Abstract This essay is a basic introduction to the fundamental components of a sociologicaltheory. Included is a comprehensive analysis of both conflict theory and symbolic interactionism. Gang behavior is used to illustrate key terms and concepts from each theory, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
From the Paper "Theories serve several functions in the development and evaluation of scientific knowledge. Theories provide us with systematic procedures to evaluate social phenomenon. These procedures are well organized and comprehensive. Theories are not just knowledge structures; they are sets of interrelated statements that apply to a wide range of phenomenon. Chafetz said, "in theory construction, the exercise is only more systematic, comprehensive, more guided and constrained by rules, and finally is more self-conscience" (Chafetz, p. 2). "
Abstract This paper explores the modern sociologytheories of George Ritzer, including the three theories that are central to his view: Structural functionalism, critical theory and the McDonaldization phenomenon. The author points out that Ritzer viewed sociology as a multi-disciplinary paradigm.
From the Paper "The modern sociological theories forwarded by George Ritzer involve three that are central to his views of sociology: Structural Functionalism, Critical Theory and McDonaldization. Ritzer's expansion of the views of Weber ..."
Tags: economics, capitalism, individual versus society, social institutions, McDonaldization
Abstract This paper examines sociologicaltheories in relation to Olympic diver Greg Louganis. Louganis' life as a homosexual and an individual with dyslexia is considered in terms of his place in a society with rigid norms. Additionally, his autobiography is used to explore these ideas.
From the Paper "Greg Louganis, a four time Olympic diving gold medallist, finally was capable of presenting the story of his life to the public through his novel, "Breaking the Surface: The Story of Greg Louganis." Louganis' open discussion of his sexuality, dyslexia, and inability to be accepted within the social order for the majority of his life altered the public image that Louganis believed he was forced to present throughout his athletic career. This was due to the fact that society was structured in a manner that opposed different cultures, as well as individuals that did not fit into the societal norm of the time. Due to this primary factor Louganis' life can be examined within the scope of sociological theories that not only explain many of the choices that Louganis made in his lifetime, but also his ability to change his life in recent years and begin to live in a manner that expresses his...."
This paper reviews and compares psychological and sociologicaltheories of crime at the level of the society, the community, the group, and the individual.
Abstract This paper discusses that the psychological theories of crime relate to the mental programming and functioning of the human brain and the way it is programmed; whereas, the sociologicaltheories relate to the functioning of a society and its value system that can create criminals. The author points out that the psychological theories of crime are better at explaining some kinds of crimes, such as violence against women; but other kinds of crimes, such as picking pockets in a rough neighborhood, are better explained using the sociologicaltheories of crime. The paper explains that biological theories are related to the inherited genetic influences and any abnormalities due to a defective construction of the brain or the body, such as a hyperactive thyroid gland or other malfunctions of the human body and their effects on the behavior of individuals.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Psychologist's Theories of Crime
SociologicalTheories of Crime
The Incompatibilities between the Psychologist and Sociologist Theories of Crime
Conclusion
From the Paper "If a person rejected by the society maintains contact through necessity with people constantly attempting to destroy that individual by making him develop a low ego and self-image and calling him a thief, killer or rapist; the person is likely to develop a criminal behavior. This behavior takes the form of a desire to take revenge on a society that gave him absolutely nothing. This process, called the Labeling theory, explains that, if a society is made up of people with sick deviant minds where they are constantly bent on destroying each other, then that society is likely to produce more criminals."
Abstract The paper relates that instead of attributing deviant behavior to psychological or biological impulses, Robert Merton explains deviance in sociological terms. The paper explains that when the overarching values of a society, such as wealth, are emphasized more than normative patterns of behavior, deviance becomes a natural and common way to achieve goals that might otherwise be out of reach. The paper discusses how Merton's theory is concurrent with conflict theory. The paper notes the criticism of this theory but asserts that Merton's contributions to sociologicaltheory are invaluable.
From the Paper "Merton's argument depends on the existence of universally agreed-upon, socially sanctioned goals that are reinforced through social and cultural institutions. For example, the media promotes and reinforces the goals of financial success, slimness, and fame. These goals may be reinforced by family members and peers. Merton also claims that deviance arises when the society fails to provide significant impetus to follow the normative, acceptable means of attaining those goals. Anomie creates and even ironically normalizes deviance."
