sociology essay

 II   Applying Sociological Theory to United States – Mexico Border fences

Write one or two short mini essays over the following (25 points)  For the online book, when using in text citation just say: According to Little(2016), If you use my powerpoints or handouts just say (Buhl Slide 1 etc.).However, if other external internet sources are used please include a WORKS CITED PAGE OR PROPER REFERENCE SHEET (worth 10 points) at the end of your take-home-exam! 

1. In several pages, explain how a functionalist perspective would likely be applied by a sociologist to explain the positive uses of United States- Mexico Border fences. First, define what is meant by functionalism in sociology or answer several of the questions below. For example, why does the U.S./ Mexico border exist? Why do countries and the state depend on borders for stability? Who benefits directly or indirectly because of the building of walls and fences?  What are the manifest, latent, and/ or possible social dysfunctions of borders, fences, and walls between the U.S. and Mexico? Next, outline how a functionalist would likely frame the need for borders and fences as a way produce stability and authority in society. You are encouraged to use functionalist terms (See list below) and apply a minimum 4 as best as you can in explaining the positive uses of United States- Mexico Border fences. Outside statistics or pro or con websites on borders can be used (including any statistics) but be sure to demonstrate you can make use of the “sociological imagination” (C. Wright Mills) here.

Function Purpose System maintenance Stability

Manifest functions Latent functions Dysfunctions Consensus/ Equilibrium

Example of website filled with popular Pro- border/ wall arguments:

https://immigration.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000778

In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced).

2. In several pages, explain how a conflict/critical perspective would likely be applied by a sociologist to explain the other reasons for the United States- Mexico Border fences. First, define what is meant by a conflict/critical approach in sociology or answer several of the questions below. For example, in what ways do border and fences also reflect widening income and wealth gaps between rich and poor countries? In what ways do border and fences also promote unequal physical life chances (See maps below)? How many migrants die or get seriously injured every year trying to cross the border or fence between the United States and Mexico? Do big capitalists and big employers benefit from wall and fences far more than immigrant workers and the undocumented generally?  Hence, outline how a conflict/ critical sociologist would likely frame borders and fences. You are encouraged to use conflict/ critical terms (See list below) and apply a minimum 4 as best as you can in explaining the other reasons for United States- Mexico Border fences. Outside statistics or pro or con websites on borders can be used but be sure to demonstrate you can make use of the “sociological imagination” (C. Wright Mills).

Inequality/

Poverty Oppression Social class/ exploitation/

Wage exploitation Racism, Prejudice

Globalization Ethnocentrism/xenophobia Militarism State power

Example of website filled with popular Anti- border/ wall arguments:

https://openborders.info/

 

Source of graph above: https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/walled-world?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

Also, be sure to check the anticipated life expectancies (health outcomes) between people in the United States and people in Mexico and/or Guatemala: 

https://www.populationpyramid.net/hnp/life-expectancy-at-birth-total-years/2015/

Coming from a Conflict/ Critical perspective, you are also permitted to write a similar essay highlighting how the Covid-19 pandemic reveals how the quarantine reveals the degree of inequality in our society. Again, you would need chew on a minimum of 4 terms and apply this coming from a conflict/critical perspective.

I borrow the following art-work from Bruno Lyda Saggese  below to inspire some critical thinking and essay-writing:

 

 In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced).

III   Research Methods and Culture

Write one or two short mini essays over the following (25 points)  For the online book, when using in text citation just say: According to Little(2016)If you use my powerpoints or handouts just say (Buhl Slide 1 etc.).However, if other external internet sources are used please include a WORKS CITED PAGE OR PROPER REFERENCE SHEET (worth 10 points) at the end of your take-home-exam! 

 

3. Designing a Sociological Study: In this essay, your goal will be to map out a proper sociological study that is either qualitative or quantitative. Your primary research question is : “Why some people in the United States think racists should be allowed to become teachers while others do not”

Use the following link below if you plan to do a quantitative study:

https://gssdataexplorer.norc.org/trends/Civil%20Liberties?measure=colrac

Next, describe how you will go forward with this research project. Answer the following:

-Have you decided whether it is best to do a quantitative or qualitative study?

-Which method do you think could be used to answer your research question? ---Interview questions, Surveys, data-sets? Defend your method!

-What might be some limitations to the method that you’ve picked?

-How are you going to acquire data that is legitimate and non-bias? 

-How are you going to actually use the data or graphs in your paper?

-What sort of findings do you think you will discover at the end?

- Is there any differences of attitudes based on political affiliation, age, sex, and race?

- Will you be able to fully answer your original research question?

- How are you going to remain objective while conducting this research?

In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced).

