Applying Sociology Theory

Part 1:  Choose ONE of the following questions.   1. Using findings from the course READINGS (not textbook), discuss the role of power in dating and/or marital relationships.  Explain how two (or more) theories would explain who holds power in these relationships.  How well do these theories predict what has been found empirically? 2. Using findings from the course READINGS (not textbook), what policies would you implement to improve parenting?  What would differ by gender in your suggestions?  Why?  Ground your recommendations in theory (at least two). Part 2:  Choose TWO of the following questions.   1. Is Feminist Theory just Conflict Theory applied to gender and sex?  Why/why not? 2. Some Feminist theorists argue that the family reproduces the gender roles that support patriarchy and oppression.  On the other hand Attachment Theory (in Ecological Framework) argues that children must form a strong bond with a significant and constant caregiver usually the mother.  Argue whether these two views are compatible or contradictory and whether both can be simultaneously valid. 3. Critics of Systems Theory often point out that it is more of a flow chart or modelling approach to the social world. How is this different from Life Course/Developmental Theory?  4. Symbols are important to Bourdieu’s ideas about social class and are also important in Symbolic Interaction Theory. Describe how each of these theories use the idea of symbols and point out their differences. If you are not knowledgeable about Bourdieu, you may replace this with stress theory for this question.