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Essays on Sociological Perspective

The importance of writing an essay on sociological perspective.

Writing an essay on sociological perspective is important because it allows you to analyze and understand society from a broader and more critical point of view. Sociological perspective helps you to see the world through a different lens, and writing an essay on this topic can help you to develop a deeper understanding of social issues and the ways in which they impact individuals and groups.

When writing an essay on sociological perspective, it's important to consider the various sociological theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic you are exploring. This might include structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, or feminist theory, among others. By incorporating these theories into your essay, you can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the social issues at hand.

Additionally, it's important to use evidence and examples to support your arguments and demonstrate the relevance of sociological perspective to real-world situations. This might involve citing empirical studies, historical events, or current social trends to illustrate the ways in which sociological perspective can help us to understand and address social problems.

Writing an essay on sociological perspective also requires critical thinking and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. It's important to acknowledge the complexities and contradictions inherent in social issues, and to recognize that there are often no easy answers or simple solutions. By engaging with different viewpoints and considering the broader social context, you can develop a more well-rounded and informed analysis in your essay.

Writing an essay on sociological perspective is important because it allows you to deepen your understanding of social issues and the ways in which they are shaped by larger social forces. By incorporating sociological theories, using evidence and examples, and engaging with multiple perspectives, you can develop a more comprehensive and insightful analysis of the social issues at hand.

• The sociological perspective on crime and deviance
• The impact of social class on educational attainment
• Gender inequality in the workplace: a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on media and its influence on society
• The role of religion in society from a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on family dynamics and relationships
• The impact of globalization on society from a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on health and healthcare disparities
• The effects of technology on society from a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on racial and ethnic inequality
• The role of social institutions in shaping individual behavior
• The sociological perspective on social movements and activism
• The impact of urbanization on society from a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on mental health and illness
• The influence of social norms and values on individual behavior
• The sociological perspective on environmental issues and sustainability
• The role of socialization in shaping individual identity
• The impact of social change on society from a sociological perspective
• The sociological perspective on immigration and its effects on society
• The influence of social networks on individual behavior and relationships

The sociological perspective provides a unique lens through which to examine and understand the complexities of society. By analyzing social structures, institutions, and interactions, sociologists are able to uncover the underlying patterns and processes that shape human behavior and societal dynamics.

One of the key areas of focus within the sociological perspective is the study of crime and deviance. Sociologists seek to understand the social factors that contribute to criminal behavior and the ways in which society responds to deviant acts. By examining the influence of social class, race, and gender on crime rates and the criminal justice system, sociologists are able to shed light on the broader social implications of criminal behavior.

Another important topic within the sociological perspective is the impact of social class on educational attainment. Sociologists study the ways in which social and economic inequalities affect access to quality education and opportunities for academic success. By examining the disparities in educational outcomes based on social class, sociologists are able to identify the structural barriers that perpetuate inequality and limit social mobility.

Gender inequality in the workplace is also a significant focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists analyze the ways in which gender roles and stereotypes influence employment opportunities, wages, and career advancement. By examining the social and cultural factors that contribute to gender inequality, sociologists are able to advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equity in the workplace.

The sociological perspective also offers valuable insights into the role of media in shaping societal attitudes and behaviors. Sociologists study the ways in which media messages and representations influence public opinion, consumer behavior, and social norms. By examining the impact of media on society, sociologists are able to identify the potential for media to perpetuate stereotypes and promote social change.

Religion is another important area of study within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which religious beliefs and practices shape individual and collective identities, as well as the ways in which religion intersects with other social institutions. By examining the role of religion in society, sociologists are able to uncover the diverse ways in which religious beliefs and practices influence social behavior and cultural practices.

The sociological perspective also provides valuable insights into family dynamics and relationships. Sociologists study the ways in which family structures and roles are shaped by social and cultural factors, as well as the ways in which family dynamics influence individual development and well-being. By examining the complexities of family life, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which social institutions and processes impact the ways in which families function and evolve over time.

Globalization is another important area of study within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which economic, political, and cultural forces shape global interconnectedness and the ways in which globalization influences individual and collective identities. By examining the impact of globalization on society, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which global processes and trends shape local communities and individual lives.

