Essays and Research Papers on Sociological Theories

A 10 page paper evaluating one short article in terms of interpretive social theory and then briefly assess it in terms of functionalism, conflict theory and critical theory. Examining this single article in terms of various social theories highlights the necessity of applying appropriate theory to social issues. Evaluation in terms of interpretive ...

6 pages in length. The extent to which birth through three years old is a critical period with regard to individual development is both grand and far-reaching. Myriad theorists have charted this time frame by means of cognitive and emotional development, with the common denominator among them all being that what is learned ...

This 9-page paper examines sociologist Buroway's concept on "manufacturing consent" and "making out." The paper also touches on some criticisms of the theory and its relevance in today's workforce. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

8 pages in length. Plato's perspective on poverty would have reflected the effects of individualistic tendencies within society and the fact that people are far too concerned with their own well being to fend for those who cannot fend for themselves against man's authority. While one might understand the motivation behind such behavior, ...

This 5 page paper takes a sociological view and presents insights on Marxism and conflict theory. Weber and Durkheim's ideas are explored as well The World Trade Center and Pentagon disasters, which occurred on September 11, 2001, are discussed in respect to those theories. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 9 page paper. What is the risk society? What is the world risk society? What makes the risks in the existing society different than the risks in previous societies? These are some of the questions addressed in this essay. Beck offered the concept of the risk society in the mid-1980s, and described it ...

This is a 5 page paper examining social theories in regards to five Canadian newspaper articles on divorce. An examination of five recent articles found in Canadian newspapers regarding divorce in Canada has touched on several sociological theories. Largely, liberal feminism theories have been prevalent in regards to the accessibility of divorce to women which ...

An 11 page outline of the contention presented by researchers such as Barry Barnes and David Bloor. This paper recognizes the fact that factors such as social and political ideologies, group interests, and even competing personal and professional interests has greatly impacted our interpretation of scientific fact. The author contends, however, that while ...

A 9 page research paper that investigates the relationship between cognitive dissonance and racism. The writer argues that if people's true feelings do not match their outward show of non-racist attitudes, it sets up a situation in which cognitive dissonance would propel individuals into, at least privately, rationalizing their any racist attitudes, which would ultimately ...

This is a 10 page paper comparing two newspaper articles: one which reported low consensus deviance (smoking); and one which reported high consensus deviance (murder). Two articles were found published within the last two weeks in the Toronto Star which provided a good contrast in reporting styles, intended audience, and low and high consensus deviance. ...

This 6 page paper explores several sociological theorists to evaluate whether or not alienation exists in the world today. Both alienation and anomie are defined and bureaucracy is discussed as well. The postmodern workplace is a part of the discussion also. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 6 page paper explores Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto and relates it to life in corporate America. Several readings provided by the student are discussed. No bibliography.

This 10 page paper discusses altruism in-depth, and furthermore presents many case scenarios. This paper explores such theories as The Bystander Effect and different perspectives on helping in order to fully understand altruism. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

This 8 page paper discusses different leadership theories and how these theories are evidenced in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Specific theories addressed include situational, contingency, path-goal, leader-member exchange, transformational, and charismatic. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 3 page paper looks at Hochschild's The Managed Heart and Berman's All That Is Solid Melts into Air. The books are compared and contrasted in respect to their take on alienation. Karl Marx is mentioned. No additional sources cited. .

This 6 page paper provides an overview of Marx's ideas about capitalism. His theories are compared with novelist Emile Zola's concepts. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This is a 6 page paper discussing Cooley’s “Looking Glass Self” theory. Tutorial language appears throughout the text in square brackets giving structural and instructional suggestions for further writing. Symbolic interactionist, Charles Horton Cooley, first published the “Looking Glass Self” theory in his 1902 work “Human Nature and the Social Order”. Advocating that an individual’s ...

This 5 page paper provides an overview of the concept of bureaucracy as conveyed by Max Weber and how it is applicable in today's society. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This is a 7 page paper discussing the different perspectives of socialization in society in relation to self-image and adaptation. Socialization for individuals within society takes place from different perspectives as members of society change their roles throughout their lives and must learn the different socialization tactics related to each new role they adopt. Children ...

A 4 page paper which examines how racial and ethnic relations are likely consistent with order and conflict theories. No sources cited.

A 5 page book review/essay that examines the premises posited by David Schwartz in his text Who Cares? In this text, Schwartz (1997) not only defines what is lacking in our society, but offers sensible commentary and suggestions on what can be done to correct this situation, as well as what is wrong with some ...

This 4 page paper looks at Marxism as well as the concept of free trade as spouted by noted economist Milton Friedman. Ideas of the Founders as reflected by the Federalist Papers are also discussed. Class differences are noted as an underlying theme in all theories. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This is a 3 page paper discussing the cultural transmission theory in sociology. Cultural transmission theory in sociology addresses the societal and cultural influences, impact and transmission of acceptable societal norms, perceptions and behaviors within generations and across generations of members of the same culture. Transmitted cultural behaviors can lead to generations of racism, sexism, ...

This 5 page paper looks at the life and ideas of Karl Marx. The paper provides some bibliographic information, but the focus of the paper is on the ideas of the theorist. The Communist Manifesto and Capital is discussed. Many of Marx's theories such as alienation, communism and historical materialism are included. How ...

This 5 page paper looks at capitalism and modernism through the viewpoints of several authors. Marxism is discussed. Bibliography lists 2 sources.