Abstract This paper examines the troubling issue of women who strip and or engage in prostitution as a means of providing for themselves. The paper considers the situation of one woman in particular and also considers a sociologicaltheory, in this case the earning theory often brought forward to explain such behavior. To contextualize the issue some time is also devoted to looking at some of the chief proponents of learning theory and how their ruminations can be applied to the female subject in question.
From the Paper "Stripping for money and escorting are not things that most women (and most men) would consider an ideal way to make a living. Yet, both of these professions are common enough in Canada and both of them often do irreparable harm to their practitioners. The following paper will examine the social deviance of the sex trade and discuss the phenomenon within the context of one of the sociological theories studied in our course work. Specifically, the next several pages will explore the aforementioned sexual deviance within the context of learning theory; time will also be devoted to reviewing how theories can very often create the crime. "
Abstract This paper discusses technology as a factor in social isolation. It begins by defining the terms technology and isolation. It then discusses how the one is affected by the other. The paper then discusses the sociologicaltheories that explain how isolation can occur from the over-use or dependence on technology. It describes conflict theory, functional analysis and symbolic interaction.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Theories and Discussion
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Symbolic interaction is perhaps the most interesting sociological theory in terms of technology-related isolation; in symbolic interaction, individuals use technology as their social filter and attach meaning based on a system that is unrelated to their actual social and environmental surroundings. Individuals are likely to place great importance on the technology itself. They may associate their Ipod or their ability to constantly be called on their cellphone as a status symbol. Once they have established this symbolic connection with a technological item, it is difficult for them to give up as it holds great personal value and meaning to them in their lives."
This paper compares and contrasts the primary basis for two main bodies of thought, according to modern sociologicaltheory: structural functionalism and neo-Marxism. It then presents a critical analysis of their relevance to sociological thought.
Abstract The paper also presents and discusses major variations within these approaches. Structural functionalism sees the social system as being made up of mutually dependant part. Neo-Marxist theory states that there are systemic biases that stem from conflict between two fixed classes that are endemic to capitalism.
From the Paper "In analyzing Neomarxist theories, it is most effective to see the many varieties as a continuum, beginning with Marx and his original concept, then tracing the way sociological theorists have built on these and each others theories. Marx developed a theory that contained a far-reaching worldview. Because his perspective was so broad, 1 Ritzer, p. 207 there is considerable opportunity for conflict and irreconcilable differences among the theorists who each claim to be the true inheritor of the Marxian tradition.3 "
Tags:sociology, theory, capitalism, conflict, system
Abstract This paper applies the sociologicaltheories of symbolic interaction, social action, structuralism, functionalism and humanist Marxism to analyze the novel "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. The author points out that the protagonist Okonkwo, who is a native of the Ibo tribe within Nigeria, represents the archetype of the tribal warrior for his culture. The paper relates that, by presenting different perspectives within the Ibo tribe and within the main character Okonkwo, one can understand the different forces that invent and affect the way of life of these oppressed peoples.
From the Paper "This literary analysis will evaluate five sociological theories that apply to the problem of Nigerian colonialism within the novel Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. By discussing how Symbolic Interaction, Social Action, Structuralism, Functionalism, and Humanist Marxism form the central core of Chinua's evaluation of British Imperialism and the behaviors of his main character, Okonkwo. By learning how colonialism changes the social construct of Ibo culture, Okonkwo maintains his loyalty to his tribe and resistance to the British that seek to 'westernize' his way of life. The micro-sociological perspective of Symbolic Interaction that resides within Achebe's novel is based around Okonkwo's resistance to British Imperialist values. Okonkwo is a native of the Ibo tribe within Nigeria, and he represents the archetype of the tribal warrior for his culture."
Abstract This paper provides a pragmatic evaluation of Karl Marx's paradigm and his contribution to classical and contemporary sociologicaltheory. It is an attempt to make clear, by philosophical criticism, the value, purpose and relevance of Marx's work. Marxism is a very broad field and this paper does not necessarily cover every single aspect of it. Instead, not sacrificing depth of analysis, it examines only Marx's theoretical assumptions about how society's technological superstructure relates to its respective economic base. In addition, commodity is the main key concept explored since it synthesizes and represents an important aspect of Marxist epistemology and is indeed a concept free from 'pure' theoretical abstraction. Therefore, the paper also establishes commodity as a tangible, practical and relevant concept that is still used as a framework to explain technocracy in high-modernity.
