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Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, 2008.
This paper compares the writings of Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, social theorists who observed the behaviors and idiosyncrasies of groups of people to determine how a modern society can make itself better.
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, while Max Weber explores the rational for religion and government, Emile Durkheim's biggest concern in his writings is how society can maintain its integrity in the modern era. The author points out that the differences between Durkheim and Weber are few although they did observer society from opposite ends of the spectrum. The paper relates that, while Durkheim focused on the social aspects of society, Weber focused on the economic aspects and bureaucracy. The author underscores that both philosophers felt a need to break away from the traditions that surrounded them, to modernize society and to help it evolve. The paper states that Weber's understanding of the connotations of people's actions gave him insight into the evolution of a modern society; whereas, Durkheim was a Darwinist who believed that basing science on a single hypothesis was not a reliable choice.
From the Paper
"Durkheim is often referred to as the father of sociology. He was concerned that shared religious and ethnic backgrounds prevented society from maintaining its integrity. Along with Herbert Spencer Durkheim broke society up into categories defined by the function they held in society and whether or not they contributed to the health of society. Durkhiem was opposed to Weber's view that society was a sum of its parts. He believed that the action of individual people is what created a healthy society. His theory was called methodological Individualism."
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Charles Lambert's "Social Theory", 2008.
A comparison and contrast of social theory and classical theory.
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts social theory with classical theory, noting that a comparison of the two brings together a modern view that man is his surrounding with the classical view that man makes his own surroundings. The paper outlines the differences between the two theories but also points out that both theories are connected in their basic need for understanding man's relationship with himself and within society and that both theories observe the interactions of man.
From the Paper
"American social theory varies from European social theory in that Americans are self reliant in the observations of their surroundings. We do not look far beyond the obvious. We study our surrounding and base our perceptions on the immediate rather than the past. European social theory takes into account the ramifications of our past colliding with our present. This collision develops into the social theories that govern our actions. In European social theory, there is still a certain about of classical rhetoric that is used to permeate the observances of the present."
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The Working Poor, 2008.
A personal perspective on Barbara Ehrenreich's book "Nickel and Dimed".
941 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer discusses how his perceptions of America's working poor were greatly affected by Barbara Ehrenreich's book "Nickel and Dimed". The writer then discusses how Ehrenreich shows the exploitation of working people and the real situation of of millions of lower-income citizens. The writer also describes the unfair situation where those who give the most to America are the most exploited.
From the Paper
"In some critical respects, my perceptions of blue-collared Americans were reinforced - at least when it came to how they were treated by their employers. For instance, I knew full-well that unscrupulous employers could take advantage of uneducated and trusting working-class men and women, but some of Ehrenreich's anecdotes about her life as a faux waitress in a small Florida community were genuinely startling - even when one is cognizant of the fact that the exploitation of waitresses in the hospitality sector is pervasive and can be especially severe when immigrant waitresses are the targets (American Civil Liberties Union, para.1-8)."
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Social Colloquialisms, 2008.
A research proposal on social labeling and its significance, with a focus on the subject of gender.
1,186 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that social labeling is identified as qualifying terms attached to specific constructs found within general social interactions. The paper explains that the purpose of this study is to identify those social colloquialisms that are used to identify gender within common parlance. The paper states the scope of the study, the research questions, the methods of assessment as well as the format and timetable.
Outline:
Purpose of the Study
Scope of the Study
Methods
Outline and Timetable
From the Paper
"The pervasiveness of social labeling has resulted in the investigation of these words as representative of values shared throughout a specific society. Early research by Brooks-Gunn and Lewis (1979), for example, sought to identify why children between 9 to 24 months of age were more likely to associate the label "daddy" with an authority figure while the label "mommy" was more likely to be associated with a nurturing figure. The authors found that these two terms were heavily saturated within information communicated to infants and children, such as nursery rhymes, and that the children absorbed these social labels without attaching any qualifying information to these terms."
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The Complexities of the Family Unit, 2008.
A look at the changes in family structure seen in American society today.
