Explain the technological, social, political, and economic conditions under which sociology first emerged as a scientific discipline. Remember to discuss where Sociology emerged, when it emerged and why it emerged.

For your final exam, you will be given three four question and are required to answer them critically/thoughtfully. Questions are related to topics discussed in class and current events. You must give some context for the question, explain the key points, justify your arguments with data and examples, and use academic sources. Each question should be answered with 10-12 sentences (about 250 words). Each question is worth up-to 25 points.
1. Explain the technological, social, political, and economic conditions under which sociology first emerged as a scientific discipline. Remember to discuss where Sociology emerged, when it emerged and why it emerged.

2. The study of Sociology mentions that society is socially constructed and social behaviors and attitudes, to a large extent, have to do with the individual as a social being and a product of his or her environment. Use the concept of “the social construction of reality” to explain the above. How does the social construction of reality apply to gender? Remember to discuss the subjective and objective elements of “reality.” Make sure you understand the connection between microsociology and macrosociology.

3. When discussing class inequality and poverty in the U.S., we looked at the wide gap between the wealthy and the rest of society. What are some general conclusions we can make about the characteristics of the division? Who are the poor? Give support to back up your statements.
4. Conformity in society plays an important role in keeping things in order. However, sociologists have noted that conformity, as a group process, can also produce some consistent results. What does the Ash study inform us about our behavior in groups? What did the Milgram study (p.144) conclude about our response to authority?
Optional: 10 extra points for answering this question.
While discussing race and racial inequality, I stressed that it is important to distinguish between several elements or concepts of race. What is the difference between race and ethnicity? What the difference between prejudice and discrimination? How is race a socially constructed idea?

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