A discussion between W.E.B. Dubois and George Mead on race relations and inequality today in the context of understanding Double Consciousness and Self.
For the final paper, you are required to select 2 theorists that you have learned about in this class and imagine that they are sitting in a coffee shop discussing a current social issue of concern to society. For example, imagine that Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim are sipping coffee and discussing the Black Lives Matter movement. They each would present a perspective on the subject that is reflective of their particular theoretical orientation (conflict theory vs. structural functionalism). Thus, one might suggest that the movement is the result of conflict caused by the tension between the elite and the masses. The other might suggest that it is functional for there to be disagreement in order to effectuate much-needed change to bring about equilibrium to ensure the smooth running of society. Naturally, they would explain the reasoning behind their respective positions using concepts and applications they have developed in their works.
You are to choose the issue and the theorists and incorporate the issue in their conversation. You may NOT use the issue outlined above as that is just for use as an exemplar. You will need to research and analyze a social problem determining what the issue is and how each theorist would approach it. Once you have a good understanding of the social issue, compare and contrast each theorist’s take on the issue and articulate your positions into dialogue, making sure you substantiate the concepts with supporting documentation (quotes and citations). Upon completion of the articulation of the dialogue, provide a conclusion that explains which approach, in your opinion, is most appropriate for explaining the phenomenon and explain why. You must use at least 4 peer-reviewed academic journal articles (2 for each theorist) in addition to the class textbook to support your information
The final project must be at least 3 pages in length, not including the title page or reference page. All submissions must be double-spaced in 12 point font, Times New Roman write a 3 plus page paper that introduces the issue and recreates their conversation.
In it, explain the selected social issue and state why it is important to discuss.
Social Issue: Race Relations and Inequality in the 21st Century
Introduce the two theorists you selected and provide their theoretical orientation.
Dr. W.E.B. Dubois (Double Consciousness) and Dr. George Mead (Self)
Detail through written dialogue what each of these theorists would say about the problem, and what each would recommend to solve it.
Use dialogue to show what each fails to appreciate about the problem and how this failure is the result of his/her basic theoretical orientation. (Ex., “The problem with you Marx is that you see everything as related to the means of production.”)
Make sure each theorist has the opportunity to respond to these criticisms.
Conclude the paper with the approach you think is more appropriate and explain why.
Do not use the topic in the example provided.