759 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the changing nature of the American family. Specifically, the paper looks at the complexities of cohabitation, divorce and step-families with an eye towards outlining what precipitates the first two and what dangers accompany the latter. In the final analysis, it is fairly evident that the American family now encompasses a wider range of arrangements than ever before - and this presents both opportunities for people who might not be happy in a traditional family structure, as well as dangers that were far less common when the nuclear family was the predominant social unit.
From the Paper
"Examining the available evidence collected by Eshleman, it seems clear that different cultures have different ideals vis-a-vis non-traditional relationships among adults. To wit, Puerto Ricans tend to be much more accepting of non-marital cohabitations while Mexican Americans cleave faithfully to the marriage ideal (Eshleman, 2000, p.288). Suffice it to say, if a society is not receptive to non-marital cohabitation, this can place great pressures upon the couple - and can create an uncomfortable situation for any children they may have. Be that as it may, Eshleman (2000) points out on page 151 of his text that non-marital cohabitation is becoming increasingly accepted in the western world and may emerge as a permanent, legitimate alternative to traditional marriage. Certainly, cohabitation seems to offer practical financial benefits, sexual benefits, and a measure of privacy that few other arrangements can match. Additionally, cohabitating couples are much more likely to keep their finances separate (this can be considered a practical financial benefit), are more likely to express low levels of commitment to the relationship, and tend to break up more readily (Eshleman, 2000, p.152 and 155). Clearly, if children are involved, there is a distinct possibility they will find themselves in a one-parent home at some point simply because the parental imperative to stay together is not nearly so strong."
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"American History X", 2008.
This paper discusses the issue of racism that is present in the film "American History X".
1,665 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that while 'American History X' tries to be a movie about ultimately overcoming racism, it fails in this task.
The writer looks at the unstated contrast between the white characters and the black characters in the film and discusses that throughout this movie, the various groups interact in ways that reflect confrontation and eventually violence rather than cooperation. The writer also discusses that the implicit message in this film is that whites have made huge sacrifices on issues of civil rights. The writer notes that according to the film, the whites are the ones who have gone through the transformation, so they are now the ones suffering from discrimination.
From the Paper
"Throughout this movie, the various groups interact in ways that reflect confrontation and eventually violence rather than cooperation. In one of the critical scene, a flashback, three black youths try to break into Derek's car. Alerted by little brother Danny, Derek rushes out to his car and shoots two of the three youths. This is his murder scene, and he clearly enjoys the power of life and death over the black youths."
"This movie tries to be a story about the dangers of white supremacy, but in many ways it is almost literally the opposite of that. It contains many white supremacist messages and a great deal of problematic imagery and material. While the filmmakers may not have intended that it be read in this way, they may have inadvertently perpetuated many of the very stereotypes that they claim to have wanted to challenge. This is often a problem of insidious rather than overt racism."
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Suicide: The Social Context, 2008.
This paper explores how suicide is viewed in the context of cultural boundary transgressions.
2,517 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how suicide is imagined to be a transgression of cultural boundaries and the sanctity of life. The paper then questions if there can be a suicide that does not transgress cultural boundaries. The paper also considers how suicide is situated within the cultural definitions and constructions of death that dominate various cultural settings. The paper reviews the relevant literature and concludes that a suicide must always be a transgression of cultural boundaries since it has only as much cultural importance as is granted to the act by the norms and prescriptions of the larger social context.
From the Paper
"Suicide speaks to the nature of our cultural boundaries and our implicitly agreed upon notions of death and dying. Implicitly, there seems to be a common thread that runs through diverse cultures condemning the practice of suicide. When openly discussed, few non-reflexive cultural texts consider suicide to be a laudable act. There are, of course, exceptions. Kelleher provides Biblical examples of military suicides that are presented in a positive light after the shame of defeat, and all but praises the use of suicide--via hunger strikes--for political purposes (Kelleher 9-11). But outside of fairly narrow exceptions, suicide is imagined to be a transgression of cultural boundaries and the sanctity of life."
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The Mafia and Immigration, 2008.
This paper explores immigrants and their potential social connections to the mafia within the United States.
