have done it since I was a little girl. I am getting better with age, but it is still hard sometimes.
Maria, you and I are so much alike it's a little scary! Haha! I think it's wonderful that you are thinking of pursuing a PhD and medical sociology would be great for you. Have you thought about patient advocacy? It's a field I was considering, and still think about. My problem is that I have SO MANY ideas and aspirations that I find it difficult to focus on just one area! Anyway, I love you and thank you for leaving such kind and loving words on my blog! I'm always thinking of you! Happy Healing!
we are still hung up on this view of ourselves, although i an say it has improved for me a bit since leaving high school.
pH D? wow, you can DO it! but it tough, i say this from watching my husband do it. phew!
GReat post, Maria.
and keep us posted on how this is panning out for you: Off to get acupuncture and start my other hormones!
I have been thinking a lot about this topic lately! Especially in relation to online interaction and friendships. I wrote a post today that echos a bit of what you're saying here...we all need to take responsiblity for how we feel and our own happiness, society is never going to just hand that over. Great post! ;D
I was wondering if you could also post some of your favorite books about cognitive-behavioral therapy. Especially something that would be a workbook type of thing or something that explains it, the steps, etc.
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