Abstract
This essay is an excellent introduction to the basic social theories underpinning Marxist and Weberian thought. Discussion of economic production, surplus value, infrastructure, class, stratification, verstehen, class consciousness, and basic communism is included.

From the Paper
"Karl Marx believed that all societies are based on the organization of economic activity and that each society is determined by its individual mode of production (Jones, 1985: 43). Marx theorized that in capitalist-based modes of production, economic activity centers around two distinct groups of people those who own the means of production and those who do not (Jones, 1985: 44). Those who own and control the means of production, the bourgeoisie, pay those who do not own the means of production, the proletariat, only a percentage of the market-value of their productive effort and therefore profit more than the workers from the workers' own labor (Jones, 1985: 47). This "surplus value" (in the form of property/ money/ time) generated by the proletariat but appropriated by the bourgeoisie is what Marx believed created a dialectically exploitative relationship between the two groups and thus established economic classes within society (Jones, 1985: 44, 47)."

Tags:class, communism, verstehen

Abstract
This paper analyses George Herbert Mead's concepts of meaning, language, thought and self and how they provide a basis to understanding the complex, yet significant act of communication. It also discusses Herbert Blumer's concept of symbolic interactionism and many of his assertions associated with it. The paper then discusses how these apply to every day scenarios.

From the Paper
"Blumer's final concept is that of the self. Specifically that "we paint our self-portrait with brush strokes that come from taking the role of the other" (Griffin 2003). In other words, the idea that our view of ourself is constructed by our interaction with others. Consequently, this shows that the self is a function of language, as without talk, or without a community to talk to, there can be no understanding of our self. Mead also believes that there are two aspects of self, the 'I' and the 'me'. 'I' being the irrational and unpredictable, and the 'me' is the thought of being viewed as an object, the image of self that is created by interaction with others (Griffin 2003). For example, if I were to accidentally hurt myself during a silent Church service, the 'I' part of self may boisterously cry out in pain. As a result, the 'me' aspect of self may think 'boy I must look like an idiot!' The unpredictable voice of 'I' has led to the reflective hear of 'me' through the viewpoint of others."

Tags:Blumer, Mead, communication

Abstract
This essay explores the possibilities of the varying factors that might affect the probability of one disclosing personal information and thoughts to another.

From the Paper
"Not revealing personal information reduces the chances of others using that information against oneself but inevitably, people still reveal information about themselves on a day to day basis, especially to family and friends, and sometimes even strangers or acquaintances for various reasons. Derlega (1987) describes self-disclosure as the process of telling another person about oneself; honestly sharing thoughts and feelings that may be personal or private. To a large extent, having different personalities, gender and age does affect one's reason to self-disclose. However, this does not exclude the considerations that obligation may take the form of other situational factors, such as the studies by Gouldner in 1960, Bradac, Hosman, & Tardy in 1978 and Chaikin & Derlega, in 1974a (cf. Bradac, Hosman & Tardy, 1980), which show that if one were to disclose intimate information about oneself to another, the recipient is obliged to respond in a similar manner or they might run the risk of being negatively judged. Derlega and Grzelak (1979) offered a list of five different categories of possible purposes of self-disclosure, namely self-expression, self-clarification, social control, social validation and relationship development (cf. Prager, Fuller, & Gonzalez, 1989) which it will be discussed in relation to personality, gender and age factors in this essay."

Tags:behavior, extravert, extrovert, introvert, jung, personality, psychology, social, theories, theory

Abstract
An essay detailing Marx's and Weber's differing theories regarding the economy and the social structures within society. It provides a history of their theories with explanations of such concepts as the proletariat, bourgeoisie, and class struggle. A large part of the essay deals with an examination of whether their theories are still relevant to today's society. The general tone of the essay leans toward the affirmative . Marx and Weber have been founding figures in capitalist theory, and their ideas still have relevance today.

From the Paper
"Karl Marx and Max Weber are considered to be two of the earliest and most influential scholars on the sociology of capitalism. Both men concentrated on the role of modern man in a capitalist society however, their ideological stances concerning human interaction with the economy differed. Marx (1818-1883) believed that a capitalist society is based on human labor and is subsequently divided into a class structure based on the economic factors underlying who controls this labor (Abercrombie et. al., 1994:251-252). Weber (1864?1920) however believed that although economic factors were integral, they were not alone sufficient for a complete understanding of the nature of Capitalism (Bharadwaj and Kaviras, 1989:188). In an attempt to refute Marx's theories, Weber concentrated on the structure of status groups within society, rather than the class structure, endeavoring to demonstrate that not all divisions within society are based on the economy (Ashcraft, 1972:138)."

Tags:bourgeoisie, capitalism, class, communism, proletariat

Abstract
Using Emile Durkheim's sociological research on suicide as a grounding, this essay examines the way in which suicide can be sociologically investigated as a phenomenon. It logically discusses the differing types of suicide and possible explanations for these. The sociological imagination is discussed for its unparalleled ability to link micro with macro, or the individual with society, and expose a cultural explanation for suicide.

From the Paper
"The Sociological Imagination is an important aspect of sociology. If sociology is the study of social behavior and relationships within society, then the sociological imagination enables us to link personal experiences with wider societal relationships. The phenomenon of suicide is one that sociology has been interested in explaining for over a century and to understand how such a sociological phenomenon affects present society we must research it from the following perspectives; historically, culturally, structurally and critically."

