AMEU Sociology Students' Association

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Today, December 3, 2025

Sociology Students Association (SOSA), AME University
Election Commission

The Election Commission of the Sociology Students Association (SOSA) wishes to inform all students and stakeholders that the candidates’ registration and vetting processes officially ended yesterday. After a thorough and transparent review of all applications submitted, the Commission confirms that "Team Strong Together" is the only team that successfully completed the registration and vetting requirements for the positions of:

President - Student, Marthalene M. Lloyd

Vice President - Student, Romi S. Tamba

General Secretary - Student, Amos B. Sieh

In keeping with the SOSA Election Guidelines, and in the absence of any opposing candidates for these positions, the Election Commission hereby declares Team Strong Together as white ballot candidates for the ongoing 2025 SOSA Election process.

The Commission appreciates the cooperation of all students during this phase and encourages everyone to fully participate in the remaining election activities to uphold the democratic values of SOSA and AMEU.

Signed: Mario M. Woheel
Election Commissioner, SOSA – AME University

Congratulations 🎉👏 Leader 👍

Congratulations to Marion Gmah, who faithfully served as the Vice President of the Sociology Students Association at AME University. Your dedication, leadership, and commitment have been truly admirable.

As you walk out with your BSc in Sociology, we celebrate this great milestone with you. Leader, go and make the difference — we trust your ability, your passion, and your potential to create positive change.

Once Again, congratulations!

Happy Birthday, Mario Mickey Whoheel,

Your leadership as a former head of the Sociology Students Association (SOSA), at the African Methodist Episcopal University truly made a difference. You led with purpose, inspired others, and left a positive impact on both the department and the students.

Today, we celebrate not only your birthday but also your contribution, dedication, and the legacy of good leadership you’ve left behind. May your new year be filled with happiness, success, and continued growth.
We are proud of you Legend, and we appreciate all that you have done.
Enjoy your special day, with grace Leader!

Congratulations to you, Mr. James Zayee, on your upcoming graduation from the African Methodist Episcopal University. Your dedication, hard work, and outstanding leadership as President of the Sociology Students Association have been truly admirable.

You have shown great commitment and creativity in guiding your fellow students and encouraging others to learn and grow. Your passion for leadership and your desire to see others succeed have made a meaningful impact in the department.
As you prepare to graduate on November 12, 2025, take pride in all that you have accomplished. This achievement is a true reflection of your determination, discipline, and the positive difference you’ve made in the lives of many.

Keep leading with humility, courage, and purpose. The future holds great things for you, and your efforts today have already paved the way for even greater success.

Once again, congratulations, President Zayee —your leadership and achievements deserve every praise.

SOSA - AME University,

Notice of Intent for Upcoming Elections

Greetings Comrades,

According to Section 3.1 of the SOSA Constitution, membership is open to all students majoring or minoring in Sociology at AME University.

Also, Section 4.3 states that each position has its own criteria based on academic standing and GPA.

Therefore, the leadership is informing all members that anyone wishing to contest for the following positions in the upcoming elections should contact the office, as stated in Section 4.1:

(1) President
(2)Vice President
(3) Secretary
(4) Financial Secretary
(5) Chaplain
(6) SOSA Representatives (Junior, Sophomore & Freshman)

Note: Time is not in our favor. Let’s work together to bring our department to the spotlight before the university’s general elections. As Sociology students, let’s see our department as the first environment for positive change and community development.

Contact: 0770152614 / 0776917809 / 0880414297 / 0775910740

We will also be going around to take the names of interested students.