Health and healthcare disparities are also a significant focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which social and economic factors influence access to healthcare, as well as the ways in which social inequalities contribute to disparities in health outcomes. By examining the social determinants of health, sociologists are able to advocate for policies and practices that promote health equity and improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

The influence of technology on society is another important topic within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which technological advancements shape social interactions, cultural practices, and economic structures. By examining the impact of technology on society, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which digital technologies influence social behavior and cultural practices.

Racial and ethnic inequality is also a significant focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which race and ethnicity intersect with social institutions and processes to produce and perpetuate social inequalities. By examining the impact of race and ethnicity on society, sociologists are able to advocate for policies and practices that promote racial and ethnic equity and challenge systemic discrimination and prejudice.

Social institutions also play a critical role in shaping individual behavior and societal dynamics. Sociologists study the ways in which social institutions such as education, family, religion, and government influence the ways in which individuals interact with one another and participate in collective life. By examining the role of social institutions in society, sociologists are able to uncover the ways in which social structures and processes shape the ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world around them.

Social movements and activism are also important areas of focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which social movements and collective action shape social change and challenge existing power structures. By examining the dynamics of social movements, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which social movements and activism influence public opinion and policy outcomes.

Urbanization is another important area of study within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which urbanization influences social interactions, cultural practices, and economic structures. By examining the impact of urbanization on society, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which urban environments shape social behavior and cultural practices.

Mental health and illness are also significant areas of focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which social and cultural factors influence mental health outcomes and the ways in which mental illness is stigmatized and marginalized within society. By examining the social determinants of mental health, sociologists are able to advocate for policies and practices that promote mental health equity and challenge the stigma associated with mental illness.

Social norms and values also play a critical role in shaping individual behavior and societal dynamics. Sociologists study the ways in which social norms and values influence social interactions, cultural practices, and institutional structures. By examining the influence of social norms and values on society, sociologists are able to uncover the ways in which cultural practices and collective beliefs shape the ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world around them.

Environmental issues and sustainability are also important areas of study within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which social and economic factors influence environmental degradation and the ways in which environmental issues intersect with social institutions and processes. By examining the impact of environmental issues on society, sociologists are able to advocate for policies and practices that promote environmental sustainability and challenge the systemic factors that contribute to environmental degradation.

Socialization is another important area of focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which socialization influences individual development and the ways in which individuals learn and internalize cultural norms and values. By examining the process of socialization, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which social structures and processes shape the ways in which individuals develop and participate in social life.

Social change is also a significant focus within the sociological perspective. Sociologists study the ways in which social change shapes societal dynamics and the ways in which individuals and communities adapt to and resist social transformations. By examining the impact of social change on society, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which social structures and processes influence the ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world around them.

Immigration and its effects on society is another important area of study within the sociological perspective. Sociologists seek to understand the ways in which immigration influences social interactions, cultural practices, and economic structures. By examining the impact of immigration on society, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which immigrant communities shape social behavior and cultural practices.

Social networks also play a critical role in shaping individual behavior and relationships. Sociologists study the ways in which social networks influence social interactions, cultural practices, and economic structures. By examining the influence of social networks on society, sociologists are able to uncover the ways in which social structures and processes shape the ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world around them.

The sociological perspective offers valuable insights into the complexities of society and the ways in which social structures and processes shape individual behavior and societal dynamics. By examining the influence of social institutions, cultural practices, and social norms, sociologists are able to uncover the underlying patterns and processes that shape human behavior and societal dynamics. Through the study of crime and deviance, social class, gender inequality, media, religion, family dynamics, globalization, health, technology, racial and ethnic inequality, social institutions, social movements, urbanization, mental health, social norms and values, environmental issues, socialization, social change, immigration, and social networks, sociologists are able to identify the ways in which social structures and processes influence the ways in which individuals experience and navigate the world around them.

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How to Write a Sociology Essay: Structure and a Sample

Writing a good sociology essay may seem overwhelming, but it can be manageable with a clear approach. By following a few straightforward steps, you can craft an insightful and well-structured essay. Here's how to get started:

• Choose a topic.
• Conduct thorough research.
• Develop a strong thesis statement.
• Create a detailed outline.
• Write the essay.
• Edit and proofread thoroughly.

In this guide, we'll break down each step on how to write a sociology paper. From selecting a topic to polishing your conclusion, you'll find practical advice to make your work stand out.

If you need more help after reading this guide, remember that DoMyEssay offers professional assistance for any type of essay. Our team can support you with everything from brainstorming to final proofreading!

What is Sociology Essay?

