This is the final entry of this reflective exercise. Despite my early reservations, this assignment has been challenging and ultimately enjoyable. Furthermore, reflective learning has generalised to my daily life, and I have become aware of my metacognitions. For example, I am preparing a case study on how sex-workers are characterised and stigmatised in most societies. While doing preliminary research, I discussed the topic with my DCU cohort who displayed vastly different perspectives to my own on the issue. The disparity in opinions caused me wonder how I came to my views and interest in the subject. Further, I considered my biases and how I could adjust them as needed to complete the assignment. Consequently, I began thinking about my thinking. Often, I find myself reflecting on my learning and actions in a helpful way. As a result of the reflective assignment and my new awareness, I have taken to journaling before bed (See Evidence 1, My Journal). Rather than reflecting on my daily activities, I journal about how and why I chose to navigate the day. Inexplicably, this metacognition led me to a non-sequitur, my emerging sociological imagination.

Prior to studying sociology, my understanding of power and deviance in society was indistinct. However, SOC3A has given me glasses with which to see. For example, a proposed bill in Mississippi, U.S. seeks to make it unlawful to wear saggy, loose trousers which “exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner” (See Evidence 2, Sagging pants could draw fine, require counseling; Nave 2017). Multiple violations of this law provokes escalating consequences, the sixth offence being a $100 fine and mandatory social and psychological counselling. This fashion choice, saggy pants, is strongly associated with hip-hop culture and the African-American subculture. The law seeks to make saggy pant both socially and lawfully deviant, thereby negatively sanctioning a cultural expression. Previously, before studying sociology, I would have simply viewed this law unfair and racist. However, with just one term of study, I view this legislation through Gramsci’s (Ransome, 1992, p.32) lens and believe that the dominant class is seeking to sustain moral and ethical control. I further believe, this law will be supported by the social majority in the area who, due to implicit biases, desire to and feel entitled to control minorities coercively. As I contemplated the implications of this law, I remembered that California only eradicated employers requiring women to wear dresses to work in 1993 (the year I graduated high school). Ruminating on laws used to control groups of people led to research and I began reading related journal articles (See Evidence 3, Dress to Impress: Employer Regulation of Gay and Lesbian Appearance). While I explored the topic, my ability to easily navigate the online library as well as use loop became apparent. Therefore, I am growing as a learner of both academia and technology.

In summary, I have come very far in my learning. My study habits are strong as is evidenced by my increasing grades. Also, I can navigate the online environment without effort and seek additional learning outside of the course content. Higher education has had a positive effect on me and I’m eager to see how I progress in the coming years.

Reference:

Nave, R.L. (2017). Sagging pants could draw fine, require counseling. Mississippi Today, [online] Available at: http://mississippitoday.org/2017/01/24/sagging-pants-could-draw-fine-require-counseling/ [Accessed 22 March 2017]

Ransome, P. 1992. Antonio Gramsci: A New Introduction. Hertfordshire: Simon and Schuster.