Essays and Research Papers on Sociological Theories

A 4 page research paper that examines Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which is considered by many experts to be the preferred form of therapy for many psychological and personality problems (Bush, 2002). CBT is a form of therapy that is primarily oriented toward problem solving and based on systematic and thorough gathering of information relative ...

This 11 page paper examines Weber's views concerning his book The Protestant Work Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. His ideas are discussed in depth. Other theorists, such as Karl Marx, are included to provide different points of view. Adam Smith's ideas are discussed as well. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page research paper that outlines Erik Erikson's model of psychosocial development and then discusses the practical application of this model to the field of social work. The writer focuses on the example of how Erikson's model can be applied to the problems of African American adolescents. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 7 page paper looks at how each of the authors developed theories on deviance. Kaplan's focus on self-derogation and self-esteem are duly noted and Reckless's containment theory is outlined. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This is an 8 page paper describing Ulrich Beck’s notion of “risk society”. German sociologist Ulrich Beck and professor of sociology at the University of Munich is perhaps the best known for his various works on “risk society”. Fundamentally, Beck argues that today’s post-modern society is that of “Risikgesellschaft” or “risk society” which primarily means ...

A 7 page paper providing an interview with an elderly lady and applying Erikson’s life stage model to the woman’s teen years. Erikson’s assessment of the development that takes place during the teen years appears to describe precisely the path of this woman’s progress during that stage of her life. The lessons learned ...

A 7 page paper which examines Johan Galtung, his views concerning violence and peace, and his contributions to understanding violence and peace. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This is a 4 page paper discussing the question of whether or not the hacker community could be considered a counterculture. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines “counterculture” as “a culture, especially of young people, with values or lifestyles in opposition to those of the established culture”. Jay Michaelson extends the definition ...

A 12 page paper discussing Billig’s concept of “banal nationalism.” Billig’s position is that nationalism is much more integrated into individuals’ daily lives, that it rises to consciousness with unusual circumstances or in response to specific events, but otherwise is more a matter of accepted social behavior or concept. The purpose here is ...

This 5 page paper considers the importance of symbols in everyday life. The paper begins by considering what is meant by a symbol and the opinions of how they are formed and used. Examples are used to illustrate the points raised. The bibliography cites 4 sources.

This 3 page paper explores Marx's ideas about capitalism and his theory of historical materialism. Based on his prophesy that capitalism will fall, this paper provides a cogent overview of the premise. Contemporary examples are used in the analysis. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 7 page paper examines 1 Samuel 28, first by including a summary of the passage and then an analysis from a sociological perspective. The theories of Weber and Durkheim are employed in order to make the sociological assessments. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 5 page paper considers these popular sociologists' views about labor and society. The ideas are compared and contrasted. Contemporary examples are provided. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 10 page paper looks at the contributors to this twentieth century school of thought. Freud, Marx and De Saussure's contributions are explored in depth. Bibliography lists 20 sources.

This 3 page paper evaluates three cases where women struggle to make ends meet. While well above the poverty line, they cannot seem to live well. Social systems and institutions are discussed. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This is a 4 page paper discussing the social structures and relationships in a familiar social environment. In everyday life, individuals live, work and interact within social groups, structures and institutions which affect not only relationships with other individuals but also the definition of one’s class and appropriate social behaviors. Using a familiar example of ...

This 5 page paper explores Max Weber's analogy as well as how some other sociologists might see things. The concept of bureaucracy is explored in depth. How society has changed over time in respect to the concepts is also addressed. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper provides an analysis of Arthur Miller's well known tale through a Marxist perspective. The plights of Willy Loman and others are evaluated with the use of Marxist concepts such as alienation. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

3 pages in length. The findings provided by Latane et al's Many Hands Make Light the Work: The Causes & Consequences of Social Loafing and Individual Differences in Social Loafing: Need for Cognitive as a Motivator in Collective Performance by Smith et al enable people to understand how their collective performance in a group ...

This 11 page paper looks at how the theorist took Marxism and changed it to create his own ideal. Both Marxism and structural Marxism are discussed in depth. The theorists are compared and contrasted. Bibliography lists 20 sources.

A paper which looks at current theories and practice in social work, with particular reference to client autonomy and empowerment, and the need to adopt a postmodernist perspective in regard to sociological theories. Bibliography lists ten sources

A paper which considers the different ways in which postmodernism can be defined, with reference to relativism, nihilism, anomie and the Krokers' concept of the panic age. Bibliography lists 9 sources

This 5 page paper provides an overview of the theory and also goes on to critique it. A definition is included. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 6 page paper considers the nature of the individual and the theories that support different views. This paper relates some central questions, including: Who is the individual? To what extent does an individual have the ability or right to influence society? Is man really capable of being an individual? These questions and ...

A four page paper which explains the basic principles of conflict theory as a rationale for social change, and applies this theory to the ideas put forward in Schlosser's expose of the meat processing industry in Fast Food Nation.