A sociology essay is a piece of academic writing that explores a specific social issue or phenomenon from a sociological perspective. These essays require a deep understanding of complex social issues and the ability to critically evaluate different viewpoints. They must be supported by empirical data, such as statistics, case studies, or scholarly articles.

When writing a sociology essay, you'll often draw on theoretical concepts and frameworks to explain social phenomena. Therefore, your paper should be well-organized and easy to follow, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

In essence, a sociology essay is more than just a collection of facts. It involves meaningful analysis and contributes to our understanding of the social world.

Sociology Essay Structure

To achieve a well-structured sociology essay, consider the following structural elements:

Sociology Essay Introduction: Begin your essay with a powerful hook that immediately grabs the reader's attention. This could be a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, a vivid anecdote, or a striking quote.

The Background: Provide the necessary context and background information to orient your reader. Explain the significance of your topic and its relevance within the broader field of sociology.

The Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. When crafting a sociology essay, ensure your thesis is debatable and offers a unique perspective on the topic.

The Body: Each body paragraph should focus on a single main idea or argument. Use the PEEL structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) to organize your thoughts and effectively support your claims.

• Point: Clearly state the main point of the paragraph.
• Evidence: Support your point with relevant evidence, such as research findings, statistics, case studies, or expert opinions.
• Explanation: Analyze and interpret the evidence to demonstrate how it supports your point.
• Link: Connect the paragraph's main point to your overall thesis statement.

The Conclusion: Your conclusion should effectively summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new and compelling way. Offer your final thoughts or insights on the topic and leave the reader with something to ponder.

Sociology Essay Format

Proper formatting is essential for a professional-looking and well-organized sociology essay. While specific guidelines may vary depending on your institution or instructor, here are some general essay format conventions to follow:

Font and Font Size

Use a standard, readable font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Maintain a consistent font size throughout your essay, typically 12 points.

Sociology Essay Outline

A well-structured outline is the foundation of a successful sociology essay. It guides you through the writing process and ensures that your ideas are organized logically and coherently. Here's a dynamic approach on how to write a sociology paper outline:

Introduction

• Start with a paradox: Present a seemingly contradictory statement that sparks curiosity.
• Use a thought experiment: Propose a hypothetical scenario that illustrates your point.
• Ask a rhetorical question: Pose a question that doesn't require an answer but stimulates thought.

Body Paragraphs

• Compare and contrast: Draw unexpected parallels between seemingly unrelated concepts.
• Use historical examples: Connect your topic to historical events or figures.
• Examine counterarguments: Address potential objections to your argument.
• Propose a solution: Suggest a practical solution to the issue you've discussed.
• Raise a new question: Leave the reader pondering a thought-provoking question.
• Offer a personal reflection: Share a personal anecdote or experience that relates to your topic.

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How to Start a Sociology Essay?

The introduction of your sociology essay is your first opportunity to engage your reader. To make a lasting impression, consider these 4 approaches:

• Paint a Vivid Picture: Use vivid language to create a mental image for your reader. For example, instead of saying, "The city was crowded," you could say, "The city was a bustling metropolis, teeming with people from all walks of life." Engage your reader's senses by describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch.
• Pose a Thought-Provoking Question: Ensure your question is directly related to your essay's topic. Choose a question that prompts your reader to think critically and consider different perspectives.
• Begin with a Paradox or Contradiction: Present a seemingly contradictory statement that sparks curiosity. Explain how you will address the contradiction in your essay.
• Create a Hypothetical Scenario: Ensure your scenario is directly related to your essay's topic. Use vivid language to help your reader visualize the scenario.

How to Write a Sociology Essay?

Knowing how to write sociology essays requires more than just regurgitating facts and theories. To do so, let's consider these tips:

