sociology short answers 1

1. Examine a highly influential leader from any part of the world (either past or present). How much of this leader’s powers were based on positional power vs. personal power. Discuss in great detail how this person’s powers influenced his/her social behavior, roles, and activities.

2.Max Weber suggested that bureaucracy, while intended to maximize efficiency in tasks and organizations, could also be highly irrational. He coined the term “iron cage of bureaucracy” to talk about the web of rules and regulations he feared would ensnare modern societies and individuals. Members of society often feel trapped and dehumanized by bureaucracies. However, bureaucracies are meant to maintain social order and foster the smooth working of institutions through the creation of rules and regulations.

Explain this paradox using an example of your own encounters with an “iron cage” of bureaucracy. Use some of the characteristics of bureaucracies in your discussion.

3.Select a primary or secondary group that you are familiar with and analyze it sociologically using concepts that relate to group dynamics such as size and leadership style. Discuss whether or not this particular group should be classified as a primary or secondary group and why you classified it as such. Does this particular group contribute economic, cultural, and/or social capital to its members? Explain.