Chapter+16+Social+Change+Modern+and+Postmodern+Societies

Social change - The transformation of culture and social institutions over time. Disaster - An event, generally unexpected, that causes extensive harm to people and damage to property. Relative deprivation - A perceived disadvantage arising from some specific comparison. Division of labor - Specialized economic activity. Claims Making- The process of trying to convince the public and public officials of the importance of joining a social movement to address a particular issue. Modernity- Social patterns resulting from industrialization Social character- Personality patterns common to members of a particular society. Other-directedness- Openness to the latest trends, fashions, often expressed by imitating others.
 * A social change is represented in the gay relationship of Cam and Mitchell. This clearly shows a culture transformation within the last ten years or so because before then, gay couples were not looked upon as acceptable, but now they are becoming widely accepted. So much so that they are being portrayed on television quite frequently, as in the case of this show.
 * A disaster is shown in the episode where neighbors of the Dunphy's are victims of a house fire. Claire organizes a donation drive to help the family out because they have lost so much.
 * Relative deprivation can be seen in the episode where Cam and Mitchell want to have another child, and they consider surrogacy. The disadvantage is found in the fact that both men can not have a part in creating the child. It is either Cam's sperm or Mitchell's sperm that will be donated, and it is not possible to have both. This is a perceived disadvantage when comparing their situation to that of straight couples who can donate each of their DNA into the child they create.
 * Division of labor is seen all throughout the occupations of the Modern Family individuals. They do not all perform the same tasks and activities, but rather they perform specific jobs. Claire performs the job of being a stay at home mom, Phil is a realtor, Mitchell is a lawyer, Cam is a clown, and Jay is a wealthy business man. None of these individuals are found doing the same things.
 * In one particular episode, Claire hopes to enforce speeding laws by putting up a stop sign. She is unsucessful in convincing the law and the people.
 * Thanks to industrialization, Phil advertised his realtor company on busses, cars, billboards, and benches. He was hoping this would draw more attention to him, which would eventually lead to the selling of more houses and businesses.
 * All three families are fairly wealthy. I think this causes them to act a little differently when it comes to sports, shopping, and attitude. A good example would be Haley, she gets to go shopping and buy whatever clothes she would like because her family is wealthier.
 * Cameron and Mitchell like to do this when it comes to throwing parties. Cameron feels the need to outdue one of his freinds parties. He goes to their parties and looks at what is considered "trendy", then he uses these ideas at his own parties.