The Human Stain

 

The Murder of Trayvon Martin

 

The Trayvor Martin Case. 

1. How did race and racial stereotypes influence the events 

surrounding Trayvon Martin's death?

2. What does this case reveal about systemic racial inequality 

in policing and criminal justice?

3. Compare public reactions to Trayvon Martin's case to similar 

incidents involving individuals of other races.

4. Discuss how societal norms and values may have framed 

Trayvon Martin as "deviant" in Zimmerman's eyes.

…………………………………………………………..

5. How does Trayvon Martin's case illustrate the concept of 

labeling?

6. What role did cultural symbols (hoodies, race, language) 

play in the interactions leading up to Trayvon Martin's death?

…………………………………………………..

7. How do societal fears about crime influence the actions of 

individuals like George Zimmerman?

8. What role do neighborhood watch programs play in maintaining 

community safety? Are they always beneficial?

Hate Crimes - Debate

Hate Crimes: 

1. How do bias, prejudice, and discrimination contribute to 

hate crimes?

2. What are the psychological and emotional effects of hate 

crimes on victims and their communities?

3. What role can communities play in preventing and responding 

to hate crimes?

4. How has globalization impacted the spread of hate ideologies 

and hate crimes?

5. How does online hate speech contribute to offline hate crimes?

6. How does political polarization contribute to the rise of hate 

crimes?

Deviance: Different Approaches

 

Debate. 

1. According to structural-functionalism, how does deviance 

serve a purpose or function in society?

2. How can deviance act as a driving force for social change 

from a structural-functionalist perspective?

3. In what ways does deviance reinforce social norms and 

promote social order, according to structural-functionalists?

4. How does Robert Merton’s Strain Theory explain deviance 

through a structural-functional lens?

5. How does labeling theory, a key component of symbolic 

interactionism, explain deviance? What are the social 

consequences of being labeled as "deviant"?

6. What is the difference between primary and secondary 

deviance in the context of symbolic interactionism?

7. Can acts of deviance lead to social change from the 

symbolic interactionist perspective? If so, how?

8. How does power influence the definition and enforcement 

of deviant behavior?

9. How do dominant groups use the concept of deviance to 

maintain social control?

10. Why is corporate crime often treated differently than 

street crime?

Weber - Rationalization

 

Weber: Rationalization. Questions and Debate

1. Explain the notion of Bureaucracy. Why does Weber 

relate it to Dehumanization and Alienation?

2. Explain the notion of Instrumental rationality. 

3. Explain the notion of Substantive rationality. Why does 

Weber speak about the tension between instrumental 

rationality and Substantial rationality?

4. Explain the Weberian notion of Iron cage. Do you 

perceive an iron cage around yourself?

5. What is Economic Rationalization?

6. What is the Weberian Cultural shift? 

7. How do these concepts relate to political 

structures, according to Weber?

Written Exam - Answer Key - Textbook

 Some words about the Answer Key. 

Ethnocentrism vs. Xenocentrism

Ethnocentrism vs. Xenocentrism Debate:

1. Should one’s own culture always be viewed as superior?

2. Can xenocentrism help foster multiculturalism?

3. How do these two concepts affect international 

experiences, especially for those living abroad?

4. How can we develop a balance of appreciation for 

one’s own culture and others?