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Unit I. The Sociological Perspective
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Supplemental Resource
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Illustrating Social Structure
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Theme: The Sociological Perspective
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Description
Here are two images of a needlepoint by Edward Hanin. In the first one you can see how all the threads blend together into what appears to be a single, seamless picture.
In the second one, a close up of one corner of the first, you can see the individual strands of thread and the separate stitches that create the whole picture. They form patterns both vertically and horizontally.
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Learning GoalsTo see how social structure may be understood as analogous to a large needlepoint. That is, the needlepoint consists of many small stitches, various colors and patterns, which may be seen as analogous to social customs, institutions, laws, and relationships, which altogether form larger patterns.Back to top
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ActionsShow students the two pictures of needlepoint, either by projecting them in class, having them look at this web page, or by handing them out in class.Back to top
Have them discuss how the needlepoint is analogous to social structure.
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Creator/SourcePhotographs by Caroline Persell of needlepoint by Edward Hanin. Inspired by Robert Wazienski's "Technique 54 on Social Structure in Edward L. Kain and Robin Neas, 1993, Innovative Techniques for Teaching Sociological Concepts. Washington, D.C.: American Sociological Association, p. 95.