Question 1: Theory Explains
Explain in your own words how either the Structural Functionalist perspective or the Conflict perspective would view the cause of war (any war). Remember that Functionalism focuses on the harmonious operations of all parts of a society in order to assure stability and order. Conflict theory focuses on inequality within a society (principally economic, but also gender and race or ethnic inequality) as the driving force behind social change. Both perspectives have merit.
Question 2: Sociological Imagination
What is the Sociological Imagination? Why is it important to understanding what happens in the world around us? How can using a sociological imagination help solve problems facing the world today? Try to think of something specific locally, nationally or globally. Here are some ideas to get started: climate change, pollution, war (pick any current conflict), religious conflicts, the budget crises that almost every state in the U.S. is struggling with. Feel free to come up with other examples. This should be a lively and wide ranging discussion. Who knows? We might even come up with something that proves useful.