• Compare and contrast: Draw surprising parallels between seemingly unrelated concepts. For example, you could compare the rise of social media to the decline of traditional media outlets or analyze the similarities between the spread of infectious diseases and the diffusion of cultural trends.
• Use historical examples: Connect your sociology essay topic to historical events or figures to provide a broader context. For instance, you could examine the relationship between the Industrial Revolution and the rise of urbanization or explore how the civil rights movement influenced contemporary social justice movements.
• Question conventional wisdom: Challenge commonly held beliefs or assumptions about your topic. For example, instead of assuming that all people in a particular social group have the same experiences or opinions, explore the diversity within that group.
• Consider alternative perspectives: Explore viewpoints that may contradict your own. For instance, if you are writing about the benefits of globalization, consider the negative impacts it has had on certain communities or countries.
• Incorporate storytelling: Use narratives or anecdotes to illustrate your points and engage your reader. For example, you could tell a personal story about your experiences with discrimination to highlight the challenges faced by marginalized groups.
• Experiment with different styles: Try different writing styles, such as descriptive, persuasive, or analytical. For instance, you could use a persuasive style to argue for a particular policy change or a descriptive style to paint a vivid picture of a social phenomenon.
• Find a niche: Identify a specific aspect of your topic that has not been extensively explored. For example, instead of writing a general essay on poverty, you could focus on the experiences of homeless youth in a particular city.
• Offer a new interpretation: Provide a fresh perspective on a well-studied topic. For instance, you could argue that the rise of social media has actually led to increased social polarization rather than greater social connectedness.

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Sociology Essay Example

This essay looks at how society's views on men and women shape these choices and how shopping can reinforce those ideas. Reviewing it will also help you understand the proper structure of a sociology essay.

Here's how to nail your sociology essay:

• Pick a topic that genuinely interests you and ties into sociology.
• Research thoroughly to gather solid information and back up your arguments.
• Craft a clear thesis statement that sums up your main point.
• Create an outline to keep your thoughts organized.
• Write your essay with a logical flow, using evidence to support your arguments.
• Edit and proofread to make sure your essay is clear, concise, and free of errors.

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How Do You Start a Sociology Essay?

How to write a good sociology essay, what is the format of a sociology paper.

What this handout is about

This handout introduces you to the wonderful world of writing sociology. Before you can write a clear and coherent sociology paper, you need a firm understanding of the assumptions and expectations of the discipline. You need to know your audience, the way they view the world and how they order and evaluate information. So, without further ado, let’s figure out just what sociology is, and how one goes about writing it.

What is sociology, and what do sociologists write about?

Unlike many of the other subjects here at UNC, such as history or English, sociology is a new subject for many students. Therefore, it may be helpful to give a quick introduction to what sociologists do. Sociologists are interested in all sorts of topics. For example, some sociologists focus on the family, addressing issues such as marriage, divorce, child-rearing, and domestic abuse, the ways these things are defined in different cultures and times, and their effect on both individuals and institutions. Others examine larger social organizations such as businesses and governments, looking at their structure and hierarchies. Still others focus on social movements and political protest, such as the American civil rights movement. Finally, sociologists may look at divisions and inequality within society, examining phenomena such as race, gender, and class, and their effect on people’s choices and opportunities. As you can see, sociologists study just about everything. Thus, it is not the subject matter that makes a paper sociological, but rather the perspective used in writing it.

So, just what is a sociological perspective? At its most basic, sociology is an attempt to understand and explain the way that individuals and groups interact within a society. How exactly does one approach this goal? C. Wright Mills, in his book The Sociological Imagination (1959), writes that “neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both.” Why? Well, as Karl Marx observes at the beginning of The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte (1852), humans “make their own history, but they do not make it just as they please; they do not make it under circumstances chosen by themselves, but under circumstances directly encountered, given and transmitted from the past.” Thus, a good sociological argument needs to balance both individual agency and structural constraints. That is certainly a tall order, but it is the basis of all effective sociological writing. Keep it in mind as you think about your own writing.

Key assumptions and characteristics of sociological writing

What are the most important things to keep in mind as you write in sociology? Pay special attention to the following issues.

The first thing to remember in writing a sociological argument is to be as clear as possible in stating your thesis. Of course, that is true in all papers, but there are a couple of pitfalls common to sociology that you should be aware of and avoid at all cost. As previously defined, sociology is the study of the interaction between individuals and larger social forces. Different traditions within sociology tend to favor one side of the equation over the other, with some focusing on the agency of individual actors and others on structural factors. The danger is that you may go too far in either of these directions and thus lose the complexity of sociological thinking. Although this mistake can manifest itself in any number of ways, three types of flawed arguments are particularly common: 

