Sociology Question

Overview

Sociology 185E

Introduction to Ethnomethodology

MID-TERM EXAMINATION

Write a short essay (4 pages but no more than 1250 words) on one of the following topics:

1. In his early writings (especially The Structure of Social Action) Parsons develops a "voluntaristic" theory of action. What issues led Parsons to this theory? What are its fundamental claims? And how did Parsons use the theory to address the "Hobbesian problem of order"?

1. Outline and discuss Parsons' conception of the "double contingency of interaction" and "the two-fold binding-in process of interaction." Explain how these processes are involved in the processes of institutionalization and socialization.

1. Parsons believed that sociology should adopt a scientific stance towards the explanation of social action and his explanation centered on the role of norms and values as determinants of human action. What are the main difficulties that Wrong and Wilson raise with his approach?

1. Alfred Schutz made basic contributions to our understanding of the social nature of knowledge. Describe the contributions he made and the use that Harold Garfinkel made of any TWO of these contributions.

1. Describe Garfinkel's "tic tac toe" experiment and any ONE of the other breaching experiments discussed in the lectures or readings. Explain and discuss the conclusions that can be drawn from them.

REQUIREMENTS:

• It is essential that you answer the question. You should definitely avoid giving your essay an alternative title and writing about that instead.

• Style Requirements: Your essay should be typed using a 12-point font, double-spaced and with 1" margins. You are REQUIRED to use appropriate citation practices for materials from the readings and lectures. Please include a bibliography listing the sources you have cited.