Reference no: EM132614540

We are in the middle of a global pandemic, whatever you think about it, our world and our interactions have changed substantially over the past six months. For this assignment you will analyze the pandemic using the theories that you have read about in Chapter 1. Remember the different levels of analysis. Think about how sociologists are relevant in the world at the moment, how would they explain the pandemic using the different theories? Remember, we are analyzing the societal/group/institutional aspects of a biological entity here which is not usual. Think of the virus more as an institution and look at how it has influenced different groups in our society. Some theories will be easier to use than others. Don't worry this is always the case, no one theory can explain everything. Just give it a go.

Question 1: Structural Functionalism. What is the function (or functions) of the virus in our society? What purpose(s) does it serve, and how does it help society maintain stability and order? Discuss how notions of the sacred and profane are characterized. Are there manifest and latent functions of the virus? And are there any dysfunctions in it?

Question 2: Conflict Theory. What forms of inequality are revealed in the virus? In particular what does it say about class, race, gender, sexuality, or other inequalities? Whose interests are being served or exploited? Who suffers and who benefits during the pandemic?

Question 3: Symbolic Interactionism. What does the pandemic mean to society as a whole? What does it mean to individual members of society? Can the virus/pandemic have different meanings for different individuals or groups of individuals? How do those meanings get constructed in interaction? And how does the virus/pandemic shape and influence our everyday lives?

Question 4: Is there any one theory that you believe can explain the pandemic and its affect on society?