School project

by Casey
(Missouri)

hey im doing a school project in sociology. We pick a subculture and describe it:

What are some physical items that you prize as a trucker, or that you must have to do the job?

What are some symbols associated with truckers?

What type of language do truckers use . . or how do truckers communicate?

What are some values or shared beliefs among truckers?

What are trucking Norms:(there are three types of norms)
1-Folkways: such as politeness, expected behavior, if a trucker breaks one of these, they aren't considered bad . .

2-Mores: you are considered bad if you do one of these, it hurts the stability of society.

3-Laws: contains both folkways and mores but these are laws.

if you could just answer all of those and give me like 3 example of folkways,mores, and laws, and that would help me out a lot. If you don't understand something, it's not a big deal. Thanks!!!

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Jan 15, 2009
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reply to:
by: Anonymous

This is due Wednesday . . january 21st . . and no im not their daughter . .lol

Jan 14, 2009
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Casey's school project
by: Jimmy

Hi Casey. Well as you can see, I guess I am out of tune with this generation. I was lost with the words 'mores' and 'folkways'. But J.S. saved me as did The Crazy Trucker. Good luck. Jimmy

Jan 14, 2009
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trucking school project
by: the crazy trucker

lol, You guys got me rolling over here!

I think I see the context in which Casey is speaking from using the word subculture. If I am right, it isn't meant in a negative way.

The way I see it is if the saying is true that trucking is more than a job it is a lifestyle, then that lifestyle which is definitely different from any other job automatically creates a subculture amongst us.

Subculture meaning a group of people which differentiates them from a larger culture which they belong.

wiki definition of subculture

Casey, I will also send you an email, but it doesn't look like I have the time to really read over the questions until the weekend. In addition to what the guys help you with here I will also give you a complete response to everything that you need to get an A on that project. (Will even send you DVD footage if that will help in some way)

All of us here love helping, I am sure you noticed. I think once yous guys are on the same page you will get what you need from Jimmy, Onespeed or who else jumps in. (I hadn't had a chance to check out all of the question much less all of the comments)

I figure the more feedback you get the more colorful your report will be. So carry on and happy research! :-)

When is this due? (Sorry if you already stated.)

And thank you so much guys for jumping in there and helping Casey and the rest of the questions on the site while I haul that freight.

Later,
Hervy

Jan 14, 2009
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I hope this Helps!
by: Jennifer Schnittker

Casey (your Rod and Julies daughter right?)

I hope this helps ;)

I have copied and pasted your questions, then answered under the question!

hey im doing a school project in sociology. We pick a subculture and describe it:

As far as a “subculter” according to Sociology, I can see where truck driver’s may fit according to job related tasks just as: Blue collared workers, white collar workers, and professionals

What are some physical items that you prize as a trucker, or that you must have to do the job?

Primarily I would say the first thing that comes to mind is: Prestige-owning your own truck. That stands out above and beyond everything. There are things that also stand out.
1.) Who you drive for
2.) Your equipment (such as the type of truck)
3.) Whats in your truck, such as cb’s, radio’s (serius), and your play toy’s. I even knew someone that had a karaoki machine hooked up through his speakers

What are some symbols associated with truckers?

Symbols associated with trucking would be hazmat signs, weight limit signs, steep incline signs, Of course the normal: Peterbult signs, Mac, Freightliner etc.

What type of language do truckers use . . or how do truckers communicate?

Usually done via CB’s, or even web sites such as this.

What are some values or shared beliefs among truckers?

Values shared by truckers is honestly a tough one. Values would likely be getting the load delivered on time, and a sort of “brotherhood” among drivers. Total strangers can talk over the CB for hours if traveling together. There is a common respect for what they do. So their values are much the same.

That is a bit difficult to explain, but much like any profession there is a sort of respect for each other, and they do call each other “driver” over the CB

What are trucking Norms:(there are three types of norms)
1-Folkways: such as politeness, expected behavior, if a trucker breaks one of these, they aren't considered bad . .

Politeness-usually associated among the drivers—flashing lights to thank a driver for allowing them in front of them, or letting them over in the passing lane

Expected Behavior-this in my opinion is the logs in which they are expected to keep, with in the regulated hours allowed. They are required to have 10 hours of what is called “berth time” this is time spent OFF the logs, and in the sleeper of the truck.

2-Mores: you are considered bad if you do one of these, it hurts the stability of society.

Mores-This would be driving over weight, or even running illegal logs

3-Laws: contains both folkways and mores but these are laws.

Again, the Federal laws regarding logging hours.

if you could just answer all of those and give me like 3 example of folkways,mores, and laws, and that would help me out a lot. If you don't understand something, it's not a big deal. Thanks!!!

Jan 13, 2009
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School project
by: Jimmy

Hi Casey. We meet again. This is Jimmy. I'm curious as to what grade you are in, and are you a boy or girl? Casey could be either, but anyway, I'm trying to understand your questions and am not sure if you mean morals when you say mores.

First off, trucking is not a subculture. It is a genuine business. You wouldn't refer to teachers or doctors, or plumbers or even the cook at McDonalds as being in a subculture, would you?

Everybody is born into this world as equals. Some have a better life, some are more intelligent, some are prettier, some have nicer things and are more successful than others. But we are all human beings with feelings.

Truckers talk, walk, breathe, eat, have up days and down days, get sick, worry about things, fall in love, have families just like any other people. There are skinny truckers, fat truckers, old, young, ugly, pretty, kind, happy, sad, lonely, mean, rich, poor. Heck, you name it. We're just folks.

There is trucker lingo of course, but you know, there is lingo in any profession. Doctors use words that pertain to their profession, plumbers, mechanics, bakers, warehouse workers, nascar drivers, news people, even teachers.

Yes, laws apply to truckers as well. I'm not sure what you mean when you say 'symbols' and 'folkways' and 'mores'. But bear with me, Casey, I'm pretty old (62). I might be out of tune with the younger generation. Hope this helps with your school project. Jimmy

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