Sociology Issues. People Of Color, Authority, Familys Characteristics, Religion - Research Paper Example

? Sociology Issues The purpose of this paper is to examine and eluci various topics in sociology. To perform this examination, this paper focuses on why the color line topic is one of the volatile topics today, the three sources of authority and their differences, and reasons why social class is more important than race in determining family characteristics. In addition, this paper focuses on the importance of religion in the US and world in general, as well as reasons for alienation and community in cities. A hundred years ago, sociologist W. E. B Du Bois said “The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line-the relation of the darker to the lighter races”. Why do you think that the color line remains one of the most volatile topic facing the nation? A hundred years ago, Du Bois posited that ‘The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line- the relation of the darker to the lighter races’. The color line topic remains one of the most volatile topics facing the nation in the modern world. The US is home to individuals from many backgrounds and races. It is of significance to note the fact that Whites consider themselves more civilized as compared to people of color. In a historical perspective, most part of the world apart America and Europe were poor. These countries were considered developed at that time. Development comes with power. Therefore, as a result of their power and wealth, they attacked and colonized poor countries especially those in Africa. It followed that individuals from these poor countries were enslaved and shipped to work on farms or plantations in the developed countries (Henslin, 2012). From this historical scenario, it is evident that Whites have always viewed people of color as inferior. Today, people of color are treated unfairly in many most European countries and America. It is morally right or correct to treat people equally. In fact, equality has its roots from the Bible and Koran as well. God commands people to do well to others as we are all created in God’s image. Racism and discrimination on the basis of skin color is therefore unethical, morally wrong, and against the teachings of God (Henslin, 2012). This is why this topic of color line remains one of the most volatile topics in the world today. Based on the color of their skin, people have been discriminated in all places and areas. For instance, there are many cases where people of color are denied job opportunities as well as other privileges Whites of the same status would enjoy. What are the three sources of authority, and how do they differ from one another? Individual behaviors in all aspects of life are controlled by rules and regulations. These rules and regulations must be implemented by particular individuals. These individuals are considered to be in positions of authority. In addition, an individual mandated with a task of making certain resolutions can also be referred to be in authority. There are three sources of authority. These sources of authority were proposed by Weber. According to him, the sources of authority include charismatic, traditional, and rational-legal authority. According to charismatic authority, respect and admiration is bestowed towards an individual based on his/her unusual and astonishing desirability as well as supremacy or command. Weber argued that in charismatic authority, individuals are granted reverence or tribute due to their ability and aptitude to venture and plan. In traditional authority, respect and admiration is bestowed towards an individual due to his/her lineage or ancestry. For instance, the children of the Queen of England are bestowed respect and admiration due to their family lineage. According to the rational-legal authority, individuals are bestowed with respect and admiration due to the role they play within the society. In this king of authority, the position held by an individual is necessitates to be treated in respect and admiration. It is important to note that respect and admiration is not as a result of the individual, but due to the position s/he holds (Compton, 2000). For instance, the position of presidency or prime minister is treated with respect and admiration. Explain why the social class is more important than race-ethnicity in determining a family’s characteristics People from all corners of the world particularly from different continents and societies possess different physical characteristics. The social class of families has been determined through assessing certain factors or aspects of a family such as level of income, edification, profession, and standards of living. Social class is a direct depiction or illustration of the living standards of a particular family. In regard to level of income, social class is illustrates the monetary ability of a family. On the other hand, race illustrates a family in terms of customs and traditions. Different individuals are also brought up in different and divergent circumstances. People tend to socialize and for associations according to their social status. There are the middle class, the poor, and the rich. It is very easy to therefore identify and assess characteristics of each family according to their social class. The rich are considered to have high levels of income, highly educated, and their standards of living are also high. The middle class on the other hand are considered to have moderate or average levels of income, have average education, and have average living standards. The poor have low levels of income, most of them are illiterate, and their standards of living are pathetic. This shows or indicates the ease involved in determining family characteristics according to social class. Race refers to ethnicity or background of an individual. In terms of race or ethnicity, people differ in terms of language, and color of the skim. It is difficult to tell the level of income, education, and living standards of an individual on the basis of language and color of the skin (Banks & McGee, 2009). Why is religion likely to remain a strong feature of US life, and remain strong in people’s lives around the globe? According to Flood (2011), religion has always remained an important aspect of people all over the word. Religion acts as a guide that control individual behavior. There is a common saying that asserts that human beings are notoriously religious. People are allowed by religion to act only in morally and ethically correct manners. It has also remained an important aspect of people’s lives as it forms the basis or foundation through which human beings form relationships or associations. Since religion gives hope of life after death, it gives people the motivation and drive to live life to the fullest and act in accordance to what the religion necessitates. It is of significance to posit that religion provides human beings with answers to various questions they may have regarding life in general. Through religion, individuals are able to receive guidance in whatever difficulties they encounter in their lives. In doing so, religion helps present people worldwide with peace of mind which is important for growth and development in all aspects of life. Why do people find alienation or community in the city? To understand why people find alienation in most cities or major towns, it is important to define alienation. The feeling of alienation is referred to as the sensation experienced by individuals that no one cares about them. In most part of cities, it is very easy to find people from the same ethnic background or race forming a community that lives together. Event strangers living in the same neighborhood will eventually come together and form relations or associations that will enable them to live together. This is due to the fact that human beings are considered as social animals. An outsider joining a particular neighborhood will find people who are fond of each other and therefore s/he will feel alienated. People are also classified in terms of the social status. Therefore, an individual of a different social class will definitely feel alienated by individuals from the same social status (Weightman, 2004). References Banks, J. A., & McGee, C. A. B. (2009). Multicultural Education: Issues and Perspectives. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Compton, R. W. (2000). East Asian Democratization: Impact of Globalization, Culture, and Economy. West Port, USA: Praeger Publishers. Flood, G. (2011). The Importance of Religion: Meaning and Action in Our Strange World. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons. Henslin, J. M. (2012). Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach, Core Concepts. Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education. Weightman, J. (2004). Managing People. London, UK: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Read More