Transcript Sociology in Pleasantville

Sociology of Pleasantville
Social Contract - “an agreement, entered
into by individuals implicitly, that results in
the formation of the state or of organized
society, the prime motive being the desire
for protection, which entails the surrender
of some personal liberties”
Everything will be “Pleasant” if everyone
knows their place
Attractiveness
• Attractiveness brings people closer (we tend to
attempt to bond with people at our own
attractiveness level – similarities attract)
• Jennifer with Skip, Bud with Margret
• David becomes friends with Mr. Johnson (Soda Jerk)
Interpersonal attraction
Tendency to evaluate another person in a
consistently positive way.
• Application of the concept of an attitude to specific
individuals
• Bud is already like (plot of show) everyone has positive
attitudes towards his “different” way of thinking
Reciprocity of liking
• A likes B & B likes A
• If A likes or believes in something B
doesn’t like:
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B can change mind
B can convince A to change mind
B can decide its not worth it
B can dump A
Affiliation
• Individuals vary in their need for
affiliation, some have a high need others
have a low need (loners)
• We tend to want to affiliate with others
under fearful conditions (stressed –
thunderstorm in bowling alley)
• Bowling League
• Chamber of commerce
Feminism
• Carol Gilligan’s “Developmental theory” that
men are less likely to share their feelings