SOCS 185 Week 5 Assignment: Socioautobiography

SOCS 185 Week 5 Assignment: Socioautobiography

Student Name

Chamberlain University

SOCS-185 Culture and Society

Prof. Name

Date

Abstract

This socioautobiography explores my personal journey through the lens of sociology, emphasizing how key sociological themes have influenced my growth and development. By applying six major sociological concepts and referencing theories from well-known scholars, I examine how my cultural heritage, family roles, economic shifts, and adaptation to modern technology intersect with broader societal structures. My Italian ancestry, my parents’ occupations, the evolution of my sexual identity, changes in social class, and the role of technology in shaping interactions all reflect the dynamic relationship between individual experiences and larger social forces.

Influences Throughout Life

How is an individual influenced by society?

An individual’s identity and opportunities are continuously shaped by the broader social environment. Culture, social class, community values, and family roles all contribute to how one sees the world and navigates it. My upbringing within a family deeply connected to Italian culture instilled strong traditions and values that differentiated me from many peers. Experiences such as childhood medical challenges and the discovery of my sexual identity highlight how personal events are interlinked with broader social structures like occupational status, class, and pathways of mobility. Through this socioautobiography, I illustrate how personal life stories embody the larger dynamics that sociology seeks to explain.

Early Years and Parental Occupations

What was your family background, and how did it shape you?

I grew up in a middle-class immigrant household that valued both resilience and education. My father, an immigrant from Italy, began his career in a blue-collar position as a housekeeping aide at a local hospital (Macionis, 2015). With dedication, he eventually progressed into a supervisory role and later pursued entrepreneurship as a small business owner. My mother, born in the United States but of Italian descent, pursued nursing and eventually specialized in critical care as a PICC line nurse, representing a white-collar professional path (Macionis, 2015).

Although both of my parents were employed, the financial burden of my chronic illness placed us within the lower middle class for several years. Nevertheless, their career progression gradually elevated our family into the upper middle class, exemplifying how occupational advancement fuels upward mobility. As an only child, I benefited greatly from their emotional and financial investments, reinforcing the role of parental support in shaping life chances.

Table 1
Parental Occupations and Social Class Impact

Formative Years and Personal Identity

How did your identity form during your school years?

During my school years, I was often seen as sociable and humorous, traits that helped me build meaningful friendships. Participation in competitive soccer further enhanced my sense of belonging to an “in-group,” reinforcing the sociological idea that group membership strengthens identity (Macionis, 2015).

As I began to recognize my sexual orientation during middle school, I anticipated challenges such as rejection or stigmatization. However, unlike many peers, I was met with acceptance from both my family and friends. This validation allowed me to resist negative stereotypes and gain confidence in my identity as a gay female. My inclusion in peer groups, rather than exclusion, demonstrates the power of social support in mitigating stigma and fostering resilience.

Family Advancements and Economic Mobility

How did your family’s social status change over time?

At around age 13, my family experienced noticeable economic growth. My mother was promoted within her field, and my father established his own cleaning company, creating new streams of income. These achievements represent intragenerational social mobility, where individuals improve their class standing during their own lifetimes (Macionis, 2015).

Later, I pursued certification as a pharmacy technician, which strengthened my personal financial independence and enabled me to move into a neighborhood located just across from New York City. However, my mother’s diagnosis with a rare illness that caused paralysis led to her early retirement and a decrease in family income. Despite this setback, my father’s business ventures maintained our financial stability. This sequence of events highlights both the volatility and resilience of middle-class economic status.

Table 2
Events Shaping Family Mobility

Changing Family Roles

How did family dynamics and gender roles evolve in your household?

In my household, gender roles were more flexible compared to traditional models. Initially, both my parents contributed equally to domestic and professional responsibilities, reflecting progressive views on gender equality (Ciotti, 2018). My mother managed both caregiving and breadwinning, while my father worked to provide financial stability and also engaged in household tasks.

After my mother’s illness, however, these roles shifted dramatically. My father became both the sole breadwinner and the primary caregiver, while my mother assumed the role of homemaker. As I grew older, I contributed emotional support and economic assistance to balance household demands. These transitions mirror Merton’s role set theory, which suggests individuals occupy multiple roles that evolve with circumstances (Macionis, 2015).

Table 3
Family Roles Before and After Mother’s Illness

Adapting to a Technological World

How did your family adapt to societal and technological changes?

My family’s ability to adapt to digital culture played an important role in maintaining communication and connection. In my early twenties, my parents began texting and using shorthand like “LOL” and “TTYL,” reflecting their willingness to adopt new modes of interaction (Macionis, 2015). These small adaptations bridged generational differences and allowed us to remain closely connected.

As technology advanced, my parents joined social media platforms such as Facebook to reconnect with extended relatives in Italy. Eventually, they became active users of platforms like Instagram and Twitter, illustrating how older generations incorporate digital tools into daily life. This shift underscores the integration of technology into family communication, reflecting broader patterns of digital adaptation in modern society.

Conclusion

My socioautobiography highlights the complex interplay of cultural background, economic mobility, gender roles, sexuality, and technology in shaping identity. From navigating health challenges as a child in a lower-middle-class family to witnessing upward mobility and adapting to shifting family roles, my experiences mirror broader sociological concepts. Theories such as Merton’s role set and ideas of in-groups, gender equality, and digital adaptation demonstrate that individual stories are deeply tied to structural and cultural dynamics. My life narrative affirms that personal identity cannot be separated from the societal forces that shape it.

References

Ciotti, P. (2018, November 26). Re: Man’s work versus woman’s work [Online discussion group]. Week 5 Discussion: Man’s Work Versus Woman’s Work. https://devryu.instructure.com/courses/34492/discussion_topics/954667?module_item_id=4255328

SOCS 185 Week 5 Assignment: Socioautobiography

Macionis, J. J. (2015). Society: The basics (13th ed.). Pearson Education