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?

Multiculturalism in Paris

Multiculturalism in a global city. 

1. Please share one advantage and one challenge of living 

in a multicultural society, based on your 

experiences in Paris. 

2. How does Paris, as a multicultural city, accommodate 

different cultures?

3. Have you noticed examples of cultural integration, or 

do people tend to stay within their own cultural groups?

Culture - Debates.

The Debate on Culture, Subculture, and Counter-Culture:

1. How does culture shape our identity and worldview?

2. To what extent do cultural norms and values influence 

behavior in different societies?

3. Discuss how globalization has impacted cultural 

diversity. Has it led to cultural homogenization or 

greater appreciation for cultural differences?

Subculture:

1. What role do subcultures play in expressing 

individuality and identity in a larger society?

2. How do subcultures like goth, hip-hop, or skater 

communities challenge or reinforce mainstream 

cultural values?

3. Can subcultures exist without being commodified 

by mainstream society? Discuss with examples.

Counterculture:

1. How do countercultures, such as the 1960s hippie 

movement, seek to challenge and change dominant 

social norms?

2. Are modern countercultures, such as environmental 

or anti-consumerist movements, as influential as past 

ones?

3. What role do technology and social media play in the 

formation and spread of countercultures today?

America Lost

 

The Decline of American Manufacturing

 

Max Weber

 

Max Weber. (1864-1920)

1. Why does Capitalism exist?

2. What is the “Protestant work ethic”?

3. Explain the differences between Catholicism and 

Protestantism regarding “work”. 

4. Explain the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism 

regarding the notion of family. 

5. Explain the notion of “disenchantment of the world.” 

6. Explain the differences between Marx and Weber regarding 

religion. 

7. Explain the three types of power humanity has gone through.

More Topics for Debate

1. According to the author, Harriet Martineau “found the workings 

of capitalism at odds with the professed moral principles of the 

people of the United States.” 

2. She pointed out “the faults with the free enterprise system in 

which the workers were exploited and impoverished while 

business owners became wealthy”

3. The belief that “all are created equal was inconsistent with 

the lack of women’s rights”

4. Do you agree with Spencer’s perspective on the survival 

of the fittest?  Do you think Darwin’s ideas about natural 

selection be applied in the field of social studies?

Compte and Positivism

 

Auguste Compte (1798-1857)

1. What are the “three stages” mentioned by Compte? Explain each one of them. 

2. Express and justify your opinion regarding the Comptean evolutive scheme. 

3. Can these stages co-exist or overlap within societies? Why (or why not)?

Reading Beyond: Einstein’s Space and Van Gogh’s Sky. Physical Reality and Beyond. Le Shan, and Margeneau. 

Introduction to the Course

 1. Syllabus. Evaluations. Working in groups, et. cetera. 

2. Introduce yourself.

3. Why are you interested in sociology? 

4. What social issue interests you the most?