Thanks,
SOSA Leadership,
SOSA – AME University

‎Robert K. Merton and the Concept of Anomie
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‎Robert K. Merton was an American sociologist who became very well-known for his work on the causes of social behavior and deviance. One of his most important contributions is the Anomie Theory, which helps explain why people sometimes break the rules or behave in ways that go against society’s expectations.
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‎The word anomie comes from the French word for “normlessness.” In simple terms, it means a situation where the normal rules of society are unclear or break down. When this happens, people may feel confused, frustrated, or disconnected from the goals and values of their society. Merton used this idea to explain why some people commit crimes or act in ways that society sees as wrong.
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‎Merton believed that society sets goals that everyone is encouraged to reach, such as wealth, success, or social status. At the same time, society provides approved means to achieve these goals, like education, hard work, and honesty. Problems arise, according to Merton, when people cannot reach these goals using the approved means. For example, someone may want to become rich but cannot find a good-paying job or receive a proper education. This creates a gap between what society says is possible and what people can actually achieve.
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‎To deal with this gap, Merton suggested that people adapt in different ways. He identified five main types of adaptation:
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‎1. Conformity – Accepting the goals and following the rules to achieve them. Most people do this.
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‎2. Innovation – Accepting the goals but using unapproved or illegal ways to achieve them, like stealing or cheating.
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‎3. Ritualism – Giving up on the big goals but still following the rules, often doing only what is necessary.
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‎4. Retreatism – Rejecting both the goals and the means, leading to withdrawal from society, like becoming addicted or homeless.
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‎5. Rebellion – Rejecting the existing goals and rules and trying to replace them with new ones, often seen in rev

SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

Social stratification refers to the way society is structured into different layers or levels, based on factors such as wealth, power, education, and occupation. These layers, often referred to as "social classes," are not just about money but also about how people are perceived and treated in society.

In every society, some people have more advantages than others. These advantages may include access to better schools, better jobs, quality healthcare, or even respect in the community. People who belong to the upper class usually enjoy more privileges and influence. On the other hand, those in the lower class often have fewer opportunities and may face more challenges in improving their life situations.

Social stratification can be open or closed. In open systems like modern democracies, people can move up or down the social ladder based on effort, talent, or education. This is known as social mobility. For example, someone from a poor background can become wealthy through hard work or business success. However, this is not always easy, as many barriers can stand in the way, such as discrimination or lack of resources.

In closed systems, movement between layers is very limited or even impossible. A common example is the caste system once practiced in India, where people were born into a specific caste and could not move to another regardless of their efforts or abilities.

There are different ways sociologists classify social classes. A common one divides society into:

Upper class: Wealthy individuals with strong political and social influence.

Middle class: Professionals, business people, and skilled workers with stable incomes.

Working class: People with manual or low-skilled jobs who may struggle financially.

Lower class: Individuals with little or no income, often unemployed or underemployed.

Social stratification affects how people live, where they live, who they marry, what kind of education they receive, and even how long they live. It can influence self-esteem, lifestyle, and future aspirations. It also plays a major role in shaping social relationships and how people interact with others both inside and outside their social group.

Sociologists are interested in social stratification because it helps them understand patterns of inequality in society. By studying it, they can identify the root causes of poverty, discrimination, and unequal opportunities, and suggest ways to build a more just and balanced society.

Question:

Which of the following best describes social stratification?

A. The study of ancient cultures
B. The division of society into levels based on wealth and status
C. The process of learning social behavior
D. The celebration of cultural festivals

As Malala Yousafzai said, and I quote; "One child, one teacher, One book, and one pen can change the world."

Comrades, with hearts full of pride and gratitude, let us welcome Mr. James Y. Zayee, president of the Sociology students association.

James is not just the President of the Sociology Students Association. He is the heartbeat of the 25th graduating class of the Sociology Department and also symbol of strength, resilience, and servant leadership. As Secretary of the Liberal Arts College, his presence has been a guiding light, helping shape voices and visions that will echo far beyond the classroom walls.

James is a man who believes deeply , not only in leadership, but in potential purposeful leadership. The kind that lifts others up. The kind that makes room for every voice. He opened doors where others saw walls. He saw potential in students when they could barely see it in themselves. He didn’t lead for applause but he led for change, and not just change but real change.

Because of James, the student community found hope again. Because of his courage, students stood taller. Because of his heart, unity became possible.

James didn’t just serve but he inspired. He didn’t just lead but he lit a fire in others to rise, to speak, and to believe.

Today, we don’t just welcome a leader. We welcome a brother, a trailblazer, a legacy in motion.

Let us give our loudest, most heartfelt appreciation to a man who gave us more than leadership.