Instructions And Directions: Be Sure To Make An Electronic C

Instructionsdirectionsbe Sure To Make An Electronic Copy Of Your Answ

Instructions Directions: Be sure to make an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English spelling and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) pages in length; refer to the "Assignment Format" page for specific format requirements. This assignment requires you to write essays in response to each of the following: In your own words, describe basic sociological concepts used to differentiate and describe social structures. Provide examples where you feel they may be useful. Describe and critically evaluate sociological theories of crime derived from the structural-functionalist perspective, providing examples. In the context of the new global economy, provide an overview of the conflict perspective with respect to economic inequality. Provide salient and appropriate examples.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding social structures is fundamental to sociology, as it provides insights into how societies function and evolve. Social structures refer to persistent patterns of social relationships, institutions, and social hierarchies that shape individual and collective behavior. These include systems such as family, education, religion, and government, which organize societal life and influence individual opportunities and constraints.

One of the basic sociological concepts used to describe social structures is the idea of status and roles. Status refers to the societal position an individual occupies, which can be ascribed (assigned at birth, such as race or gender) or achieved (earned through effort, such as education or occupation). Roles are the behaviors and expectations associated with a particular status. For example, the role of a teacher involves educating students, assessing performances, and maintaining order in the classroom.

Another key concept is social stratification, which pertains to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals within a society based on various factors like wealth, power, and prestige. For instance, the capitalist class holds significant economic power, while the working class may have limited social mobility. This stratification influences access to resources and opportunities, thereby perpetuating social inequalities.

Structures are also often characterized by social institutions, each serving specific functions. The family, for example, socializes children and provides emotional support; the education system transmits knowledge and skills; and the legal system maintains social order. These institutions collectively embed norms and values that sustain the social fabric.

In the realm of crime, sociological theories offer various explanations. From the structural-functionalist perspective, crime is seen as a normal part of societal organization that results from the dysfunction of social institutions or the inability of social structures to transmit norms effectively. Durkheim argued that crime serves functions such as reinforcing social cohesion through collective reactions to deviant acts and clarifying societal boundaries.

Critical evaluation of functionalist theories of crime suggests that while they acknowledge the role of social structure, they may underplay issues of power and inequality. For example, the strain theory posits that societal pressure to achieve success can lead individuals to commit crimes when legitimate means are blocked. An example can be seen in poverty-driven crimes where individuals resort to illegal activities due to lack of opportunities.

Transitioning to the global economic context, the conflict perspective emphasizes that economic inequalities are rooted in power struggles and resource control by elite groups. The global economy has intensified disparities between the wealthy and the poor, both within nations and internationally. Multinational corporations, for example, often exploit cheap labor in developing countries, leading to wealth accumulation among a small elite while local populations face impoverishment.

Salient examples include the widening income gap in the United States, where top earners have seen massive gains in wealth, while the middle and lower classes struggle with stagnant wages and unemployment. Similarly, developing countries often experience economic dependency on foreign investments, which can perpetuate underdevelopment and inequality due to structural imbalances and unequal terms of trade.

Analyzing these perspectives underscores that social structures and economic systems are inherently linked to issues of power and inequality. The structural-functionalist view highlights order and stability but often neglects the conflicts arising from inequalities. Conversely, the conflict perspective emphasizes that social change is driven by struggles over resources and power hierarchies, making it a critical lens for understanding global economic disparities.

References

• Durkheim, E. (1897). The Normal and the Pathological. In B. C. Nelson (Ed.), The Rules of Sociological Method (pp. 94-106). New York: Free Press.
• Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672–682.
• Giddens, A. (1984). The Constitution of Society: Outline of the Theory of Structuration. University of California Press.
• Marx, K. (1867). Capital: A Critique of Political Economy. Penguin Classics.
• Collins, R. (1975). Conflict Sociology and the Theory of Social Structure. American Sociological Review, 40(2), 149–169.
• Chambliss, W. J. (1969). Crime and the Legal Order. Sociology of Crime.
• Anyon, J. (1997). Radical Critique of the American School System. American Journal of Sociology, 82(1), 36-64.
• Immanuel Wallerstein. (1974). The Modern World-System. Academic Press.
• Harvey, D. (2005). The New Imperialism. Oxford University Press.
• Levi, M. (2002). Organized Crime and Its Links to the Global Economy. Global Crime, 4(2), 133–146.