Answer one each of the four sets of short answer essay questions. That is one question based on each chapter we have read. Each of your answers should be at least 400 words long, reflect that your are familiar with the concepts as they are presented in the readings, and can apply those concepts to examples.

1- What do you think C. Wright Mills meant when he said that to be a sociologist, one had to develop a sociological imagination?

OR

Which theory do you think better explains how societies operate-structural functionalism or conflict theory? Why?

2-Thinking about recent events, for example, the Trump presidential candidacy, Black Lives Matter, or the 1 trillion dollars worth of sub-prime car loan defaults. Analyze, the phenomenon of your choice making explicit what you think are the major material cultural items involved and their associated non-material cultural significance.

OR

Do you think that phenomenon such as texting, snap chatting, twitter, tinder, etc, are these substantial and permanent changes to our culture or are they superficial? Is modern online life a counter-culture or a sub-culture. Explain the reasoning of your position.

3-In which type or types of societies do the benefits seem to outweigh the costs? Explain your answer, citing social and economic reasons.

OR

Think of the ways workers are alienated from the product and process of their jobs. How can these concepts be applied to students and their educations?

4-Based on your observations, when are adolescents more likely to listen to their parents or to their peergroups when making decisions? What types of dilemmas lend themselves toward one social agent over another?

OR

Do you think the resocialization of people convicted of crimes always requires a total institution? Why or why not? What might be an alternative way to resocialize a person?