...Introduction to Sociology Instructor: Jeanette Maxey November 11, 2012 Theorists of Choice W.E.B Du Bois Sociology is the study of group behavior through the use of scientific investigation and research (Vissing, 2011). This class has shown so many different views on sociology. It explains how different people see society and how they live and interact with them. My theorist of choice is W.E.B Du Bois, because he laid down the foundation for the study of black sociology and the work of scholars such as E. Franklin Frazier (Vissing, 2011). In this paper I will discuss why I feel that W.E.B Du Bois views align with my personal views. W.E.B Du Bois real name is William Edwards Burghardt and was born February 23, 1868 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Du bois was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author and editor. Du Bois grew up in a tolerant community and experienced little racism as a child. He was the first African American to earn a doctorate at Harvard University. Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim were widely recognized as the trinity of sociological theory. These three were trailblazing social theorists, who enhance the study of human behavior and its relationships to social institutions. There was one more scholar that they didn’t mention by the name W.E.B Du Bois. Du Bois was a political and literary giant of the 20th century. Du Bois also published over twenty books and thousands of essay and articles...
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...basis in fiction and fact is what makes for an excellent lens through which to view the human experience. Over the course of the semester, we were instructed to watch two films. “Food Inc.”, a harsh look inside America’s corporate controlled food Industry, while “The Vernon John’s Story: The Road to Freedom” is a film that portrays the inspirational story of Martin Luther King Jrs’ successor as he interminably campaigns for Civil Rights. While seemingly different themes, each film portrays two issues important in sociology. After all, sociology can be defined as the scientific study of human social behavior and its origins, development, and organizations. Sociologists use many ways to analyze subjects from a sociological perspective. These ways are known today as the symbolic interactionist perspective, the functionalist perspective, and the conflict perspective. Each perspective uniquely conceptualizes society, social forces, and human behavior. The purpose of this essay is not so much as to narrate each film but rather to illustrate a better understanding for three commonly misunderstood perspectives. Although a daily occurrence, the consumption of food can also be associated with important moments in our lives. In the context of society, our nation’s food system is at the core of numerous social movements, political issues, and economic debates. After watching “Food Inc.”, we see that any of these factors in particular may become a topic of a sociological study. A functionalist...
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...Introduction to Sociology SOC101 Summer 2014 Muntasir Masum NAC 914 LIBRARY RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT Scholarly papers require scholarly resources. This library assignment will help you identify and locate scholarly resources related to your paper topic. In this assignment, you will use the library databases to locate academic journal articles in sociology on the topics you select from the list below. ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY These skills include: • • • When you have completed this assignment, you will have enhanced the skills necessary to successfully locate, obtain and use scholarly resources found through the library. You will also have a start on your essay, which is due later in the term. creating successful keyword searches to find resources for your topic; using databases to find relevant articles for your topic; and, assessing the scholarly nature of a resource. Identify a topic for your essay using the lists below – this will be the same list from which you will choose your research paper topic. Pick one topic from column A and one topic from column B, and study the work in that area (for example, race and education). You may choose any combination. A Race Age Gender Immigration B Social Movements Health Poverty Crime This assignment is an annotated bibliography containing five peer-reviewed sociology journal articles on your topic. Submit this annotated bibliography (it should be about one page, single-spaced) to www.schoology.com, before noon on Monday, June...
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...defines Culture as a “the values, beliefs, behavior, practices and material objects that constitute a peoples’ way of life”, and Sociology as “the systematic study of human society” (Macionis and Plummer 2012, p.964). In light of this, Cultural sociology demands that culture and social structural forces, especially economic forces to be dissociated in order to allow a form of cultural self-governance, rather than these cultural structures to be seen as external to individuals. The following essay will discuss the frame work of cultural sociology developed by Jeffery Alexander. In order to discuss how important cultural sociology for the development of South Africa is, I will assess to what extent contemporary South Africa embodies the characteristics of a cultural society in comparison to surviving practices and traditional beliefs. Theoretical framework of cultural sociology is best described as the importance of culture being seen an independent variable. Alexander (2003), emphasizes the importance of culture shaping society instead of culture being a product of society. He puts culture first and highlights that, “To believe in the possibility of a cultural sociology is to subscribe to the idea that every action, no matter how instrumental, reflexive or coerced vis-a-vis its external environments” (Alexander 2003:12). Comparatively, “Sociology of culture” implies that institutions, irrespective of how impersonal and technocratic have an ideal substructure that essentially...