4. In your short essay, you are to briefly chew on what you feel are the current top five widely shared U.S. values in American Society in 2020. Make sure to arrange them according to what you think are high to low. These 5 values should come from the original list of 15 from Sociologist Robin Williams in 1970. Do not make up random values!  According to Robin Williams in 1970, the 15 widely shared U.S. values in American society were: 

1. Achievement and Success

2. Activity and Work

3. Moral Orientation

4. Humanitarianism

5. Efficiency and Practicality

6. Progress

7. Material Comfort

8. Equality

9. Freedom

10. External Conformity

11. Science

12. Nationalism and Patriotism

13. Democracy

14. Individual Personality

15. Racism

Please bold the 5 values you decide to chew on which you think reflects the shared values in 2020. You should discuss each values you picked for a paragraph. Next, I would like you to briefly pretend you had access to a time machine and could travel to year 2059 America. Please re-list the 5 values which you think would now be the most widely shared and if they would differ with the ones you listed back in 2019. In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced). Note: You are also permitted to make a powerpoint with pictures explaining the 5 values you picked from the list. Just attach the file and title it “5 values.”

III  Culture & Socialization

 

Write one short essay over the following (20 points total).  For the online book, when using in text citation just say: According to Little(2016)If you use my Powerpoints just say (Buhl Slide 1.).However, if any external internet sources are used please include a WORKS CITED PAGE OR PROPER REFERENCE SHEET at the end of your take-home-exam 

1. Nature/Nurture debate:  I would like you to carefully answer one of the following sample questions below (add in your preferred topic selection below).  I list your options below. You must also define and use one of the following culture/socialization concepts in your write-up (Nature, Sociobiology, Nurture, Culture*,) You are permitted to use external definitions but make sure you paraphrase correctly or place “ “ around any direct text used.  Also, do not get too technical by looking for advanced scientific reasons why someone may become a finger-nail biter. Rather, demonstrate to me you can differentiate between nature and nurture perspectives in your own words! I will also recommend watching this documentary below which should assist in answering this nature vs nurture question : https://dcccd.kanopy.com/video/tough-guise-2

 

What causes someone to become a(n)                        (alcoholic/drug addict)

       (video game addict)

       (murderer/ mass shooter)

       (terrorist/ suicide bomber)

       (severely mentally ill)

       (finger-nail biter)

       (racist)

       (political extremist)

       (misogynist/sexist)

       (animal abuser)

       (hoarder of trash and items in home)

  

In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced).

Important: It is important to explain to the reader how you define words like “nature” and “nurture.” . Ideally,  your borrowed definitions should come from sociology or psychology textbooks, but you may deviate if you can demonstrate you can differentiate between “nature” and “nurture.” 

                                                    

Reference*

If you decide to cite or use definitions from our online book paste this at the bottom of your essay somewhere:

Little, William. 2016. Introduction to sociology. (Ebook)

Or when using in-text citation just say: According to Little(2016), nature is is defined as “   “

 

Looking forward to reading your essays,

II   Applying Sociological Theory to United States – Mexico Border fences

Write one or two short mini essays over the following (25 points)  For the online book, when using in text citation just say: According to Little(2016), If you use my powerpoints or handouts just say (Buhl Slide 1 etc.).However, if other external internet sources are used please include a WORKS CITED PAGE OR PROPER REFERENCE SHEET (worth 10 points) at the end of your take-home-exam! 

1. In several pages, explain how a functionalist perspective would likely be applied by a sociologist to explain the positive uses of United States- Mexico Border fences. First, define what is meant by functionalism in sociology or answer several of the questions below. For example, why does the U.S./ Mexico border exist? Why do countries and the state depend on borders for stability? Who benefits directly or indirectly because of the building of walls and fences?  What are the manifest, latent, and/ or possible social dysfunctions of borders, fences, and walls between the U.S. and Mexico? Next, outline how a functionalist would likely frame the need for borders and fences as a way produce stability and authority in society. You are encouraged to use functionalist terms (See list below) and apply a minimum 4 as best as you can in explaining the positive uses of United States- Mexico Border fences. Outside statistics or pro or con websites on borders can be used (including any statistics) but be sure to demonstrate you can make use of the “sociological imagination” (C. Wright Mills) here.

Function Purpose System maintenance Stability

Manifest functions Latent functions Dysfunctions Consensus/ Equilibrium

Example of website filled with popular Pro- border/ wall arguments:

https://immigration.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000778

In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced).

2. In several pages, explain how a conflict/critical perspective would likely be applied by a sociologist to explain the other reasons for the United States- Mexico Border fences. First, define what is meant by a conflict/critical approach in sociology or answer several of the questions below. For example, in what ways do border and fences also reflect widening income and wealth gaps between rich and poor countries? In what ways do border and fences also promote unequal physical life chances (See maps below)? How many migrants die or get seriously injured every year trying to cross the border or fence between the United States and Mexico? Do big capitalists and big employers benefit from wall and fences far more than immigrant workers and the undocumented generally?  Hence, outline how a conflict/ critical sociologist would likely frame borders and fences. You are encouraged to use conflict/ critical terms (See list below) and apply a minimum 4 as best as you can in explaining the other reasons for United States- Mexico Border fences. Outside statistics or pro or con websites on borders can be used but be sure to demonstrate you can make use of the “sociological imagination” (C. Wright Mills).

