UCC and SOC103 – Essay Questions Study Guideline

Part B: Essay Questions

Global Stratification, Gender Stratification, Race and Ethnicity

1. Why do you think that the concept of Beauty is a social construct? Propose 5 innovative ideas to
debunk the Beauty Myth.

2. Describe the differences between the 3 types of Feminism by providing an example of policy that can
improve social standing of women. Why are there Opposition to Feminism? Provide 3 reasons

3. Provide a short description on how the following theories can be used to explain prejudice. For each
theory, propose 2 ideas to reduce conflict in a multicultural society.

i. Scapegoat Theory
ii. Culture Theory
iii. Conflict Theory

4. Describe Rostow’s stages of modernization by giving an example of economic activity for each stage.
As an activist what will you to lobby rich nations to assist poorer countries in economic development?
Provide 4 suggestions.

5. What are the results of research by Margaret Mead on 3 ethnic groups? Do you think the trend of
“Gender Fluidity” will spread to the Middle East in the future? Provide 2 reasons.

Family

6. Explain 7 types of marriages according to Bella DePaulo. Which type of marriage do you think will be
common in the future? Provide 2 reasons.

7. Describe 4 examples of alternative forms of family in United States today. Do you think this trend will
also happen in other countries?

8. In the light of 3 recent technology advancements, what would be your 3 predictions on the future of
family in the year 2070?

9. Do you think divorce rate will remain high in the United States? Provide 3 reasons to support your
opinion.

10. What are the 3 main reasons Judith Tracey rejected the traditional family? In your opinion, do you
think traditional family will survive in the future? Provide 2 reasons

11. Describe Gottman’s theory on Emotional Biddings. Do you think the theory can be applied to improve
your relationship with your future spouse?
Religion

12. Choose any 3 types of Atheists based on classification by Coleman and Silver and describe their
lifestyle based on their belief

13. Emile Durkheim identified 3 main functions of religion. Choose any 2 religion and explain how this
can be used to explain the importance of religion in your everyday life.

14. What is the social-conflict approach to explain religion? Provide 2 reasons to support this approach. If
you do not agree, explain how symbolic-interaction is a better approach.

15. Do you think religion will continue to flourish or in decline in the next 50 years? Provide 3 reasons

16. Describe the 5 core values of New Age Spiritualism. In what ways are New Age Spiritualism different
from traditional religion?

Education and Health

17. Explain how you will apply 3 main ideas from Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers to prepare for your
future career.

18. Explain 3 differences between the lifestyle of the Sardinians, Seven Day Adventists and Okinawans
that contributed to their high life expectancy. Which approach will you apply to improve your health?
Provide 2 reasons

19. Explain the Coronary Heart Disease using a diagram. What are the 3 government policies that you
would propose to reduce heart disease in the society? What are the 3 things that you do personally to avoid
Coronary Heart Disease?

20. What is the meaning of “Social Construction of Illness”? Discuss this by providing 2 examples of how
the livelihood of a patient can be affected.

21. What are the 3 uniqueness of Finnish education system? Do you think that Finish concept of
“Phenomenon Learning” should be emulated by other countries? Provide two reasons.

Population and Urbanization

22. Explain the Demographic Transition Theory. If your country is in Stage 4, what are 2 examples of
social impacts?

23. Based on research by Tracy Francis and Fernanda Hoefel, what are the 4 characteristic of Gen Y?
Based on the 4 characteristics do you consider yourself a typical Gen Y?
24. You are Mayor of an important city in Asia. Explain 5 ideas to improve your city based on the EIU
Livable City indicators.

Social Movement and Modern Society

25. What are the 4 characteristic of modernity according to Peter Berger? Discuss this by comparing a
modern society with a traditional society.

26. Why do postmodern thinkers hold the view that “Science no longer hold the answers” to a better life?
Provide 3 reasons. Do you agree with this view? Provide one reason

27. In light of current advancements in technological development, discuss 3 predictions on the future of
the post-modern society based on the following themes. Discuss one prediction for each theme.

i. The Future of Social Ties

ii. The Field of Fine Arts
iii. New Philosophy

28. Explain how you would start a social movement based on the following 3 theories. Provide an example
for each theory.

i. Deprivation Theory
ii. Mass Society Theory
iii. Resource-mobilization Theory

Select any issue and provide 2 ideas on how the internet or social media can be used for awareness or
campaigns.