2235-A75: The Development of Sociological Thought - Marx’s Concepts of Exploitation and Alienation - Marx’s Analysis of Capitalism - Sociology Assignment Help

Assignment Task:

Topics:

1. Explain Marx’s concepts of exploitation and alienation, and show how his theories have been applied in sociological research on working conditions in today’s society. Be sure to explain how capitalism, class inequality and the commodification of labour create alienation. Explain and discuss examples from the research to illustrate various forms of alienation experienced by workers, address the consequences of alienation, and examine workers’ resistance to exploitative and alienating working condition and/or possible solutions.

2. Explain how Marx’s analysis of capitalism and key Marxist concepts have been applied to a critical analysis of the role of the Internet in contemporary society. In particular, discuss how the concepts of capitalism, dialectics, commodities/commodification, surplus value and exploitation, alienation, class and class struggle, globalization, ideology, the ‘commons’, and communism have been used in the works of various authors on media, communication and Internet Studies.

3. Explain Marx’s theory of revolutionary social change to overthrow capitalism and examine workers’ struggles through unions and/or the anti-sweatshop movement today. Be sure to explain the role of class conflict in bringing about social change and factors that encourage workers to overcome false consciousness, unite in solidarity and mobilize for collective social action.

4. Explain Durkheim’s theory of suicide and discuss sociological research and analysis that uses this theory to examine the reasons for suicide in today’s society. Be sure to explain the social conditions influencing suicide among various social groups according to Durkheim, and consider whether these conditions are still a problem today. Describe the types of suicide Durkheim identified (egoistic, altruistic, anomic and fatalistic) and discuss the way they are applied in contemporary analysis of suicide. Draw on these sources:  Dillon, Chapter 2 and ONE article from the Unit 3 Additional Resources Folder (posted on the course website) that addresses Durkheim’s theory of suicide – e.g. Braswell and Kushner, “Suicide, Social Integration, and Masculinity in the U.S. Military” or Abrutyn and Mueller, “Are Suicidal Behaviors Contagious in Adolescence?”. Take note of any criticisms of Durkheim’s theory presented in the article.

5. Show how Durkheim’s theory of religion has been applied in contemporary sociological analysis to social movements OR sports as “secular religions”. Explain the key aspects of Durkheim’s work The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, and show how either animal rights activism OR fandom in sports exhibit qualities and features that are similar to religions. Draw on these sources:  Dillon, Chapter 2 and either the article by Jacobsson, “Elementary Forms of Religious Life in Animal Rights Activism” OR the article by Serazio, “The Elementary Forms of Sports Fandom” (in Unit 3 Additional Resources Folder posted on the course website).
 
6. Explain Durkheim’s concept of anomie and show how it has been applied in contemporary sociological analysis of the torture and abuse that occurred at the U.S. military prison at Abu Ghraib in Iraq. Draw on these sources:  Dillon, Chapter 2 and the article by Mestrovic and Lorenzo, “Durkheim’s Concept of Anomie and Abuse at Abu Ghraib”. 

7. Examine the way new communications technologies and social media on the Internet can be analyzed using Durkheim’s theory of mechanical solidarity and Weber’s analysis of societal rationalization and the “iron cage”. Draw on these sources:  Dillon, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, and the article posted in Unit 3 Additional Resources folder by Schroeder and Ling, “Durkheim and Weber on the Social Implications of New Information and Communication Technologies”.

8. Explain Weber’s theory of bureaucratization and Ritzer’s application of this theory to the analysis of “McDonaldization” in today’s society, and show how this theory has been applied in contemporary research and analysis of an organization, social institution or industry (e.g. education, tourism, dieting, online shopping). It is best to focus on a particular case. Draw on these sources:  Dillon, Chapter 3 and Ritzer, “The Weberian Theory of Rationalization and the McDonaldization of Contemporary Society”, and choose one article from the Unit 4 Additional Resources Folder  – e.g. Weaver, “The McDonaldization Thesis and Cruise Tourism”  or Monoghan, “McDonaldizing Men’s Bodies? Slimming, Associated (Ir)Rationalities and Resistances”…etc. Note: if you are interested in McDonaldization and Globalization.

9. Explain Weber’s theory of authority and discuss how his concept of charismatic leadership has been applied to an analysis of celebrities. Draw upon Dillion, Chapter 3 to explain Weber’s theory, and discuss the article by Cocker and Cronin, “Charismatic authority and the YouTuber: Unpacking the new cults of personality”. Consider whether it is appropriate to label celebrities “charismatic” by making reference to the article by Hendriks, “Breaking Away From Charisma?

10. Explain Adorno and Horkheimer’s critique of the ‘culture industry’ and discuss how it has been applied to the analysis of mass media and popular culture in today’s society.

11. Explain what Herbert Marcuse meant by ‘technocratic consciousness’ or ‘technological rationality’ and instrumental domination, and the view that technology, societal rationalization and ideological hegemony have resulted in totalitarian-like control in capitalist societies or a “totally administered world’. Show how these ideas have been applied in contemporary sociological analysis of the commodification and rationalization of medicine and health.
 

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