Participant Observation and Sociology

According to Macionis' (2009) book, Society: The Basics, "participant observers try to gain entry into a setting without disturbing the routine behavior of others....standing back from the action and applying the sociological perspective to social patterns" (p.28). The knowledge gained from such a perspective can be used to create a happy and healthy culture when applied in close family relationships like marriage, as well as in the workplace. These aspects of daily life are part of the middle adulthood stage of development, as defined by Erik. H. Erikson in Macionis' (2009) book, a complex time when both marriage and work take center stage, and individuals begin to place value on their accomplishments. The studies and findings of modern day sociologists like Carol Gilligan and George H. Mead, also provide insight that can be applied when using participant observation to analyze different stages of socialization.

Sociologist Carol Gilligan found that men and women define what is "right" in very different ways. Men tend to have a "justice" perspective and women have a "caring responsibility" perspective (Macionis, 2009, pp. 77). This was a breakthrough concept at the time, and she believed that

society should begin to value both of these perspectives equally (Gilligan, 1982). I agree, and believe the key to success in a marriage is understanding the differences rather than the similarities between the individuals involved. In my opinion, you have to participate in many different types of experiences with a person before you can really know their true personality and determine whether or not a long term relationship will work. My husband and I dated for five years before we got married and I can honestly say I know him so well after all those experiences together that there is very little that would surprise me at this point. We knew that we share the same core values, felt comfortable with the "norms" that had been created throughout our relationship, and had thus created a positive culture and environment for ourselves. After reading Macionis' (2009) analysis of the agents and stages of socialization, I have come to realize that we followed a track through our life experiences with our families, peer groups, and school experiences, that also contributed to our decision to marry each other (pp.80-82).

The components of culture, like values and norms, that were just discussed in relation to marriage also apply when analyzing the workplace. They are each a part of the training I received for my current job with a large sales and marketing firm that has the distinct understanding of how to create their own culture, and make it something that enhances the success of the business. The new hire training, which is a form of participant observation in itself, consists of two weeks of classroom time, spent learning the values and norms of the company which