• The “ individual argument ” generally takes this form: “The individual is free to make choices, and any outcomes can be explained exclusively through the study of their ideas and decisions.” While it is of course true that we all make our own choices, we must also keep in mind that, to paraphrase Marx, we make these choices under circumstances given to us by the structures of society. Therefore, it is important to investigate what conditions made these choices possible in the first place, as well as what allows some individuals to successfully act on their choices while others cannot.
• The “ human nature argument ” seeks to explain social behavior through a quasi-biological argument about humans, and often takes a form such as: “Humans are by nature X, therefore it is not surprising that Y.” While sociologists disagree over whether a universal human nature even exists, they all agree that it is not an acceptable basis of explanation. Instead, sociology demands that you question why we call some behavior natural, and to look into the social factors which have constructed this “natural” state.
• The “ society argument ” often arises in response to critiques of the above styles of argumentation, and tends to appear in a form such as: “Society made me do it.” Students often think that this is a good sociological argument, since it uses society as the basis for explanation. However, the problem is that the use of the broad concept “society” masks the real workings of the situation, making it next to impossible to build a strong case. This is an example of reification, which is when we turn processes into things. Society is really a process, made up of ongoing interactions at multiple levels of size and complexity, and to turn it into a monolithic thing is to lose all that complexity. People make decisions and choices. Some groups and individuals benefit, while others do not. Identifying these intermediate levels is the basis of sociological analysis.

Although each of these three arguments seems quite different, they all share one common feature: they assume exactly what they need to be explaining. They are excellent starting points, but lousy conclusions.

Once you have developed a working argument, you will next need to find evidence to support your claim. What counts as evidence in a sociology paper? First and foremost, sociology is an empirical discipline. Empiricism in sociology means basing your conclusions on evidence that is documented and collected with as much rigor as possible. This evidence usually draws upon observed patterns and information from collected cases and experiences, not just from isolated, anecdotal reports. Just because your second cousin was able to climb the ladder from poverty to the executive boardroom does not prove that the American class system is open. You will need more systematic evidence to make your claim convincing. Above all else, remember that your opinion alone is not sufficient support for a sociological argument. Even if you are making a theoretical argument, you must be able to point to documented instances of social phenomena that fit your argument. Logic is necessary for making the argument, but is not sufficient support by itself.

Sociological evidence falls into two main groups: 

• Quantitative data are based on surveys, censuses, and statistics. These provide large numbers of data points, which is particularly useful for studying large-scale social processes, such as income inequality, population changes, changes in social attitudes, etc.
• Qualitative data, on the other hand, comes from participant observation, in-depth interviews, data and texts, as well as from the researcher’s own impressions and reactions. Qualitative research gives insight into the way people actively construct and find meaning in their world.

Quantitative data produces a measurement of subjects’ characteristics and behavior, while qualitative research generates information on their meanings and practices. Thus, the methods you choose will reflect the type of evidence most appropriate to the questions you ask. If you wanted to look at the importance of race in an organization, a quantitative study might use information on the percentage of different races in the organization, what positions they hold, as well as survey results on people’s attitudes on race. This would measure the distribution of race and racial beliefs in the organization. A qualitative study would go about this differently, perhaps hanging around the office studying people’s interactions, or doing in-depth interviews with some of the subjects. The qualitative researcher would see how people act out their beliefs, and how these beliefs interact with the beliefs of others as well as the constraints of the organization.

Some sociologists favor qualitative over quantitative data, or vice versa, and it is perfectly reasonable to rely on only one method in your own work. However, since each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, combining methods can be a particularly effective way to bolster your argument. But these distinctions are not just important if you have to collect your own data for your paper. You also need to be aware of them even when you are relying on secondary sources for your research. In order to critically evaluate the research and data you are reading, you should have a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the different methods.

Units of analysis

Given that social life is so complex, you need to have a point of entry into studying this world. In sociological jargon, you need a unit of analysis. The unit of analysis is exactly that: it is the unit that you have chosen to analyze in your study. Again, this is only a question of emphasis and focus, and not of precedence and importance. You will find a variety of units of analysis in sociological writing, ranging from the individual up to groups or organizations. You should choose yours based on the interests and theoretical assumptions driving your research. The unit of analysis will determine much of what will qualify as relevant evidence in your work. Thus you must not only clearly identify that unit, but also consistently use it throughout your paper.

Let’s look at an example to see just how changing the units of analysis will change the face of research. What if you wanted to study globalization? That’s a big topic, so you will need to focus your attention. Where would you start?

You might focus on individual human actors, studying the way that people are affected by the globalizing world. This approach could possibly include a study of Asian sweatshop workers’ experiences, or perhaps how consumers’ decisions shape the overall system.

