The Social Problem of Inequality Essay

Option #1
The social problem of “inequality” has been called one of the defining issues of our times. In your view, which one of the classical sociological theorists’ ideas that we covered in lecture (Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel) is most useful for understanding the persistence of social inequality? Apply and discuss at least one of the theorists’ concepts to illustrate your argument.

Option #2
I want you to consider the following scenario: Karl Marx and Max Weber walk into a cafeteria. They sit at the same table. And they begin talking with each other.

What would Marx and Weber talk about? What do their theories about society have in common? How do their theories differ?

The goal here is to pretend you are observing/overhearing a back-and-forth conversation (at the lunch table) between two of sociology’s classical theorists. As you construct this imaginary dialogue, you must demonstrate a thorough understanding of each theorist’s key ideas. Your creativity will be rewarded.    

Option #3
I want you to consider the following scenario: Emile Durkheim and Georg Simmel walk into a cafeteria. They sit at the same table. And they begin talking with each other.

What would Durkheim and Simmel talk about? What do their theories about society have in common? How do their theories differ?

The goal here is to pretend you are observing/overhearing a back-and-forth conversation (at the lunch table) between two of sociology’s classical theorists. As you construct this imaginary dialogue, you must demonstrate a thorough understanding of each theorist’s key ideas. Your creativity will be rewarded.