From the Paper "Marx's theoretical approach has received critical attention from postmodernist thought sociology which has largely rejected his orthodox social analyses. For instance, Jurgen Habermas, a member of the Frankfurt school argued that one of the weaknesses of Marxist epistemology is the assessment of human evolution as just an economic and technological progress. He insisted that evolutionary progress can be discerned not only in the sphere of technical control, but also in the sphere of social and moral development (How, 2001). In addition, he also suggested that Marx's theory of capitalism is too deterministic since that it encompasses a known end. In this way, Habermas reconstructs and expands Marx's ideas by eliminating notions of evolutionary stages and revolution by moving Marxist analysis to social scientific and critical inquiry. "
Abstract This paper provides a content analysis of the major sociologicaltheories in the study of religion, and focuses upon the theories of Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim.
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts social theorists? Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton's views on anomie. It explains the origination of the term and how each man took the theory in a different direction, depending upon the time in which he lived.
From the Paper "French social theorist Emile Durkheim coined the term "anomie" in his book The Division of Labor in Society, published in 1893. He used anomie to describe the loss of norms that was occurring in society. Durkheim said that anomie is produced in times of rapid social change, when existing rules, habits, and beliefs no longer hold and alternatives have not yet been found."
Tags: change, conflict, culture, goals, norms, social, society, sociology, theory
Abstract The paper discusses both Iranian and United States statistics in relation to each nation. The paper further discusses the social orders of each nation, as well as the forms of political power that exists within the countries. The paper uses sociologicaltheory as a framework for this discussion, drawing conclusions from the research based upon these theoretical perspectives.
From the Paper "Iran was formerly known as Persia until 1935. By 1979 Iran was an Islamic republic with a theocratic system of government. Problems existing in the nation include its continued strained relations with the United States that began when Iranian terrorists held American hostages in the United States Embassy in Iran from 1979-1981. Also, until 1988, Iran was in a consistent war with neighboring Iraq, a war that intensified hostilities with the United States in the Persian Gulf from 1987-1988. Iran is considered a terrorist nation by the United States, and has been subjected to "US economic sanctions and export controls because of its continued involvement" in terrorism ("Iran", 2004). Iran is located in the Middle East between Iraq and Pakistan, and is comprised of 68, 017, 860 people. For every 1,000 people in the nation there are approximately 17 new births, and 6 deaths."
Abstract Social Structure Theories and Social Processes Theories are often used interchangeably. This essay highlights the fundamental differences outlining social structure and social process theories. In order to compare these theories, the paper draws attention to the various theories of juvenile delinquency and the difference of perspective involved and the obtrusive causes outlined by the distinct theories for engagement in criminal acts at a young age. Two different theories are presented attempting to explain juvenile delinquency, presenting various facets of adolescent criminal behavior and the possible causes of such behavior.
From the Paper "One of the major challenges faced by the law-making authorities of the United States today is the reduction of juvenile delinquency and to increase the effectiveness of lawful regulations in the country. The alarming augmentation in crime rate at adolescent echelon is the most worrisome problem facing America therefore researchers and experts of the related field have developed various theories regarding juvenile delinquency outlining motivations and reasons behind the existence and the frequency of crime at juvenile stage. In order to well-comprehend the perspective of various philosophies related to juvenile delinquency, it is highly essential to know what juvenile delinquency is about."
Abstract This paper discusses Karl Marx, an influential thinker for his time. His theoretical approach was ideal for that period, during which people were trying to make sense of the disruptive influences of the rapid industrialization of the Western world. The paper further discusses how over time, it has become apparent that Marx's thinking was also specific to that time. At times, Marx did not fully think through his theories, ignoring what the results would be if what he theorized upon eventually came to pass.
From the Paper "Much has been written about Karl Marx's theories. Marx was an influential thinker whose theories resonate even today, although they were written in terms of the period in which he lived. Because these theories were written with this specific period in mind, however, they are not as strong as they were at that time. Some weaknesses have become apparent in his arguments, arguments that have become apparent over the distance provided by time. Because of these weaknesses, it is important to view Marx's theory with an eye toward a historical approach. Marx was a German-born theorist and activist. His works were revolutionary for their time, putting forth revolutionary ideas that empowered the working class. "