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...HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES NAME: MWENYA MAKASA COMP NO: 14129965 COURSE: SOCIOLOGY 1110 LECTURE: MRS NTASHALA TUTOR: MR MWILA LUDAMO TUTORIAL DATE: WEDNESDAY 18-19HRS TASK: ASSIGNMENT ONE DUE DATE: 28TH January, 2015 QUESTION: Discuss the three Main Perspectives in Sociology and indicate their usefulness in Contemporary society? The nature of this essay is to discuss the three main perspectives in sociology and indicate their usefulness in contemporary society. The essay will first start with the definition of the term sociology and the term perspective. Later the essay will identify the three main sociological perspectives which are the key concepts of this essay. And a conclusion will be drawn at the end of this essay. The term sociology can be dated back in 1840. It was a word introduced by the French philosopher and the father of positivism (the use of scientific method in observing and studying social behavior). Auguste Comte (1789-1857) is considered to be the founder of the term sociology used to describe a new way of looking at the society. Therefore sociology can be defined as a scientific way of thinking about society and its influence on human groups (Taylor 2011). Perspectives in sociology provides us with different mindset in which we feel and see the world for example, a musician in America would rather sing about...
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...“The Biography, Race Theory and Conflict of W.E.B. Du Bois” Eric Anderson Paine College Abstract From the late 1890s through the 1940s, W. E. B. Du Bois was one of the leading black theorists and a major factor of equal rights for blacks in the United States. At a time when many black Americans sought to improve their status by adapting to the ideals of white society and tolerating discrimination and segregation, W.E.B. Du Bois was a constant proponent of unconditional equal and civil rights for all blacks. As a social scientist, he was also a pioneer in documenting historical and social truths about blacks in the United States . W.E.B. Du Bois introduce the idea of double consciousness, an ideology that defines African Americans seeking to reconcile two different cultures that create their modern identity. Although Du Bois spoke of double consciousness in early twentieth century, the problem continues to affect many African Americans today. This research will give analyze the biography, race theory and conflicts of W.E.B. Du Bois. W. E. B. Du Bois 1868–1963 “Social Scientist, Political Activist, Author, Editor, and Educator” From the late 1890s through the 1940s, W. E. B. Du Bois was one of the leading black theorists and a major factor of equal rights for blacks in the United States. At a time when many black Americans sought to improve their status by adapting to the ideals of white society and tolerating discrimination and segregation, W.E.B. Du Bois was a constant...
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...Chapter 1 What is sociology? * Seeks to explain, describe, and predict human behavior * Not concerned with individual human beings * Concerned with human beings in reaction to other human beings * Puts emphasis on group behavior (two or more people) (small group/large groups) * Looks at group social interaction, social behavior an influence of social structures on people How old is sociology? 200 years Why did sociology (as social science develop)? Who was the founding father of sociology? Main contributions of Sociology Early Auguste compte: Founding father of sociology, coined the word sociology How is Sociology different from other social sciences? Emile Durkheim: influenced development of functionalism 4 types of suicide by Durkheim: Egoistic: Mentally ill, lonely, social outcast, depression Altruistic: Kamikaze pilots, suicide bombers, cult members, obligation to the group, Fatalistic: Inmates, elderly, terminally ill, hopelessness Anomic: Anyone who cant deal with chaos, such as stock market crash or 1929-Insecurity Anomie: When society’s norms are questions, much social change, Society is rapidly changing Institutions are weakened, family, religion. Gender norms are questioned; values and belief systems are questioned Theory of structural functionalism 1 If a structure exists in society its because its functional, the social structure exists because it works Social structures: anything...