1,359 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that large formal organized networks of criminals that operate within a single city or a larger geographic region are often outcomes of immigration. The paper looks at the historical, immigrant background of the mafia within the United States. The paper shows how the defining characteristics of organized crime stem from exclusion from processes that are found within a normal social order.
From the Paper
"Immigration within the United States has tended to be regional and community-specific, where immigrants from specific ethnic populations are more likely to take up residence within the same region and form communities comprised of their native ethnic groups. These processes are used to help provide a sense of collective purpose within the immigrant population as these persons face a new and unfamiliar environment. The close community environment also helps the immigrants to maintain unique cultural traits and customs that may not exist within the new territory or within the cultures of the native population."
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Hermaphroditism, 2008.
This paper discusses the history of the approach to intersexuality cases, an unusual physiological condition in which the genitalia are ambiguous, also known as hermaphroditism.
2,125 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, as hermaphroditism became an established issue in science, two major concerns were raised by sociologists and scientists: How is sex defined and who has the authority or legal right to decide the sex of intersexed infants? The author points out that, in most cases, the patient is assigned as male or female because society is so conditioned to accept only a binary gender system. The paper stresses that it is not always possible for gender assignment to be purely the patient's decision, especially in the case of a new-born infant. The author underscores that selecting the "true" sex or "brain sex" demonstrates the difficulty in distinguishing between the physical and the psychological factors of intersexuality. The paper concludes that gender cannot be changed by social conditioning.
From the Paper
"However, this has caused some critics to complain that people might want to go through sex reassignment surgery for inadequate or frivolous reasons, such as a male who wants to speak in a high voice and walk in heels undergoing sex reassignment surgery to become a "female". At a more fundamental level, critics charge that all the surgery does is merely alter the biological sex of that particular male. However, it cannot change the psychological sex, and in fact it is the psychological sex that drives this "male" to undergo surgery."
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Gatsby and Wealth, 2008.
This paper analyzes the premise of social class status in 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
888 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
In this literary study, the writer examines the premise of social class in relation to F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'. The writer notes that by understanding the lower class aspirations of Jay Gatsby for the upper class Daisy Buchanan, Fitzgerald creates a polarization of class that dooms their love affair. Further, the writer points out that by realizing the lengths that Gatsby will go to as a member of the upper classes, he invariably cannot ever attain Daisy through materialistic means. In essence, the writer concludes that the premise of social class in 'The Great Gatsby' dooms the love affair between Daisy and Jay within this capitalistic novel of greed and excess during the roaring 20s.
From the Paper
"The rise of Jay Gatsby's fortunes relied on illegal bootlegging to acquire his house, and the other materialistic pleasures that he has gained in his activities. The central focus of the novel, however, does not merely focus on his wealth, but focuses on his dream of having Daisy Buchanan. All of the accumulated wealth revolves around this particular woman, as she represents Gatsby's obsession with her as a symbol of the American Dream as a materialist object. One interesting aspect of the novel is that Gatsby feels that he must provide wealth and security to Daisy if he is to be able to 'have' her, as a social class status symbol of newfound wealth. In this manner, he is at once a possession, but Fitzgerald does indeed make sure to reveal that he does truly love her on a deeper level."
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Self-Identity and Cultural Inheritance, 2008.
This paper is a personal essay reviewing the intersection between an individual's cultural inheritance and the formulation of his personal identity and persona.
1,110 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the curious intersection between our cultural inheritance and the formulation of our personal identities and personas. Specifically, the next several pages look at the defining features of the cultural group of which the author is a part, and then looks at how the author's native language (and a few others) and his cultural inheritance have both shaped his self-identity. The author concludes that, in the final analysis, we are most often the product of sociological (or socio-linguistic) factors and less so intrinsic or biological ones.
