Each part only needs to be two- three paragraphs.

PART 1: Please complete your reading assignment before you participate in this forum. The purpose of this discussion is to examine the concept of sociology and the differences in contemporary perspectives of sociological thinking.

1. Which of the theoretical approaches (such as functionalist, conflict, symbolic interactionist, postmodern, etc.) do you feel is most accurate when describing the social world and the social problems within it? You can list more than one. Please explain your selection(s).
2. Can sociological insight be applied to gang violence and drug addiction? Explain why or why not.

PART 2: Please complete your reading assignment before you participate in this forum. The purpose of this discussion is to describe the major elements that define and influence a society. In this discussion we will discuss how race and ethnicity influence society.

• Describe major elements that define and influence a society including race, class and gender.
• Consider the labels that you have learned throughout your socialization, and the negative qualities that you have learned to associate with those labels.
• How do these labels affect your perception of others today?
• In general, how do your perceptions about race and ethnicity influence how you react to others?
• Does one ethnic group have more influence on our society in the U.S. than others?