Chapter 1 Discussion Topics

Theories of Social Inequality
  1. Critically compare the competing sociological approaches to inequality, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of functionalism, conflict theory, feminism, and symbolic interactionism/social constructionism. Which do you find the most convincing and why?
  1. In this section, we have discussed the concept of subjectivity. Discuss how the subjectivity of a sociologist may influence her research and theorizing. Is it possible for a study or theory to be free from bias and subjectivity?
  1. Are there any issues related to social inequality that do not receive enough attention in the media? Why is this and what needs to happen for an issue to become widely acknowledged?
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