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...institutions, or structures? Essay Outline I want to apply sociological imagination to my own life. I want to write about how Asian Americans still encounter discriminations and stereotyping despite being the “model minority”, how being an immigrant can have a negative reputation within the Asain American community. The binary of being FOB and Asian American. Second I want to talk about bamboo ceiling, how it contrast to the glass ceiling. Also I want to talk about what it means to be an Asian female in a scientific field. Discuss the issue of race vs. ethnicity, U.S is a Pluralism society, yet racial discrimination and stereotype still exBU On the surface, sociology is about the study of human behavior within the society. But sociology is much more than that, it correlates seemingly general human behavior with society, using sociological imagination, one can analyze an episode of an individual’s life to border social issues and historical events. It allows oneself to denaturalize from one’s immediate environment, questioning it and connecting it to broader social dynamics. As an Asian female student who majors in biology and minors in piano performance, I will use sociological imagination to connect my life in a macro level. I will analyze the period of time when I struggled to assimilate into the American culture and connect such event to bigger social issues such as the bamboo ceiling and the glass ceiling in order to address how race and gender affects me now and my...
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...Bryant-45099 Part I.qxd 10/18/2006 7:42 PM Page 36 5 FEMINIST METHODOLOGIES AND EPISTEMOLOGY ANDREA DOUCET Carleton University, Canada NATASHA S. MAUTHNER University of Aberdeen, Scotland O ver the past 10 years of teaching courses on research methods and feminist approaches to methodologies and epistemologies, a recurring question from our students concerns the distinctiveness of feminist approaches to methods, methodologies, and epistemologies. This key question is posed in different ways: Is there a specifically feminist method? Are there feminist methodologies and epistemologies, or simply feminist approaches to these? Given diversity and debates in feminist theory, how can there be a consensus on what constitutes “feminist” methodologies and epistemologies? Answers to these questions are far from straightforward given the continually evolving nature of feminist reflections on the methodological and epistemological dimensions and dilemmas of research. This chapter on feminist methodologies and epistemologies attempts to address these questions by tracing historical developments in this area, by considering what may be unique about feminist epistemologies and feminist methodologies, by reviewing some of sociology’s key contributions to this area of scholarship and by highlighting some key emergent trends. The chapter begins with a brief overview of the theoretical and historical development of feminist epistemologies, followed by a similar overview...
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...Introduction to Sociology SOC 110 Catalog Description: As an introductory survey of sociology, it is designed to give a broad overview of the field of sociology. It focuses on all aspects of society, culture, social interaction, institutions, group processes, social control, diversity and inequality based on race, ethnicity, class, gender, etc., and the causes and nature of social stability and social change. As a three hour credit course, SOC110 provides the equivalent of 45 hours lecture or classwork. Students are expected to complete an additional 90 hours in homework, study time and completion. (3 credits) Course Objectives: 1. Students will be able to analyze and explain how groups, societies, and cultures address human needs and concerns. 2. Students will be able to describe the importance of cultural unity, diversity, and globalization (NCCS Standards 1.1 and 1.9). 3. Students will be able to understand sociological concepts and apply them in describing the interactions among individuals, groups and institutions (NCCS Standards 1.5 and 1.6). 4. Students will be able to identify and analyze historical change in social institutions, the organization of power, and social movements (NCCS Standards 1.2 and 1.6). 5. Students should be able to explain and apply modes of inquiry drawn from the social sciences in the examination of persistent issues and social problems. Competencies: ▪ The student should be able to define important sociological concepts...
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...Sociology Name Institution Sociology Question 1 Conflict perspective is that the social world is characterized of strife and tension. As such, conflict perspective aims at establishing the tensions that exist within the established order in society. It is the interest of the conflict perspective to understand social issues by considering the behavior and attitude of the halves and halves-not in society. Hence, the perspective establishes the changes that ensure the conflict and tensions. In society, modern leaders in community or government can use conflict perspective. Such is because these leaders will have a chance of determining how the society is governed within the competitive resources (Elwell, 2013). As such, the leaders will have a chance of knowing how to ensure that there is equitable distribution of the resources. It also becomes easier to restore social order, which may have declined over time in the society. Such includes identifying social problems and developing accurate solutions to these problems in order to ensure that individuals live in peace and harmony. Moreover, the leaders have a chance of understanding the nature of the complex relationships and societies where people live. As such, they can express the best symbols of power, which will not introduce tensions or conflict in society. Essay question 3 Sociological imagination is defined by Mills refers to the vivid awareness, which is related to the relationships...