From the Paper
"In an interesting study on language learning within different social and cultural contexts, Mei-Yu Lu (1998) illustrated a number of differences between various groups of children with regards to how each group used language to communicate. For instance, a study conducted by Wong-Fillmore (1989) found that Chinese-speaking children tended to be more adult-oriented insofar as they interacted more frequently with adults than with peers; it is also worth noting that these children (in contrast with other minority children) focused chiefly upon meeting the expectations of adults.", Wong-Fillmore found that Hispanic-speaking children were more peer-oriented and turned to peers first when confronted with problems they could not resolve on their own (for another study that corroborates these findings, please see Heath, 1986). Given my own observations, I would expect that Anglo-Saxon children, especially if they found themselves in the minority within any classroom or social setting, would turn first to the adults around them than to their peers - largely because the retiring nature of Anglo-Saxons (on balance, of course, for generalizations are always a dangerous thing) would make them gravitate towards formal and predictable modes of discourse
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The Social Sciences and Youth Violence, 2008.
This paper discusses the causality of youth violence from the perspective of the social sciences disciplines of anthropology, psychology and sociology
935 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that this anthropological study of youth violence takes an ethnographic approach. The paper then points out that psychology looks at youth violence in terms of cause and effect and how those related issues can determine methods of prevention through intervention with human behavior. In addition, the paper relates that sociology studies the culture of youth violence seeking ways to change the manner in which society functions to correct the problem. The author concludes that these social sciences need to reexamine themselves and make efforts to bring their methodologies into the twenty-first century; however, there is room for all of the current disciplines to co-exist in today's world.
From the Paper
"Judging by recent events, the questions asked by Courtney (1999) are as relevant today as they were when the article was written. Courtney asks why do boys and men commit 95% of the violent crimes in the United States? Why do teen homicides frequently have the common denominator of boys killing boys with guns? Why do one in 10 high school boys carry guns to school, in contrast to one in 70 girls? The answer, Courtney explains, has roots in today's society. Although we tell boys to solve things peacefully, boys are often represented in the media as resolving issues by fighting."
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The Social Worker Counselor, 2008.
A look at the delicate and complex balance of power between a social worker and her client.
1,795 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that there is a delicate and complex balance between the social worker's power and the right to self-determination of the client. The paper then discusses and examines this power imbalance and looks at how such power imbalance between the social work and client implies certain responsibilities on the part of the social worker. The paper also demonstrates that the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Ethical Standard 1.02, i.e. Self Determination, implies that the social worker has some responsibility to empower the client so that the client is able to achieve self-determination. In addition, this essay also discusses a situation in which the social worker may be relatively powerless, as well as situations in which it might be prudent for the social worker to restrict the client's right to self-determination.
From the Paper
"For example, the social worker should not try to dissuade a woman from becoming involved with a particular man on the basis that the social worker believes this man is not a good influence and should not be around the woman's children. In particular, if the social worker implies to the client that the social worker will withhold certain benefits from her if she does become involved with this man, this would constitute abuse of the social worker's power over the vulnerable client."
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The Cyberculture Revolution, 2008.
This paper discusses the influences and problems created by the cyberculture revolution.
1,865 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that a salient feature of cyberculture as a cultural revolution is its sharp turn away from the concrete and tangible to the abstract and intangible. The author points out that, with the cyberculture revolution, the physical environment is no longer a dominant factor in people's livelihoods. Rather, emphasis is now placed on the power of information. The paper further relates that, in education, students are more dependent than ever on computers to accomplish their educational goals; however, educational institutions ironically seem to be lagging behind the Information Age. In addition, the author points out that businesses not only use the information superhighway to make transactions with other businesses and consumers and to exchange information and ideas in such a way that geographic location is no longer a factor, but have also encountered gray areas and contentious issues regarding the security of individuals as well as the integrity of industries.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Education
Businesses
Society and Future Implications
From the Paper
"While some blame western cultural imperialism as a potential threat to the new ground cyberculture is covering, others are not so concerned. The First Amendment became the haven for most propagators of pornography and hate websites especially threats towards targeted groups. The Communications Decency Act (CDA) of 1996 attempted to thwart "indecent transmissions" and "patently offensive display," using the community as the standard. The problem lied in the variable relativity between communities regarding what was and was not "indecent" or "patently offensive"."
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Who is the Captive in 'Captivity'?, 2008.
