Page 43 - Sociology and You

Chapter 1 An Invitation to Sociology 13
Illiteracy Rates
One of the assumptions of conventional wisdom is that nearly all American adults know how to read and write. Research has shown, however, that a large per- centage of adults are illiterate. Literacy is defined as the ability to read at a fourth- grade level. This map shows, by state, the percentage of Americans over twenty years old who are illiterate.
Percentage of Americans Over 20 Who Are Illiterate
> 15% > 13% > 11% > 9% ≤ 9%
Interpreting the Map
1. List the states with highest and lowest literacy rates.
2. How does your state rate on literacy?
3. What might be some reasons for adult illiteracy?
Adapted from Doug Henwood. The State of the U.S.A. Atlas.
Section 1 Assessment “
1. Define sociology.
2. Explain the significance of patterns for sociologists.
3. Give an example from your life that illustrates conformity within a
group.
4. How does the sociological imagination help people to understand the
effects of society on their personal lives?
Critical Thinking
5. Making Comparisons Examine the idea of perspectives by identifying an issue that you look at in one way and your parent(s) or
It is doubtless impossible to approach any human problem with a mind free of bias.
Simone de Beauvoir feminist author
other adults look at in a different way. Write about the issue from both perspectives.
“