Sociology 357 (Modern Sociological Theory) Professor Mejia, Spring Semester 2023 California State University, Long Beach Department of Sociology

Analytical Paper Assignment #2 Prompt Questions Please Choose Either Option A or B

Due in the Designated Drop Box on Beachboard:

Option #A: Theories of Power and State-Society Relations

One Essay Required: Essay should be no longer than 8 pages, double-spaced. Point Value: 100 Total Points

Theorists of power and state-society relations have generated vigorous intellectual debates within sociology and other social sciences, and encouraged much empirical research which supports and/or challenges their theories. Using the required class readings, write an analytical essay which compares how the pluralists (Robert Dahl and others), power elite theorists (Mills and Logan & Molotch), and neo-Marxists (Antonio Gramsci) conceptualize and analyze power and state society relations. In your essay, you must

1. Examine the key arguments formulated by the three theoretical approaches (pluralist, power elite, and neo-Marxist) listed above;

2. Provide a critical comparison of the respective approaches, and discuss any potential areas of convergence or divergence that you find significant; and

3. Explain which theoretical approach or individual theorist you find most persuasive in their arguments, and your reasons for your selection. What do you think the theorist(s) you have selected would say about the current state of power dynamics and state-society relations in the United States?

Make sure to explain your arguments with reference to the assigned readings.

Information Relevant for This Essay: Waste (1986) E-Posting Reading; Mills (1956/2000) E-Posting Reading; Loyal & Malesevic (2021) E-Posting Reading; [optional] Logan & Molotch (2002) E-Posting Reading; and Relevant Class Lectures.

OR

Option #B: Critical Theory/The Frankfurt School

One Essay Required: Essay should be no longer than 8 pages, double-spaced. Point Value: 100 Total Points

Starting in the mid-1940s, critical theorists associated with the “Frankfurt School” in Germany argued that the mass media along with corporations and other social institutions seek to control and dominate individual thought and action. These theorists paid particular attention in their analyses to the role of culture and technology, and the entire communication system of capitalist societies. Although many contemporary social and cultural analyses to date focus on these and related topics, it is the work of the Frankfurt School theorists, particularly Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, and Herbert Marcuse which set the foundation for these critical theoretical approaches to society. Additionally, the work of Jurgen Habermas in the latter part of the twentieth century, has been a significant addition to these approaches to critical theory. Habermas’ examination of systemic problems in the political economy as well as his critical analysis of communication and the public sphere have been considered important for a more critical understanding of democracy and capitalism.

Based on the assigned readings on critical theory/The Frankfurt School, write an essay which a) explains the major theoretical perspectives on society and culture of Horkheimer and Adorno, as well as Habermas; b) offers a comparative analysis of their approaches, focusing on any areas of convergence or divergence that you find significant; and c) evaluates the overall role of cultural industries and media in modern society. Do you think, as the Critical Theorists do, that cultural industries, media, and technology in Western societies are being manipulated by capitalists and governments to control populations? If yes, how? If no, why not? In your analysis, consider if the theoretical insights of Critical Theory are still relevant or useful to date.

Make sure to explain your arguments with reference to the assigned readings.

Information Relevant for This Essay: Dillon (2020)-Chapter 5; Horkheimer & Adorno (1948/2006) E-Posting Reading; and Relevant Class Lectures.

Best Wishes!