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...What is race? Common responses in the Sociology 222 class were, 'race is something we are born with' and 'race is the same as skin colour'. When looking at these statements from a Sociological perspective, we have to ask ourselves a few relevant questions. Why are sociologists critical of the above statements? How do research writers challenge ideas about social construction and institutionalisation of race under apartheid and colonialism? This essay is going to discuss a number of readings in order to answer the above questions. This essay will also look at the relevance of the Jane Elliot experiment for thinking about, and understanding of race as a social construction. Lastly, this essay will discuss what we can learn about the dynamics of apartheid from the experiences of Sandra Laing in the film 'Skin'. In conclusion this essay will evaluate the various opinions and research done on the matter of race, and how race is socially constructed. Firstly, we have to look at how and why sociologists are critical of race as a biological phenomenon. Race is widely discussed and debated all over the world. The main sociological focus is the effects of social race and how race is used to categorize people into groups. When we look back in history, we see that race was seen as a biological factor for many centuries. When explorers from Europe in the New World discovered people who looked different, raised questions such as ‘Did God only make one species of humanity?’ and ‘Where...
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...it is up to the individual in how he or she interpret the information. This essay discusses the meaning of Social Psychology, Social Psychology compares to other fields of psychology as well as the role of research in Social Psychology. Definition of Social Psychology Social Psychology can be defined as the types of situations that people set themselves in and the way that we as individuals can affect one another. It also can be defined as the decisions and choices we choose to make stemming from how we see ourselves as well as those around us to our own self judgment. Our cultural background and the beliefs and traditions that were instilled in us as children as well as the way individuals compose themselves when they are around friends, family or strangers. It is what makes people strive for the opportunity to fit in or make a difference in someone's life (Myers, 2010). Discussion of how Social Psychology differs from other disciplines such as Clinical Psychology, General Psychology, and Sociology. Social Psychology differs from any other form of psychology in the sense of Social Psychology focuses on group influences and the relationships that individuals are able to develop as well as keep. Sociology seeks to explain the social norm and development within those various constructs. Social psychology seeks to explore the individual within the group construct. Sociology deals with the group and social...
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...to explain to readers different view other have about this subject List your sources in correct MLA format: Book: The Contextual Impact of Social Support Across Race and Gender: Implications for African American Women in the Workplace Bailey, Darlyne, Donald Wolfe, and Christopher R. Wolfe. “The Contextual Impact of Social Support Across Race and Gender: Implications for African American Women in the Workplace”. of Black Studies 26.3 (1996): 287–307. Web... Briefly summarize this source. In this book they explain black studies in comparison to how black women are treated in the workplace. the source also explain research that has been providing basic on age of black american women they then stated that women are most likely to have more support as being african american Scholarly Journal Article 1: RESKIN, BF. GETTING IT RIGHT: SEX AND RACE INEQUALITY IN WORK ORGANIZATIONS Reskin, Barbara F. "Getting It Right: Sex And Race Inequality In Work Organizations." Annual Review Of Sociology 26.(2000): 707. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Nov. 2015. Briefly summarize this source. Explain its relevance to your topic and whether it supports or goes against your main argument: This argument is against race and gender and provides valid information to back up his argument.Researchers have consistently discovered that as the number of women in the labor force increased, a greater percentage...
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...Victimology Shawn Everett AIU Online Abstract This paper will discuss victimology, civil rights movement, children’s rights, crisis centers, and safe houses as well as list organizations and other resources. Victimology Victimology is considered the study of victimization which includes connections between both victim and the offender as well as the interactions between the victim and our criminal justice system which can include the police, courts, and correction officials. It’s also important to know that victimology is not limited to the connection between the victim, offender, and the criminal justice system, but it can also involve connections between social movements and many forms of human rights violations (Stevens, 2003). Victimology was born in the 1940’s after two criminologist from Europe named Von Hentig and Mendelson, also known as the fathers of victimology began studying victims of crimes. Their theory was that the victim’s behavior as well as their attitude was the cause of the crime to be committed. During its birth, the focus of victimology was on how the victims were equally responsible for certain crimes with the offender (Carson, 2009). By the 1960’s the focus of victimology shifted towards the rights of victims due to movements such as the Civil Rights movements and the feminist movements. From the 1970’s to the 1990’s victimology turned towards ways to stop future crimes from happening, help victims of crimes to become organized and empowered...
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