Tags:durkheim, imagination, sociological

Abstract
This paper defines the nuclear family and discusses its role within society. The author also discusses how the breakdown of the nuclear family is blamed for social dysfunction. The stability and structure of society is examined in the light of the declining prevalence of the nuclear family.

From the paper:

"The nuclear family consisting of two adults, 1 male, 1 female, and children is the most common form of family in Australia according to 1996 census figures published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Talcott Parson?s cited in Jureidini & Poole, recognizes the nuclear family as the ?normal? family structure. While statistics show the nuclear family still being the most common family form in Australia they also show a decline in it?s predominance of approximately 10% over the last 20 years. It is for this reason that the functions and benefits of the nuclear family must be recognized before dysfunction alters the stability and structure of society."

Tags:adult, dysfunction, society, children, personality, relationships, parsons, bales, australia

Abstract
This paper applies the identity theory to the case of immigration in the United States. It asks if the United States should continue to allow Immigrants to enter the U.S. seeking refuge and citizenship, when the nations states are already overly populated? It questions whether immigrants should be allowed to enter the U.S. and work when there are hundreds of citizens and native-born Americans already unemployed and desperately searching for work. It uses these questions as example of the conflicting messages immigrants and their children face in modern day society, and explains how they add to the increasingly complex problem of finding identity in a torn nation.

From the Paper
"The United States is world known for its ethnic diversity, due in part to the immigration allowed over several years. Many people however, fail to find a means to foster inter-racial and ethnic identities, thus causing much conflict and a lack of a uniform sense of identity. The social issue relates to finding a common identity in a nation of multi-ethnicities. Children of immigrants are now coming of age, and from a social psychological stand will make the most lasting impression on society. The character of society will be shaped by their experiences."

Tags:ethnic, diversity, america, racial, employment, population

Abstract
Michel Foucault rejected the vast majority, if not all, of political and social theory. Foucault was inspired by Nietzsche's conception of the human world, but thought that "power" could not only explain the individual's condition, but also that of social life. Foucault's ideas on individuation, subjectivity, disicipline, sovereignty and power are all carefully explained, focusing on the relationship between body and subject.

From the Paper
"One of the most striking aspects in the work of Michel Foucault is his relationship between power and subjectivity. Foucault strongly rejects the notion of psychoanalysis, that human beings are individual subjects first and social agents second. Foucault believes that such a claim is far too simple. Human beings are neither individuals nor social agents, but individualised through power, beyond the specifics of sociological study. However the power that Foucault explores does not exist in and of itself. Rather, it is a relationship between institutions and bodies, extracting, harnessing, destroying and creating certain forces and drives in bodies. This process changes human beings from physical bodies into subjects. That is not to suggest that the process of individuation is uniform and generic. The opposite is in fact true. Foucault looks at several modes of subjectivication and while they are not mutually exclusive, nor are entirely independent, it is important to note and examine their differences. Different methods of applying power to bodies results in different individuals being produced. It is against this backdrop of subjectivication where we will begin our exploration. Originally, this essay will carefully consider Foucault's estimations of sovereign and disciplinary power, both as separate structures and in contrast with each other. From that point, we can proceed into making an evaluation of Foucault's explanations, with note as to the advantages and disadvantages of Foucault's striking conception of the human subject."

Tags:discipline, individuation, liberalism, nietzsche, power

Abstract
This essay examines how the composition of a group, whether for therapeutic or business reasons, affects the outcomes and group goals that can eventuate. The essay contends that group composition needs to be both homogeneous and heterogeneous enough to allow for group processes to occur, i.e. group stages, for the group dynamic to progress and group goals to be achieved.

From the Paper
"While it is true that a group is made up of individuals, and without those individuals there would be no group, it is quite impossible to judge the "sort of group" that will eventuate from merely examining the "sorts of people" that constitute it. Doing so would be like "explain[ing] the shifting pattern of a kaleidoscope by taking the tube to pieces and listing the fragments found inside" (Thompson and Kahn, 1970: 12). Systems theorists have long posited, in opposition to individual psychological explanations of group behavior, that when individuals "merge into a group" something new is created" (Lewin, 1951: 57). This new entity, although comprised of individuals, is believed to be "greater than the sum of its parts" and thus the dynamic that is created within the group is not directly attributed to any one individual but rather the unique interrelationship between those individuals and the force that this interrelationship has on group functioning."

Tags:heterogeneity, homogeneity, process, psychology, therapeutic, therapy

Abstract
The paper examines the reconstruction of family composition in 17th and 18th centuries by historian, P. Laslett in his book "The World We Have Lost". It explores why some theories such as the late age of first marriage that was apparently unique to pre-modern Europe, have not been challenged, while others, such as the notion of a stable nuclear pattern, have been disputed at length.

From the Paper
"Because early modern Europe was principally a rural and class-based society, the family structure during this era was highly reliant upon on social rank. When there was land and money at stake, marriage within the same social class was paramount. The poor were also limited to marrying within their social class, but had a larger pool of potential mates from which to choose. This was a time in history in which two-generation households, rather than three-generation households, were customary. The oldest members of the household traditionally bestowed any holdings they had to the next generation upon retirement, and remained in close proximity to the family. The close support that existed between relatives living in separate but neighboring homes makes it difficult to distinguish whether the independent nuclear family was the basic family unit during this time, or whether it was actually the extended family (Laslett, 1984)."

Tags:18th, 19th, Weber, Karl, Marx, Western