Social Influences on the Individual

Explaining social influences on an individual, using sociological theories

Albi is a 7 year old boy whom gradually developed genetic abnormality of deafness. When Albi could not hear completely, his behaviour have changed dramatically and doesn’t want to interact with other children’s anymore. Albi’s family aren’t the riches, they could just afford their needs however it didn’t affect Albi as much. The love he receives from his family was enough. In Ian’s note, structural theory “suggest we are influenced in our behaviour and actions by society and adopt a macro approach”. The macro level have an impact on the way Albi is treated by classmates or even when he is out for dinner with his family. Staff doesn’t put in the effort to communicate with Albi and tends to ignore him which makes him feel like he does not exist. This have led to the conflict theory. Parents teaches their children’s of the norms however they can pick up bad habits while they are in school. He is being bullied because of his condition and he is isolated from other children’s as they see this as unnatural and abnormal. The troubling of it is that Albi is constantly in a fight which his parents are very worried. Due to the conflict between Albi and his classmates he feels unwanted and would rather stay at home. He has distanced himself from his friends which caused him not having any friends anymore. Another structural theory that is link to Albi’s change of behaviour is the symbolic theory. Children’s misuse of words such as “deaf can you hear me” or “you can’t hear, you must be stupid” affects Albi emotionally, which he feels down and worthless. In Albi’s case this is very hard for him to cope as he is only a child, he wouldn’t be able to understand the situation and his actions is uncontrollable. This can be difficult for his parents to manage as he might become disobedient. This can have an effect on him when he grows up, he will repeat these phrases to himself and can have a negative result later on his life.

Once Albi starts attending the community centre for the deaf his private troubles will eventually improve. Everything will be new – his life style will change and he will have to adjust, it may take a while for him to progress however he will get there in the end with the right kind of support from his loved ones. As human beings we strives to seek for new motivation therefor this will help him. Albi should be able to cope and learn quickly as his parents will be there to support him all the way through.  He will meet new people who has the same condition as him which will have a positive effect on him emotionally and make him realise that he is not alone in this battle. This will also help him to realise that being different from other children’s is ok. He will feel sense of belonging and understanding of his situation. He will feel wanted as he is in the same group of people and also because he will be part of the group activities or playing with someone without getting judged. He will be trying to improve himself to fit back in with society with the support of staff, family and his new friends. This can improve the way he thinks of the world and his future. He is more likely to proceed in education which will have a good impact later on in his life. Albi is more likely to succeed in life and will be determined to success. The possibility of Albi not letting his condition get in the way of success is very high with the help from people who is important to him and the acceptance from others that he will receive as he grows older.

To improve Albis’ life chances, the media could increase the advertisement about deafness. Making it clear to everyone that their situation is difficult and by saying or doing negative stuff towards them won’t make things better. Perhaps making up a cartoon series about someone being deaf and treating them in the right manners could help children understand better. Making them feel that they belong with society can prevent horrible things that they can possible do to themselves. The schools can also help by teaching children’s that not everyone is born perfect and that they should still accept them for who they are. Schools can do group activities where they will get to experience how difficult it is not being able to hear so they will be able to understand and will unlikely treat their classmates in a disrespectful manner. Teachers can help by teaching the students to treat others the way they would like to be treated. In college we can create a power point all about deafness and how it is important to respect them and that they should be treated the same. I could then present my presentation to different schools so they can have a better understanding of what deaf people have to go through each day as this can have a bad impact on themselves. For some they would like to end their life as people feeds them with negativity which does not help as they are already struggling and we are making no effort on how we could help rather us focus on how we can make them feel horrible about their self instead.