This paper discusses who is the captive in Sherman Alexie's world, focusing on his work "Captivity'.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines "Captivity," a stream-of-consciousness piece by Sherman Alexie. The writer points out that this work explores Alexie's reaction as a Native-American who grew up on a reservation, amid squalor, alcoholism, poverty, and hopelessness, to one of the classic narratives of a brave white woman enduring the grim experience of being held captive by Native-Americans. The writer discusses that Sherman Alexie, in touch with his tribal past and all of the imagery that it entails, also steps out to do his own dancing, the prolific author of novels, stories, poetry and pieces such as "Captivity," as well as the director of the movie versions of his books.
From the Paper
"In "Captivity," Mary Rowlandson is a recurring image: the white, especially the white girl, alone on the reservation. One version of Mary Rowlandson is the daughter of a white reservation worker. Stepping into her first classroom filled with young tribal members, she carries with her a "memory" distilled from the captivity her namesake endured three centuries earlier, at a time when the Wampanoags might well have thought that they had a chance to clear their traditional lands of the grasping colonists. Terrified, the modern Mary Rowlandson flees the school, envisioning each boy as her would-be captor."
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The Head Start Program, 2008.
An analysis of the legislation and social effectiveness of the Head Start Program of 1965.
1,039 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper critiques the 40-year-old Head Start Program that is attributed to President Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty" of 1965. It discusses the legislation of the program and analyzes its effectiveness. The paper discusses whether the program is still managing to combat the widespread child poverty that still exists today in the United States.
From the Paper
"Koball Et Al explained that 7.2 million American children in low-income families had parents without high school diplomas, 10.2 million had parents with high school education only, and another 10.2 children in low income households had parents with some or considerable college education. (2006) One wonders if Education is the panacea argued. Reading between the lines, Head Start has brought untold help to under-privileged children and their families across the United States and in states such as California inspiring remarkable local level projects. Since 1965, Head Start has become institutionalized as a familiar adjunct in under-privileged areas, urban and rural, that reflects change in how children at risk are identified. However, since the creation of the federal agenda of 1965, immense numbers of children and families continue to need support and attention in detailed programs addressing teen mothers, adult illiteracy, the detection of learning disabilities; inadequate basic needs in working homes, and new need for services for Hispanic or other non-English first language groups. Some states show a focus on home visit or outreach services to children and adults in environments perhaps more trying, in different ways than during the 1930s Global Depression."
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The Family Life Cycle, 2008.
This paper discusses the life cycle of a family, with reference to Ross J. Eshleman's textbook, "The Family".
789 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper reviews the family life cycle as discussed in a textbook penned by Ross J. Eshleman titled "The Family". The paper first reviews the birth of a child into a family unit, the socializing processes that occur and the transition to adolescence. From there, the paper looks at the socializing factors that shape young adults and then some time is devoted to looking at middle-aged parents and the final years of life.
From the Paper
"The life cycle of a family is quite intriguing. We are all born, experience the helplessness of infancy, the possibilities of childhood, the rebelliousness of adolescence, the burgeoning responsibilities of young adulthood, become parents of our own (in most instances) and then, after having reared and socialized our children, come to rely upon them in old age. To begin this paper, there are many theories for the socialization process. For instance, there are conditioning theories or behavioral theories that emphasize stimulus/response interactions."
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Social Choice Theory, 2008.
This paper looks at three social choice theories and argues in favour of Robert Nozick's theory.
1,229 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses three different types of social choice theory; John Rawls' theory, basic utilitarianism and Robert Nozick's theory of libertarianism. The paper argues that Nozick's theory of emphasizing human dignity and autonomy is the greatest of the three social choice theories because it secures the freedoms and prerogatives of all individuals.
From the Paper
"In its simplest form, Social Choice Theory is fundamentally concerned with the "aggregation of individuals' preferences into a collective preference; based on this social preference a collective decision can be taken" (Haake, para.1). To elaborate a little more fully on what can be quite a complex topic, social choice theory is a branch of decision theory preoccupied with the process and outcome of a social choice procedure to which all affected parties agree to be bound (Davies, para.2). In summation, social choice theory is about making the best choice globally for everyone. Suffice it to say, John Rawls, utilitarian theory, and Robert Nozick have their own differing views on the considerations that should be borne in mind when assessing how social choices can be made."
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