Problem: Contemporary Social Theory
This exam consists of five essay questions. You are required to answer four of the five questions. You must answer either question 1 or question 3. These questions ask you to demonstrate your understanding of contemporary theory, critically analyze these questions through the eyes of at least three theorists, and apply these ideas to sociological topics. I will be using the originality checker, so be sure to use your own ideas and words to answer these questions. Each answer should be roughly 200 words.
1) Identify at least three relevant theorists for each question, with the exception of question.
2) Define all concepts used in the essay.
3) Explain your arguments.
4) Provide real world application.
5) Use acceptable college level writing.
• Many contemporary sociologists have argued that we need to analyze social inequality not through single variables such as class, race or gender, but through their intersections. Choose any social problem or social phenomenon and discuss what, specifically, an intersectional approach adds to its analysis.
• Inequalities: (i) a short recapitulation of a core idea from one of the following theorists-Foucault, Wallerstein, Castells, Alexander, Habermas, or Giddens, (ii) include an interpretation of this core idea grounded in a wider theoretical context of the, and (iii) provide a real world example.
• Some people now believe we live in a "colorblind society" where racial inequality is a thing of the past compared to other theorist you have read this semester. Explain how West would see this as a form of racism. Describe the evidence he would use. What are the social problems he believes that are the result of the continuing significance of race.
• Consider macro versus micro sociological approaches. Identify at least one sociologist you believe does the best job linking macro and micro. Include a reasoned argument to support your choice. (Hint: Chafetz provides an excellent roadmap.)
• Culture is implicit in several chapters we read during the second part of the semester. Please describe social inequality is reproduced over time through the embeddedness of culture in social structures within the United States.
The response must include a reference list. Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.