Inequality/

Poverty Oppression Social class/ exploitation/

Wage exploitation Racism, Prejudice

Globalization Ethnocentrism/xenophobia Militarism State power

Example of website filled with popular Anti- border/ wall arguments:

https://openborders.info/

 

Source of graph above: https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/walled-world?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

Also, be sure to check the anticipated life expectancies (health outcomes) between people in the United States and people in Mexico and/or Guatemala: 

https://www.populationpyramid.net/hnp/life-expectancy-at-birth-total-years/2015/

Coming from a Conflict/ Critical perspective, you are also permitted to write a similar essay highlighting how the Covid-19 pandemic reveals how the quarantine reveals the degree of inequality in our society. Again, you would need chew on a minimum of 4 terms and apply this coming from a conflict/critical perspective.

I borrow the following art-work from Bruno Lyda Saggese  below to inspire some critical thinking and essay-writing:

 

 In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced).

III   Research Methods and Culture

Write one or two short mini essays over the following (25 points)  For the online book, when using in text citation just say: According to Little(2016)If you use my powerpoints or handouts just say (Buhl Slide 1 etc.).However, if other external internet sources are used please include a WORKS CITED PAGE OR PROPER REFERENCE SHEET (worth 10 points) at the end of your take-home-exam! 

 

3. Designing a Sociological Study: In this essay, your goal will be to map out a proper sociological study that is either qualitative or quantitative. Your primary research question is : “Why some people in the United States think racists should be allowed to become teachers while others do not”

Use the following link below if you plan to do a quantitative study:

https://gssdataexplorer.norc.org/trends/Civil%20Liberties?measure=colrac

Next, describe how you will go forward with this research project. Answer the following:

-Have you decided whether it is best to do a quantitative or qualitative study?

-Which method do you think could be used to answer your research question? ---Interview questions, Surveys, data-sets? Defend your method!

-What might be some limitations to the method that you’ve picked?

-How are you going to acquire data that is legitimate and non-bias? 

-How are you going to actually use the data or graphs in your paper?

-What sort of findings do you think you will discover at the end?

- Is there any differences of attitudes based on political affiliation, age, sex, and race?

- Will you be able to fully answer your original research question?

- How are you going to remain objective while conducting this research?

In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced).

4. In your short essay, you are to briefly chew on what you feel are the current top five widely shared U.S. values in American Society in 2020. Make sure to arrange them according to what you think are high to low. These 5 values should come from the original list of 15 from Sociologist Robin Williams in 1970. Do not make up random values!  According to Robin Williams in 1970, the 15 widely shared U.S. values in American society were: 

1. Achievement and Success

2. Activity and Work

3. Moral Orientation

4. Humanitarianism

5. Efficiency and Practicality

6. Progress

7. Material Comfort

8. Equality

9. Freedom

10. External Conformity

11. Science

12. Nationalism and Patriotism

13. Democracy

14. Individual Personality

15. Racism

Please bold the 5 values you decide to chew on which you think reflects the shared values in 2020. You should discuss each values you picked for a paragraph. Next, I would like you to briefly pretend you had access to a time machine and could travel to year 2059 America. Please re-list the 5 values which you think would now be the most widely shared and if they would differ with the ones you listed back in 2019. In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced). Note: You are also permitted to make a powerpoint with pictures explaining the 5 values you picked from the list. Just attach the file and title it “5 values.”

III  Culture & Socialization

 

Write one short essay over the following (20 points total).  For the online book, when using in text citation just say: According to Little(2016)If you use my Powerpoints just say (Buhl Slide 1.).However, if any external internet sources are used please include a WORKS CITED PAGE OR PROPER REFERENCE SHEET at the end of your take-home-exam 

1. Nature/Nurture debate:  I would like you to carefully answer one of the following sample questions below (add in your preferred topic selection below).  I list your options below. You must also define and use one of the following culture/socialization concepts in your write-up (Nature, Sociobiology, Nurture, Culture*,) You are permitted to use external definitions but make sure you paraphrase correctly or place “ “ around any direct text used.  Also, do not get too technical by looking for advanced scientific reasons why someone may become a finger-nail biter. Rather, demonstrate to me you can differentiate between nature and nurture perspectives in your own words! I will also recommend watching this documentary below which should assist in answering this nature vs nurture question : https://dcccd.kanopy.com/video/tough-guise-2

 

What causes someone to become a(n)                        (alcoholic/drug addict)

       (video game addict)

       (murderer/ mass shooter)

       (terrorist/ suicide bomber)

       (severely mentally ill)

       (finger-nail biter)

       (racist)

       (political extremist)

       (misogynist/sexist)

       (animal abuser)

       (hoarder of trash and items in home)

  

In total, this essay should definitely not be less than 1 page in length (single spaced).

Important: It is important to explain to the reader how you define words like “nature” and “nurture.” . Ideally,  your borrowed definitions should come from sociology or psychology textbooks, but you may deviate if you can demonstrate you can differentiate between “nature” and “nurture.” 

                                                    

Reference*

If you decide to cite or use definitions from our online book paste this at the bottom of your essay somewhere:

Little, William. 2016. Introduction to sociology. (Ebook)

Or when using in-text citation just say: According to Little(2016), nature is is defined as “   “