Essays and Research Papers on Sociological Theories

A 12 page discussion of the role of questioning in shaping our society. Examines foundationalism, the immovable and irrefutable cornerstones of knowledge from which logical deductions can be formulated, and emphasizes that not only the positives of society such as religious beliefs and science are considered foundationalist but so are the more negative aspects of society ...

This 5 page paper looks at the concept of humor and assesses it from a variety of sociological and psychological perspectives. Several authors are noted including Sigmund Freud. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This seven-page-paper presents a discussion on the beliefs and works of C. Wright Mills. Mills, the American sociologist believed that an alternative democracy could be developed.

This 5 page paper explores the concept of preference to individual desires and needs as opposed to the state's through the eyes of Adam Smith and Karl Marx. The Enlightenment, American Revolution and French Revolution are seen as influential in terms of a shift in thought about individuality. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

8 pages in length. Humanity's constant quest for change is indicative of consumerism representing the curse of modernity. The vicious cycle that exists within the framework of consumerism -- the perpetual wanting of more and more materialistic tangibles until there is nothing left to appreciate -- resides within each and every person; it ...

A 7 page paper discussing the case of the shooting of Amadou Diallo in 1999 and the subsequent 2000 acquittal of all four police officers involved. It is difficult to see that there can be any good or moral reason for Diallo's death. From the functionalist perspective however, reasons for the police officers' action ...

A 6 page research paper that examines several theorist concerning whether or not society is progressing, or going backward. The writer argues that those who say that society is progressing and evolving are correct. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 7 page summation and analysis of Fredrick Lynch's "The Diversity Machine." This book offers an exhaustive study of this relatively new trend in political correctness, diversity management-- its purposes, applications and effectiveness. No additional sources cited.

This 10 page paper provides an overview of the central elements of etiologic and constructivist theories of deviance. This paper includes a comparative view of the similarities and difference in the two perspectives, the strengths and weaknesses of both and gives examples of how these are applied. This paper provides a substantial view ...

This 9 page paper explores this sociological school of thought with its roots in the theories of Durkheim and Spencer. Newer contributors such as Merton and Parsons are highlighted. Systems theory is discussed. Criticisms of the position are noted, but many reasons are given to support the credibility of the functionalist perspective. Bibliography lists 10 ...

This 5 page paper considers the combination of economics and sociology as a positive impact on the slowly shrinking area of discrimination in American society. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 5 page paper explains why Marx, Weber and Durkheim are considered classical sociologists. Classical sociology is examined and the Chicago School is also touched on. Some of the three authors' most common theories are explored. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 9 page paper that defines the political theories of Marxism, Neorealism, Liberalism and Postmodernism or Constructivism as related to the state in international relations. Discussed are the similarities and differences that exist between the four theories as well as a short section on agential power as it has developed within the Marxism theory. ...

7 pages in length. A critical discussion of the nature and function of sociology, especially as applied by Peter Berger in his book "Invitation to Sociology." Also includes thoughts by Emile Durkheim. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

This 5 page paper considers the issue of globalization and supports the argument the globalization is creating a single global culture. This paper outlines the arguments of globalists, traditionalists and transformationalists and identifies the arguments utilized by each of these groups in discussing globalization. This paper then critiques the globalist perspective as it ...

(5 pp) Our challenge as adults watching in a day care setting was to see if we could observe the child development theories of Piaget, Freud and Erickson in action. I have listed my observations and thoughts. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 4 page paper delves into the concept and provides an overview of this Marxist theory. Contemporary views, and alterations of the nineteenth century theory, are included. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

(5 pp) according to Freud (1930) human nature is "the struggle between Eros and Death, between the instinct of life and the instinct of destruction, as it works itself out in the human species. This struggle is what all life essentially consists of, and the evolution of civilization may therefore be described ...

A 7 page paper discussing Karl Marx and Max Weber agreed on many aspects of capitalism, but most obviously disagreed on its origins. Marx saw capitalism as the last evolutionary step in which owners of means of production would have advantage over those supplying the labor needed to effect production of any good or commodity. Weber maintained ...

A 5 page paper which discusses quantitative social science as it involves two books. The books are "The Measure of Reality" by Alfred Crosby, and "The Mismeasure of Man" by Stephen Jay Gould. The books are discussed separately and then compared and contrasted. No additional sources cited.

12 pages in length. Expounds on the theories set forth by Pylyshyn including his FINST model. Pylyshyn's theories are directly linked to implications explaining such things as infant cognitive development as well as ancient problems in the philosophy of mind. Pylyshyn claims that "what current theories lack is any provision for a certain form of direct preconceptual connection between ...

(4 pp) Social Control theorists start with the premise that human behavior is by nature antisocial and delinquent. They focus on restraining or "controlling" factors that are broken or missing inside the personalities of criminals. If these in some way, as with the sociological notion that norms are internalized, then the theory ...

(7 pp) Explaining crime and delinquency is a complex task. A multitude of factors exist that contribute to the understanding of what leads someone to engage in delinquent behavior. While biological and psychological factors hold their own merit when explaining crime and delinquency, perhaps sociology factors can make the best effort to explain ...

A 6 page paper discussing Miller's primary premise in this book, which is that nationality provides a valid frame of reference for individuals. Arguments against Miller's statements can be found in the reading of nearly every paragraph of the book, but none hold up under great scrutiny. The only conclusion that can be made with expectation ...

This 5 page paper delves in Capital and explores definitions of labor, labor-power and laborer according to the work. Other concepts are discussed. Quotes are included. No additional sources cited.