Deck 16: D: Work and the Political Economy

Question 1

Develop an essay in which you describe and discuss the relative position of your own family of origin within the economy of Canada.Discuss the possibilities and limitations that follow for you.

Answer 1

This essay question is fairly broad and responses will vary.The focus here should be on the correct application of sociological concepts and the demonstration of a sociological imagination.

Question 2

Develop an essay wherein you apply Weber's concept of the bureaucracy to an experience you have had with a large organization or institution (such as the government or educational institution)that demonstrates his concern that as bureaucracies grow into larger and larger enterprises,they become so rule-bound and uncontrollable that they are essentially irrational in their operation.

Answer 2

Responses will vary but should demonstrate how the defining characteristics of bureaucracy are supposed to ensure efficiency and consistency,but often,due to their large size and the difficulty of overseeing all of their operations,they turn into what Weber referred to as "the iron cage of bureaucracy," entrapping people in their operations.

Question 3

You are a single father trying to support two teenage children while trying to form new relationships and hold down a job that requires shift work.Discuss this scenario in terms of Dorothy Smith's concept of bifurcated consciousness.As well,apply a post-structuralist perspective to analyzing the trials that would arise with single parenting in the workforce.

Answer 3

Answers will vary but should include information on shifting identities to fulfill each of these roles.Also,the use of a post-structuralist viewpoint should include the difference between good employees-as seen as giving all to the company,never being late,little time off-and bad employees who are seen as taking time off,being late,using the phone excessively during company hours.

Question 4

Based on Lenksi's classification system of subsistence patterns through time,discuss which types of economies had the least social inequality,which had the most,and why.

Question 5

Durkheim believed that the world of work was unfulfilling and,therefore,anything that allowed for a collective identity was important for people to remain connected to their society.Explain how conflict theorists and symbolic interactionists share this similar view.

Question 6

Compare and contrast the types of jobs in the primary labour market with the types of jobs in the secondary labour market.Based on the social hierarchy in Canada,who is most likely to have which type of job,and why?

Question 7

Discuss Weber's three types of authority and explain how and where they are most likely to operate.

Question 8

Compare and contrast the functionalist and conflict theorist approaches to work.What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?

Question 9

Critically examine the degree to which you think our current political and economic system engenders equality for all Canadians,drawing upon a particular theoretical approach to support your assessment.

Question 10

There are two broad economic systems at work in the world today.Discuss each in detail.What are some limitations of each?