Chapter 5 of Gauntlett explains the position of Anthony Giddens on society and self. Gidden’s theory of structuration is that social life should be studied at both the micro and macro levels because both influence the overall structure of society. The structure is created by the repetition of actions, and it is possible to be changed. Social structure is maintained, for the most part, by the expectations of “other people” in society. According to Giddens, self-identity is established by keeping a consistent “story” about oneself and is defined by things that we own. Giddens believes that choices we make determine our society, our lifestyle and our identity.
This episode of Two and a Half Men is a great example of how we are easily disturbed when someone goes against social codes. There are some things we don’t even question, such as: a woman should not date her son’s ex-girlfriend who has become a man. Or anyone her son has previously dated. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-QmM7DA_Bk
Anyone in our culture would agree that this is inappropriate simply because it is not normal to our society. Maybe there is a culture somewhere that considers it okay for parents and sons or daughters to have relations with the same people…but I can’t think of any. The point is that it is unexpected behavior and people are surprised by it and don’t know how to react. In the case of this sitcom episode, it is intended to be funny just for the sake of how ironic and strange the situation is. Initially, it is odd that their mother would date someone half her age, and then it is disturbing that she is dating the same person who Charlie dated. A social structure can be changed by individual acts, but it would be a long time before certain things would be considered an acceptable part of society.
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