Question

1. Discuss the Sociological Perspectives. How might each of these perspectives "look at" GAMBLING?

2. Why do sociologists find it necessary to study GAMBLING?

3. What might be some questions sociologists explore in studying GAMBLING?

4. How might psychology look at GAMBLING differently?

5. Is GAMBLING a "deviance?" Why or why not? Explain.

Answer 1

Sociologists study social context that underline human behaviour in broader sense.it includes the social groups that influence human behaviour and society in general. Sociological perspective is an approach to understanding human behavior by placing it within its broader social context. We normally think that our society is a natural entity. It's as natural as the sun. We are not aware how it affects out behaviour. Sociological perspective helps us the understand how society helps shape our lives.

1.The study of gambling behavior or of the impact of gambling on social institutions does not have a signficant tradition in sociology.Despite the fact that a large proportion of any society participates in gambling and that gambling is continuing to affect public policy in many jurisdictions, sociologists have not treated gambling as behavior worthy of serious investigation.

2.Sociologists find it necessary to study gambling because it emerges as a form of social pathology and there is widespread resentment against it because of the psychological and social problems which it creates. Gambling frequently becomes an addiction and the gambler neglects personal, familial and social responsibility and the gambler is condemned largely for his failure to perform the normal productive functions.

3.How gambling is anaylised as a problem among different income groups and the relationship between age and gambling addiction. The cultural and social implications of gambling, the social implications of state sponsored gambling and an ageing population, social and psychological stimulation of gambling and it's appeal to the elderly.

4. Psychology looks at gambling differently and considers it as a state of mind. Being in a good mood leads to increased gambling. Gambling games promote an ' illusion of control' and the belief that the gambler can exert skill over an outcome that is actually defined by chance.

5. Yes gambling is a deviance because it is addictive. It gives rise to depression, cognitive distortion and results in multifarious social, economical and health problems to the addicted person in the society. It also ruins their life due to significant loss of money.