“Systemic thinking”
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A six page paper which looks at the concept of systemic thinking and the various ways it can be applied by social workers and therapists within the context of family relationships, in terms of establishing a dialogue through which conflict can be resolved and individual autonomy established.
Filename: JLSyst.rtf

“The Case for Marriage: Why Married People are Happier, Healthier, and Better Off Financially” (2000) by Linda J. Waite and Maggie Gallagher
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This is a 6 page paper discussing the book “The Case for Marriage: Why Married People are Happier, Healthier, and Better Off Financially” (2000) by Linda J. Waite and Maggie Gallagher. “The Case for Marriage: Why Married People are Happier, Healthier, and Better Off Financially” (2000) by Linda J. Waite and Maggie Gallagher relates 18 years of social science research by Waite who is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Chicago and Gallagher who is the Director of the Marriage Program at the Institute for American Values. Despite Gallagher’s professional position, the authors are quick to note that their text is not based on arguments of morals and religion but instead are based on years of social science data including factors such as health, finances, life expectancy and emotional well-being. Regardless of the basis of the text however, it has received mixed reviews since its publication. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: TJLWait1.rtf

"Max Weber’s Construction of Social Theory" by Martin Albrow
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Martin Albrow, in his book Max Weber’s Construction of Social Theory, argues that Max Weber provides a long-neglected foundation for sociology, and that the arguments of Weber can be utilized in understanding the sociological premises of a number of other theorists, including Kant and Nietzche. Further, Albrow relates the arguments of Weber to the assertion of the value of sociology as a science, and also defines the link between the premises of social theory and the development of social philosophy, social psychology and the logical correlation between the two. This 4 page paper reflects the essential arguments in Albrow’s work and considers the implications for evaluating sociological, philosophical and psychological underpinnings. No additional sources cited.
Filename: Weberal.wps

"Mortality is Not Relative": James Rachels' Views on the Theory of Cultural Relativism
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A 7 page exploration of Rachels beliefs in regard to what determines certain cultural practices and whether or not there are inherent rights and wrongs in those practices. More specifically, Rachels explores the question of whether morality is a phenomena that varies according to culture, whether different cultures do in fact operate under different moral codes. Rachels points out that many cultures even diverge greatly from our Western precepts of right and wrong. He is particularly interested in the theory of cultural relativism, that theory that demands that we view behavior and situations in a world context rather than from the closely defined views of one culture. Rachels sees both positives and negatives in that theory, however. No additional sources are listed.
Filename: PPmoralR.rtf

"The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon" by Karl Marx
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A 5 page paper which analyzes the first and last parts of "The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon" by Karl Marx. No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAmarx18th.wps

"The Emperor's Giraffe" by Samuel M. Wilson
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A 5 page paper which examines the book "The Emperor's Giraffe" by Samuel M. Wilson as it relates to cultural assimilation. Wilson's book argues that contact between cultures often results in the discovery of commonalties, and later leads to assimilation. The assumption is examined. Bibliography lists 1 additional source.
Filename: RAgiraff.wps

"The Myth of Self Esteem" by John Hewitt
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A 5 page paper which analyzes the book "The Myth of Self Esteem" by John Hewitt from a sociological perspective. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.
Filename: RAhewitt.rtf

"The Wall" and Conflict Theory
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A 6 page paper which examines the Pink Floyd film "The Wall" from a perspective concerning conflict theory. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: RApinkwl.rtf

19th Century Social Evolutionism
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This 9 page paper discusses the evolution of man. It talks about Charles Darwin, Lewis Henry Morgan, Edward Tylor and Herbert Spencer. Their theories and where they originated from. 11 sources are cited.
Filename: 19thcent.rtf

A Case Study in Bureaucracy
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This 7 page paper examines Weber's bureaucracy along with Perrow's criticism of it. Bureaucracy is explored. Both positive and negative factors are highlighted. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: SA544bur.rtf