Essays and Research Papers on Sociological Theories

This 3 page essay discusses issues inherent to rent-seeking, its desired results, and quasi-rent seeking behaviors. Rent seeking behavior can best be described as 'the expenditure of resources in order to bring about an uncompensated transfer of goods or services from another person or persons to one's self as the result of a "favorable" decision ...

This 8 page paper analyzes some of the functions of deviance and how the violation of norms actually contributes to social order. Bibliography cites 7 sources.

A 4 page look at the works of Thomas Kuhn and his advancements in Behavior Theory. Specifically examined is the infamous "(The) Structure of Scientific Revolutions"-- in which Kuhn developed his concept of a paradigm. Kuhn's rationale and use if applied theory are assessed. Bibliography lists approximately 10 sources-- including several by Kuhn himself.

This 6 page paper looks at German social scientist Max Weber's definitions, characteristics, and value of bureaucracy. It also reviews his opinion that bureaucracies serve a social good and have a significant role in human development. Bibliography lists five sources.

Sociologist Max Weber's work is discussed in light of recent observations by James Q. Wilson, in this 5 page paper. Bureaucracy is discussed in a general sense as well, which includes specific examples such as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Internal Revenue Service. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 5 page paper looks at the trends through several sociological perspectives including the functionalist school, the conflict perspective and the theory of symbolic interactionism. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page research paper on the theory and its application in the social sciences. The writer details the points of the theory and the criticisms leveled against it, as well as its usefulness. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

12 pages in length. A completely discussion of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's life and theories. The influence that her social work / feminist ideology had on others is explored as are the individuals upon whom she may have based some of her own work. Several of her works are examines including the treatise 'Women and Economics.' ...

The effects of divorce on society is examined from a social order and conflict perspective in this 5 page sociological analysis. Divorce is seen as the culprit for juvenile delinquency, amongst other social problems. The causes of divorce are examined and some solutions to the problem are provided. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

10 pages in length. A critical discussion of the life & works of Elton Mayo -- author of "Human Problems of an Industrialized Civilization" and "Social Problems of an Industrialized Civilization." Bibliography lists a total of 4 sources.

This 9 page research paper examines the nature of self-realization according to British philosopher Francis H. Bradley and German philosopher Karl Marx. Specifically discussed are their opposing theories of idealism and dialectical materialism as described in their major works, Appearance and Reality, Ethical Studies and The Communist Manifesto. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

2 pages in length. Essay discusses Jane Addams as a woman of great thought and of great action. Mostly from the writer's opinionated perceptive but two sources are also included in a bibliography.

A 15 page paper that takes a comprehensive look at the value-free imperative, relates it to the writings of classical sociologists, discusses the applicability of the imperative, and decides if it is desirable. The author utilizes a number of readings to determine that the value-free imperative is not only improbably, but also undesirable. Bibliography ...

A 7 page essay comparing the views of Betsworth and Brubaker on the oppression of women by traditional views of American society. The writer details Betsworth's concepts of social narratives and the how they apply to women in society. Traditional and religious views are also examined. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper that provides an overview of the issues of youth, identification, socialization, and tragedy in Norman Maclean's Young Men and Fire -- an account of 1949's Mann Gulch fire. No additional sources cited.

The "modern" world has different meaning for different individuals and different studies. Most would agree that it encompasses the period from the beginning of the First World War until the present. For Social theorists, "modern" must connote the most recent era of significant social change. The unique role of social theorists within this concept ...

This 5 page paper looks at two different sociological camps and compares them with examples. Theories discussed are primarily those stemming from the works of Clifford Geertz and Carl G. Hempel. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

One of the saddest attributes of the human race is the ability to get used to anything. When something becomes commonplace, no matter the horror involved, humans will switch to automatic and assume that all is right with the world. Add to this an acceptance of circumstance as a matter of fate and the result is ...

A 5 page paper that describes assertive discipline, a behavior management technique for the classroom designed by Lee Canter. Comments about the process from other theorists, such as Alfie Kohn, and practitioners are offered. Recommendations for use are given. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page paper that discusses McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y. Principles of each theory are discussed as well as extensions by other theorists. The relationship between McGregor's theories and Maslow's theory of needs pertaining to motivation are explored. Bibliography lists 8 sources.

In 7 pages, the author reports on Theda Skocpol's States and Social Revolutions: A Comparative Analysis of France, Russia, and China, and discusses what she perceives to be the question Skocpol is trying to answer, Skocpol's main argument, the theory Skocpol draws, how this answer was reached, the methods used in research, flaws with the ...

5 pages. A discussion of the meaning of modernity and how it relates to or defines urbanism. Includes thoughts by Marx, Tonnies, Harvey, and Berman. Marx argues that rural life nurtured subservience to nature. The social theorists sought to understand the transformation in urban and rural life initiated by the industrial ...

This 6 page paper summarizes Karl Marx's Capital Volume One, Chapters 4 through 9. In these chapters, the author discusses issues related to the transformation of money into capital, production and labor. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper focuses on the theories of this famous sociologist. Systems theory is fully examined and the subsystems of adaption, goal attainment, integration and pattern maintenance are each detailed. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This five-page-paper discusses the importance of nderstanding cultural context in understanding human nature. It opens with a dialogue about the differences in cultures and how that can affect the human behavior. It discusses the several perspectives that cultural context and human nature are viewed by. Bibliography lists five sources.