Marx and Engels fundamental to capitalism
EXPLAIN ONE of the following processes that MARX AND ENGELS describe as fundamental to capitalism. Define or describe the concept in detail, and explain how it specifically applies to modern capitalism, and how it negatively impacts labor or thwarts a positive potential.
MARX AND ENGELS describe as fundamental to capitalism
Question 1:
Concept Definition. MARX AND ENGELS (1 question- 250 words max- 10 points).
EXPLAIN ONE of the following processes that MARX AND ENGELS describe as fundamental to capitalism.
Define or describe the concept in detail, and explain how it specifically applies to modern capitalism, and how it negatively impacts labor or thwarts a positive potential.
A. estranged labor
OR
B. exploitation
Question 2:
Concept Definition. DURKHEIM (1 question- 250 words max- 10 points).
EXPLAIN ONE of the following concepts that DURKHEIM describes as significant to modern life. Define or describe the concept in detail; explain why it is prevalent in modern societies, and explain how it negatively and/or positively impacts societies.
A. anomie
OR
B. moral individualism
Question 3:
Firstly, Concept Definition, elaborated. DURKHEIM (1 question – 500 words max- 20 points).
Secondly, In The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, DURKHEIM develops a significant contribution to how sociologists understand the role of ideas in social life.
Also, Describe, in the simplest language that you can, the elements of Durkheim’s theory of religion. In your description of Durkheim’s theory of religion, differentiate aspects of the theory about what people think (ideas), what people do (actions), and the material world (objects).
Further, Explain how this conception of social bonding differs from Durkheim’s earlier theories of a social bond built on collective consciousness (mechanical solidarity) or regulation (organic solidarity).
Question 4:
Firstly, Concept Definition, elaborated. MARX and ENGELS (1 question- 500 words max- 20 points).
Secondly, In The German Ideology, MARX AND ENGELS argued that philosophers of their time (Hegel and his followers) mistakenly believed that thoughts can change history. And yet, ideas, thoughts, and consciousness do play a role in Marx and Engels’ theory of history.
Thirdly, Describe, in the simplest language you can, some basic elements of the alternative theory of history that Marx and Engels offered, what we call a materialist theory of history. Include a description of the place that ideas, thoughts, or consciousness play in this theory.
Also, Illustrate your description with details about a real-life example of historical change such as urban gentrification, the fall of communism in the USSR and China, or the recent financial crisis.
Question 5:
Interpreting Contemporary Phenomena – Durkheim. (1 question – 500 words max – 20 points)
Describe how Durkheim might explain some part of ONE of the phenomena below.
In your answer, you should clearly state what aspect of the phenomenon you are explaining; you should restate in your own words what concept(s) from Durkheim’s writing you are applying; and you should demonstrate how those elements of theory connect to the real-life example to help offer an explanation.
a. The current spread of the COVID-19 virus and its impacts, globally and/or in specific places.
b. Recent liberal economic transformations in post-socialist nations such as China and Hungary, including the privatization of land.
c. The recent rise of populism and political polarization in the US and elsewhere, and its impacts.
d. The candidacies, campaigns, and voting outcomes of the current Democratic primaries for the US 2020 presidential election.
e. Mass Incarceration in the U.S. has substantially increased in recent decades even though crime rates have decreased. With over 2 million people now behind bars, the U.S. now has over twice as many prisoners for its size than any other country, and those prisoners are disproportionately young, black men.
f. The rise of unpaid internships as an increasingly common experience for American students attending four-year colleges, and as a special hardship for low-income and working students.
g. You may choose any other contemporary or historical phenomenon to discuss, but you may not use an issue that was discussed extensively in lecture or discussion.
Question 6 (a-g):
Firstly, Interpreting Contemporary Phenomena – Marx and Engels. (1 question – 500 words max – 20 points)
Secondly, Describe how Marx and Engels might explain some part of ONE of the phenomena listed in Question 5.
Thirdly, In your answer, you should clearly state what aspect of the phenomenon you are explaining; you should restate in your own words what concept(s) from Marx and Engels’ writing you are applying; and you should demonstrate how those elements of theory connect to the real-life example to help offer an explanation.
