Sociology

As social problems escalate, social activism has become critical in the alleviation and resolution of these problems. This movement utilizes various fundamental frameworks in guiding their goals and objectives as they formulate collective strategies for tackling social issues. Mann (2002) provides an informative account of the constructs of social activism and especially with regard to the element of emotionality. Social activists are motivated by a desire to help and reconcile various issues they deem problematic. As such, their encounters are founded on the basis of emotionality and consequently bound to be cognizant in their decision making processes. In the article, Mann (2002) seeks to understand the aspect of emotionality in an in-depth manner through research and case study analysis. The author therefore addresses the vast dynamics and implications of emotionality in social movement activities of the Ontario communitys womens shelter.

In the research study, the author aims at accounting for outcomes which were contrary to the objectives, beliefs and values of the committee responsible for the shelters development. The two outcomes which are center stage in the article include the vilification and identification of males as part of the opposition, therefore depicting a male against female stance in the community. Then there was the aspect of stigmatization and labeling of abused women as a problem population (Mann, 2002, p. 252). The article clearly underlies that the understanding of how these two outcomes were developed would be vital to the success of the research. These two outcomes are indicative of the consequences emotionality breeds and as the article progresses emotionality becomes demystified. Initially, the domestic Abuse committee had sworn to ensure that these two components were excluded from the projects dynamics. However, as it is clearly evident in the article, the unexpected power and influence of emotionality on the committee members and the community resulted into choice shifts paving way for these results.

The article is built on a wide literature review on the subjects of emotionality and social activism. In providing an enlightening account of the social movement theory and the sociology of emotions, the article provides a sound background framework for the research. The sociology of emotions which entails perspectives on the expression of cultural ideas, social constructs and feelings is integrated in articles attempt to understand the effects of emotionality within the social movement. Evident in the case study is the interaction of individual and collective emotions with the organization of the shelter and its ideals. This factor is seen as what fuelled the vilifying, opposing and vindictive actions which resulted into uncontrollable conflicts.

Mann (2002) utilizes both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies including primary data from interviews, participant observations and telephone surveys. In addition, the article was complimented by the use of secondary data from the content analysis of literature, promotional materials and media reports. From the analysis of the information collected findings indicated that members of the development committee had unintentionally fuelled the outcomes earlier indicated. Their shifts of choices had been intensified by their emotions of anger, frustration and self righteousness among other negative emotions which reinforced their self defensive moves. It is such moves which amounted to the numerous conflicts characterized by insults, opposition, and vilification both on their part and that of the opposing side. Overwhelmed by the extents of their emotions, the members were unable to take control of the situation and even any form of rational action which they needed to utilize was ignored. It is this sequence of actions which finally led to the collapse of an initiative which had been firmly based on positive community development. After their first conflict, their reiterative moves seemed to spillover the misfortune to all aspects of the social movement.

Mann (2002) is strongly enshrined with a vast range of literature which provides an effective framework for understanding the context of the situations which led to the outcomes of male female opposition and stigmatization of abused women. It has indeed created a construct of elucidating that the actions instigated by events prior to the ensuing continuous conflicts were influenced by emotionality. With an initial outlook at the sociology of emotions and the social movement theory, the underpinned ideologies are used extensively across the article. From the discussion of the organization of the Township Shelter, its visions and structures to other sections of the research, the article applies literature evidence accounting for the development of various concepts. This inclusion of diverse literature and scholarly materials compliments the research outcomes and validates the researchs credibility. With reference to the same, this research is seen to reflect similar ideas and concepts by other scholars and researchers. It echoes past social movement characteristics of irrationality which plagued these well founded movements into destructive societal constructs. Literatures detailing these movements progresses indicate similar concerns as pointed out by Mann (2002) that negative emotions were powerful forces which were capable of undermining individual and collective efforts of supporting abused women.

