Delta State University
Sociology 101
Spring Semester 2004

Study Questions
Week 3

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(1)  Why does McIntyre compare studying society to painting a picture of a fuzzy object?

(2)  What does the term “paradigm” refer to?

(3)  What are three major paradigms in the study of sociology?  Which of these paradigms is the correct one?  Explain.

(4)  What are the major assumptions of each of the three major paradigms?

(5)  What is the difference between microsociology and macrosociology?  Classify each paradigm in one of these levels of analysis.

(6)  Which paradigm best describes the approach of Richard Kahlenberg in “Class, Not Race?”  What passages from the article give you clues as to his approach?

(7)  Which paradigm best describes the approach of Herbert Gans’ in “No, Poverty Has Not Disappeared?”  What passages from the article give you clues as to his approach?

(8)  Do you believe affirmative action programs are necessary?  Why or why not?  How should affirmative action programs be structured to best address racial issues?

(9)  Does poverty have to exist in society?  Why or why not?