SOCI1016 Understanding Sociology I

Part 1: Compulsory Question – all students must answer. 

Education was moved online as a result of the Covid pandemic.  Using the theories, conflict (or critical sociology) and structural functionalism, consider this change.  Think about why it happened; what problem(s) did it solve; what problems did it cause?  Give and definition of each theory (more than just a sentence or two is required).  Use each of the two theories, discuss the move to online.  You re not comparing them.  You’re discussing the move to online education from the perspective of each theory.  

Part 2: Chose three (3) to answer. 

a) Apply C. Wright Mills sociological imagination’s concept of private troubles and public issues to your experiences of Covid 19.  Consider your experience; what kinds of private troubles and public issues did you experience

b) What does Emile Durkheim consider to be the social function of religion?   Using his ideas, do you think for fans, followers of say, Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, sport plays a similar function?  Explain why or why not.  In answering this question, also define—in your own words—the social function of religion.

c) Compare & contrast the concepts of paradigm and ideology?  What paradigm(s) and ideology (s) do you think have been most influential during the Covid pandemic?

d) Why is it said that culture is both innovative and that culture is restraining?  Describe an experience where you have seen an example of cultural as innovation and an example of culture as restraining.

e) Define resocialization.  Based on this definition why would we describe the residential school system as a form of resocialization? Would a residential school be described as a total institution?

Part Three: Choose three (3) questions to answer. 

a) Define what is meant by material and non-material culture.  Identify and briefly discusse three material and three non-material cultural items related to the Covid pandemic.  

(quarter page)

b) Define formal and informal norms.  What are some recent changes in these that you have  experienced?

c) Define what a gender schema is?  Do you believe yes/no, that the gender schema you were raised with is different from that of your parents or grandparents generation?

d) Define the concept of meritocracy.  Do you believe a meritocracy actually exists; if yes please give an example and describe why it is a meritocracy.  If it does not exist, describe why it does not.  

e) Define Class Traits. What would be some of the class traits of your class?

f) Why would we consider August Comte (and to an extent Emile Durkheim) to be positivist in terms of scientific study.  Also define positivism.