Steps to Writing a Sociological Analysis

Buddy Shay reports:

"Sociological analysis papers are unique because you cannot make interpretations on your own. You must apply a sociological theory like Functionalism, Conflict Theory or Symbolic Interactionism to the subject and show how that theory explains the topic...Unless your professor requires you to use a particular theory, choose one that speaks to you. As defined by the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Functionalism describes how the pieces of society work together for the good of the whole, Conflict Theory states that society is a struggle between the oppressors and the oppressed, and Symbolic Interactionism shows that society is constructed from people’s behavior in groups and by people's interpretations. A strong sociological analysis applies a specific theory to show something new and different about social life...Decide what social situation to analyze. Your professor may have a specific requirement, like a particular movie, or you may analyze part of your personal history or a social problem. The problem could be something from the news or a problem you experience yourself...However, avoid thinking about the problem in purely personal terms; apply the theory and stay within that framework...Go through your course resources to find pieces of the theory that apply to your topic. You could take the basic framework of the theory or find a specific point to use. Examine the causes or effects of your subject and decide whether to apply the subject to society as a whole, using macrosociology, or to the immediate group, using microsociology...Use evidence from your experience or your sources to prove your points. The University of Berkeley advises to only include the important details that prove your point."