Question 1

How does the exchange theory help us understand how people choose a college? Compare this to how rational choice theory would explain the same thing.

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Question 2

Discuss the differences and similarities between the structural-functionalist theoretical perspective and the conflict perspective.

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Question 3

Select any two sociological theories and discuss each theory in depth. How does each theory help us understand society?

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Question 4

Use what you know about critical theory to discuss Facebook and the culture industry. According to Ritzer, what is mass culture, and what is the culture industry? Would Facebook be considered a part of the culture industry? Having considered these arguments, do you agree or disagree that Facebook is a part of the "culture industry"?

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Question 5

Consider the current state of the United States in light of Karl Marx's theories. What is one way that Marx's predictions hold when looking at current behaviors in the U.S. economic system? What is one way that they failed to predict what would happen?

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Question 6

One of Durkheim's major concepts is that of "collective conscience." What is meant by this term? What is an example of collective conscience? Did Durkheim see collective conscience as a good or a bad thing? Why?

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Question 7

Émile Durkheim described two types of solidarity. Briefly compare these two forms of solidarity, using concrete examples to illustrate how they differ. What type of society is each solidarity type associated with? How much power does collective conscience have in each type of solidarity, and why is a weaker collective conscience a problem?

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Question 8

An important part of Karl Marx's theories on capitalism relate to consciousness-how people think about things. In this essay, please name and define the two main roles that people hold in a capitalist economy. How do these roles interact in the capitalist economy to produce false consciousness? Who holds what Marx calls "false consciousness"? How are they led to believe this? What did Marx propose to replace false consciousness, and how did he suggest it would affect society?

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Question 9

The black sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois was an early contributor to sociology on theories related to race and the effects of racial discrimination. He is well known for several important works and theories, including his theory of double consciousness. In this essay, please explain the concept of double consciousness. What are some of the consequences of people who possess double consciousness? How might this be applied to race relations today?

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Question 10

Max Weber is a very important social theorist in sociology. One of his major works tied religious ethics to economic systems. Briefly describe the relationship he found that connected Protestants and Calvinist beliefs to a capitalist economy.

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Question 11

According to Ritzer's description of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber, what level of society did all three major early social theorists focus on in their works? Of the three, which were critical and which were positive in their views?

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Quiz 2: Thinking Sociologically