Discussion Questions

  1. Compare and contrast the way in which separating the families of immigrants who cross the Mexican border into the United States would be explained by a structural-functionalist, a conflict theorist, and a symbolic interactionist. What would each say about the policy? What would each say about the negative effects on families? What would each say about the impact on U.S. society?

  2. Are Marx’s views still relevant today? Did Marx predict the current stratification in the United States? If so, how?

  3. What are some theories that you have about your own social world? How did you arrive at these assumptions? What observations were made? What supporting evidence have you found? Explain in as much detail as possible.