Choose 1 of the following essay options and in each of your essay do the following:
• Use your textbook and lectures as a main source – and cite when using concepts and ideas – please use 1-2 quotes from Weber in each of your essays.
• Bring in 2 outside sources to support your essay answers—this would mainly take the form of evidence/data for an argument or point you are making in your essay.
• Provide references for you at the end, use APA citation style.
- One of Weber’s most important contributions to sociological theory is the practice of Verstehen. Define Verstehen, and then find and describe two examples of verstehen in action / being used in sociological research/ investigation (cite both in references). Discuss the strengths and weaknesses (1 of each minimum) of verstehen as a way of approaching problem solving using those cases. Reflect on and explain why verstehen has endured and been widely adopted and accepted as a sociological research tool.
- One of Weber’s big concerns is rationalization. Watch the film UP IN THE AIR – select at least two major scenes to analyze—In your analysis:
• Identify briefly describe what is going on and identify/describe the characters in each scene.
• Apply Weberian thinking and concepts related to Weber’s ideas about rationalization (and can use Ritzer some too if you choose) to understand what is going on in those scenes and with those characters. Define and employ at least four substantial Weberian concepts in your essay with the goal of telling me “What is going on and why” in each of the scenes. - In this essay you will be addressing Weber’s ideas about power and stratification. 1) Define power according to Weber? What are some sources of power Weber speaking to in his work and why is it important to consider different sources of power to understand social life? How does power figure into the system of stratification and consequently the life outcomes/opportunities afforded different people and groups. To support your essay, you need to give concrete examples from sociological/or other research on the impact of stratification on life outcomes/opportunities— (For example, the impact of income on life expectancy or the impact of race/ethnicity on maternal death).
- Compare and contrast two main aspects of Weber’s theoretical orientation with that of Karl Marx. (For example, stratification/class, role of religion in capitalism sources of human unhappiness in capitalist systems or other…). Discuss the validity (defined as correspondence with reality/ true) of Weber and Marx on each of the two aspects you choose to address. You must provide support/date evidence for your arguments/validity checks.
- Summarize Weber’s ideas on the relationship between Protestantism and Capitalism. Discuss the main elements of the Weber’s Protestant Ethic (ideal type) and assess whether these elements are still important in 2023 for supporting capitalism and vice versa. You must use supporting evidence in your arguments.