Mann (2002) has a concrete structure whose systematic sequence of issues discusses ensures the logical consistency of the article. The article begins at the point when the purpose of the study is clearly stated, then moves to laying a sound basis for the research with a vast background of the issue. From this point on ideas and concepts develop from the discussions of one part to another reflecting an emergence of new details and the building up on others. The resultant product is a detailed account of the factors, situations and explanations leading to the creations of the research problem. This structure allows fluent readership, understanding and clear comparison of any developing patterns in the article.

The use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods also contributes to the validity of the research findings. A qualitative approach was mainly used especially due to its effectiveness in detailing research aspects which could not be accounted for by the quantitative approach. Most significant was the fact that this methodology was efficient in understanding the participants behaviors and emotions. Emotions are a subjective notion which can be best understood in a subjective manner where the individuals opinions and points of view are respected and acknowledged. The interviewing process and the researchers participation in the committee provided first hand information which contributed to the researchs reliability. Information on the research problem derived from these interviews has been distinctly presented with the participants opinions labeled as their own as opposed to the generalization of opinions. The data analysis process was very extensive with the findings containing immense details on the causation factors of the stated results. This process exhausted all logical possibilities of understanding the outcomes minimizing avenues for criticism.

Mann (2002) accounts for the process undertaken in establishing the research in the Township and indicates the steps taken to allow for a problem free data collection problem. Even though the article indicates the enthusiasm of participants in contributing to the study it does not outline the ethical considerations put in place. In a research which adamantly relied on the narration of emotional details by the participants it was necessary to establish ethical guidelines. These guidelines cater for issues of confidentiality and consent so as to safeguard the participants interests. Failure to acknowledge this procedure had the potential of undermining the research especially if there were instances of misconduct throughout the study. The article also fails to account for the sampling procedures used in coming up with the study group. There is no indication of who were selected for the telephone survey or even the process involved in doing so. Furthermore, the issue of participants consent and acknowledgement of the study has not been addressed. This part of the research requires improvement in future studies as it plays an integral role in the research by identifying the central participants.

Limitations are also evident in the article based on the fact that the researcher fails to explore any elements which may have jeopardized the results of the study.  A researcher needs to be aware of potential problems and their outcomes and also alert to their influences of the final conclusions. Furthermore, giving an account of experienced challenges during the research provides insights to others who may seek to conduct similar research. The conclusions in the article are also oblivious to the need for future research on the subject of emotionality and social movements. Despite the lack of this expected nudge for further research, scholars are bound to gain interest on the subject of emotionality and social movement. The article has been vocal in expressing the vast perceptions on the subject and it is only logical that more will result from the interaction of scholars with this article. The same can also become a guideline for future studies where pertinent issues and concepts in future research can be referenced to the article.

Apart from piquing scholars interests on the concept of emotionality and social movement Mann (2002) also offers relevant insight for students seeking to advance their perceptions on the same ideologies. It presents them with a firm dimension of what the sociology of emotions and social movements theory entails. In these concepts application to the research they are able to form rational and effective frameworks for advancing any hypothesis they may have on the subject. It indeed provides a crucial reawakening of any undermined mindsets which are considered crucial to the articles subject.  In addition to instigating future research, the conclusions of the article will definitely affect future organizations of social movements. It is without a doubt that this article indicates the negative effects on uncontrolled and irrational emotions and this will guide future decision making processes in such organizations. Furthermore, it has to a large extent acknowledged the importance of respect for both individual and collective ideologies which forms the basis of a sound community development framework.

Research plays a crucial part in the understanding of emerging social issues. As such, emphasis is put on the effective implementation of research procedures so as to ensure valid and reliable outcomes. Mann (2002) details effective research as the article has successfully fulfilled the research objectives. Although marred with minor procedural malfunctions, the article adds substantial value to prior research and literature on the subject of emotionality and social movements. However, it is important to also emphasize the part played by research procedures and they should not be undermined or ignored. They have the potential for discrediting the research and should thus be taken seriously. All in all, the article is an effective read and well grounded conceptualization of emotionality and social movements.