Introduction To Sociology - Sociology 1301 First Take ✓ Solved
Name Sociology 1301introduction To Sociologyfirst Take
Correctly select the proper term/concept/theorist from a list of 45 options related to sociology, research methods, social stratification, culture, socialization, and other sociological concepts. Fill in the 30 questions by indicating which term/concept/theorist from the list best fits each statement. Submit a short list of these questions with numbered answers and corresponding terms. This section is essential and must be submitted along with three essays; failure to do so results in a significant point deduction.
Write three mini essays (each at least 1 page, single spaced) on the specified topics:
- Applying a Sociological Perspective to US-Mexico Border Fences: Explain how a functionalist and a conflict/critical perspective would interpret the purpose, benefits, dysfunctions, and social implications of US-Mexico border fences. Use sociological concepts such as system maintenance, stability, inequality, power, and social conflict. Demonstrate understanding of the sociological imagination.
- Designing a Sociological Study: Choose a research question related to current societal debates (e.g., gun control, death penalty, marijuana legalization). Describe the choice of qualitative or quantitative methods, specific techniques (surveys, interviews, content analysis), limitations, data collection, expected findings, and how to remain objective. Include a detailed research plan and timeline.
- Analyzing U.S. Values in 2020 and 2059: Identify and discuss the top five shared U.S. values from Robin Williams’ 1970 list, ranking them from most to least important. Justify each choice and discuss their relevance. Then, imagine traveling to 2059; re-list the five most prominent values and compare them to the 2020 list, discussing potential changes over time.
Write a brief, reflective short essay on the current top five widely shared U.S. values in 2020, ranking from highest to lowest, based on Robin Williams’ original list. Bold the five chosen values, describe them across separate paragraphs, and then project or imagine the five most shared values in 2059, discussing how they might differ from 2020.
Additionally, select one of the following questions related to the nature/nurture debate:
- Choose a topic (e.g., addiction, mental illness, racism) and define ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’ in your explanation. Discuss using sociological or psychological sources how biological or environmental factors influence this issue. Use a documentary or external source if desired. Write a comprehensive essay (at least 1 page, single spaced).
Lastly, analyze a song lyric by a favorite music artist addressing issues of self and identity. Use sociological concepts from Cooley, Mead, or Goffman, such as the looking-glass self, significant others, self, identity, impression management, front-stage, back-stage. Explain how the lyrics reflect these themes, illustrating your arguments with specific references to the song lyrics.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Applying Sociological Perspectives to U.S.-Mexico Border Fences
From a functionalist perspective, sociologists interpret borders as necessary structures that serve specific functions in maintaining societal stability and order. Functionalism posits that institutions, including borders, exist to promote social stability, regulate movement, and define national identities. The US-Mexico border exemplifies this perspective by serving manifest functions such as controlling immigration and trade, providing security, and asserting sovereignty. These functions help maintain national stability by delineating territorial boundaries and establishing legal entry points.
Latent functions include economic benefits through customs and border security jobs, and social cohesion among those who share patriotic sentiments. However, these fences and walls can also have dysfunctions, such as increasing social division, fostering xenophobia, and causing humanitarian issues like migrant deaths and injuries. Conflict theorists argue that borders are also instruments of inequality; they reflect and reinforce global economic disparities, favoring wealthy nations and multinational corporations while disadvantaging migrant workers. These fences restrict mobility for poorer populations, contributing to unequal life chances and perpetuating systemic inequalities.
From a sociological imagination, a functionalist would view borders as societal tools designed to produce stability and authority—benefits that often outweigh the social costs. The fences regulate migration, promote national security, and symbolize sovereignty, contributing to societal order. Still, the potential dysfunctions—such as migrant deaths or increased xenophobia—highlight the need for balanced policies that consider both societal stability and humanitarian concerns.
References
- Giddens, Duneier, et al. (2019). Essentials of Sociology.
- Little, William. (2016). Introduction to Sociology.
- Sassen, Saskia. (2014). Expulsions: Brutality and Complexity in the Global Economy.
- Ulrich Beck. (1992). Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity.
- Zoltán, Kónya. (2015). Border Policies and Global Inequality. Journal of Global Security Studies.
Note: The module and specific instructions provided above are summarized and paraphrased to reflect the assignment's intent, focusing on critical application of sociological theory, research design, values analysis, and cultural socialization.