1. Case Study: Ethan Couch
No tracker or warm up today.
2. Turn in your homework assignment
Sociology February 3rd, 2015
Case Study: Ethan Couch

2. Objectives
Identify the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology.
Describe the characteristics, viewpoints, and concerns associated the case study in relation to sociological perspectives
Compose an opinion paper to the given written prompt.

3. Introduction: Ethan Couch
Born on April 11, 1997
On June 15, 2013 he crashed his father’s pickup truck into pedestrians while he was driving under the influence of alcohol in Fort Worth, Texas.

4. June 15, 2013, Ethan Couch was caught on video surveillance shoplifting beer from Wal-Mart.
Couch drove his father’s truck down a rural road. Meanwhile Breanna Mitchell’s vehicle was stalled on the side of the road. Hollie Boyles her daughter Shelby lived nearby and came out to help. A youth minister, Brian Jennings came to assist as well.
Couch crashed the truck her driving into Mitchell’s parked car, and hit an oncoming car in the process.
There were 4 causalities: Breanna Mitchell,Brian Jennings, Hollie and Shelby Boyles.
Couch registered a blood-alcohol content level of 0.24
Incident

5. During the trial, Psychologist G
During the trial, Psychologist G. Dick Miller testified to the court that Ethan Couch was a product of Affluenza, and unable to make the link to his mal behavior. Affluenza was described as a condition caused from his parents’ teaching him that money buys privilege. Couch was sentenced to a rehabilitation facility where his parents will have to pay for his time there.
Trial & Sentence

6. Brian Jennings (43), Breanna Mitchell (24), Hollie Boyles (52), and Shelby Boyles (21)
The Deceased Victims

7. Discussion Break into 4 groups (20 min)
In your groups: Discuss your assigned question and prepare a presentation for the class of your group’s sociological reactions and opinions.
In your group’s presentation, it should include:
Review of your question
State each person’s perspective and reaction
Psychologist Dick Miller testified in December 2013 that “Affluenza" describes a condition caused when a child of privileged background suffers no consequences for repeated bad behavior.

8. Review Sociological Perspectives
People attach their own meaning to symbols and response in a way that is reaction to their subjective interpretation of the symbols.
This theory looks at the world in a way that focuses on communication, symbols, and meaning.
Focuses on the meaning of language and symbols that give meaning to our lives.
Examines surface and deeper meanings.
Example: Wedding Band. For one spouse means eternal love, for another it was a financial expense.
Review Sociological Perspectives
Symbolic Interaction

9. Review Sociological Perspectives
This view of society is a complex and interconnected system. In this view all parts work together to function as a whole.
Example: The way the each part of the human body works together.
Example: The government, businesses, schools, and families.
Review Sociological Perspectives
Functional Theory

10. Review Sociological Perspectives
Views society as a system of groups that are NOT equal, and always in conflict with one another.
This theory is used to explain the unfortunate social trends within society such as racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia.
Example: Sports, wouldn’t make much sense without competition and the pursuit of points for victory.
Review Sociological Perspectives
Conflict Theory

11. Review Sociological Perspectives
Perspective that views society as traditionally unequal between men and women, but strives for the sexes to have equality.
Example: Women are underrepresented in leadership positions, less likely to become college professors, less likely to be business owners.
Men also face inequality in certain aspects such as they are less likely to get custody of children after a divorce, less likely to be flight attendants
4th perspective, relatively new to be a separated into its own category
Review Sociological Perspectives
Feminist Theory

12. “Do rich people get off easier when they break the law?”
Extension Assignment
Due on MONDAY:
Write an opinion statement.
“Do rich people get off easier when they break the law?”
Base your opinion on a sociological perspective that we have talked about in class. Opinion statement should be between 3-5 paragraphs of your reactions from the case, and input after hearing your classmates speak and discuss.
(30 points total)
5pts: Proper Length & Turned in on time
5pts: Grammar, Spelling, and Mechanics
10pts: Clearly express your opinion
10pts: Appropriate incorporation of sociological terminology
Study all of your notes!