Or you might choose to focus on social structures or organizations. This approach might involve looking at the decisions being made at the national or international level, such as the free-trade agreements that change the relationships between governments and corporations. Or you might look into the organizational structures of corporations and measure how they are changing under globalization. Another structural approach would be to focus on the social networks linking subjects together. That could lead you to look at how migrants rely on social contacts to make their way to other countries, as well as to help them find work upon their arrival.

Finally, you might want to focus on cultural objects or social artifacts as your unit of analysis. One fine example would be to look at the production of those tennis shoes the kids seem to like so much. You could look at either the material production of the shoe (tracing it from its sweatshop origins to its arrival on the showroom floor of malls across America) or its cultural production (attempting to understand how advertising and celebrities have turned such shoes into necessities and cultural icons).

Whichever unit of analysis you choose, be careful not to commit the dreaded ecological fallacy. An ecological fallacy is when you assume that something that you learned about the group level of analysis also applies to the individuals that make up that group. So, to continue the globalization example, if you were to compare its effects on the poorest 20% and the richest 20% of countries, you would need to be careful not to apply your results to the poorest and richest individuals.

These are just general examples of how sociological study of a single topic can vary. Because you can approach a subject from several different perspectives, it is important to decide early how you plan to focus your analysis and then stick with that perspective throughout your paper. Avoid mixing units of analysis without strong justification. Different units of analysis generally demand different kinds of evidence for building your argument. You can reconcile the varying levels of analysis, but doing so may require a complex, sophisticated theory, no small feat within the confines of a short paper. Check with your instructor if you are concerned about this happening in your paper.

Typical writing assignments in sociology

So how does all of this apply to an actual writing assignment? Undergraduate writing assignments in sociology may take a number of forms, but they typically involve reviewing sociological literature on a subject; applying or testing a particular concept, theory, or perspective; or producing a small-scale research report, which usually involves a synthesis of both the literature review and application.

The critical review

The review involves investigating the research that has been done on a particular topic and then summarizing and evaluating what you have found. The important task in this kind of assignment is to organize your material clearly and synthesize it for your reader. A good review does not just summarize the literature, but looks for patterns and connections in the literature and discusses the strengths and weaknesses of what others have written on your topic. You want to help your reader see how the information you have gathered fits together, what information can be most trusted (and why), what implications you can derive from it, and what further research may need to be done to fill in gaps. Doing so requires considerable thought and organization on your part, as well as thinking of yourself as an expert on the topic. You need to assume that, even though you are new to the material, you can judge the merits of the arguments you have read and offer an informed opinion of which evidence is strongest and why.

Application or testing of a theory or concept

The application assignment asks you to apply a concept or theoretical perspective to a specific example. In other words, it tests your practical understanding of theories and ideas by asking you to explain how well they apply to actual social phenomena. In order to successfully apply a theory to a new case, you must include the following steps:

• First you need to have a very clear understanding of the theory itself: not only what the theorist argues, but also why they argue that point, and how they justify it. That is, you have to understand how the world works according to this theory and how one thing leads to another.
• Next you should choose an appropriate case study. This is a crucial step, one that can make or break your paper. If you choose a case that is too similar to the one used in constructing the theory in the first place, then your paper will be uninteresting as an application, since it will not give you the opportunity to show off your theoretical brilliance. On the other hand, do not choose a case that is so far out in left field that the applicability is only superficial and trivial. In some ways theory application is like making an analogy. The last thing you want is a weak analogy, or one that is so obvious that it does not give any added insight. Instead, you will want to choose a happy medium, one that is not obvious but that allows you to give a developed analysis of the case using the theory you chose.
• This leads to the last point, which is the analysis. A strong analysis will go beyond the surface and explore the processes at work, both in the theory and in the case you have chosen. Just like making an analogy, you are arguing that these two things (the theory and the example) are similar. Be specific and detailed in telling the reader how they are similar. In the course of looking for similarities, however, you are likely to find points at which the theory does not seem to be a good fit. Do not sweep this discovery under the rug, since the differences can be just as important as the similarities, supplying insight into both the applicability of the theory and the uniqueness of the case you are using.

You may also be asked to test a theory. Whereas the application paper assumes that the theory you are using is true, the testing paper does not makes this assumption, but rather asks you to try out the theory to determine whether it works. Here you need to think about what initial conditions inform the theory and what sort of hypothesis or prediction the theory would make based on those conditions. This is another way of saying that you need to determine which cases the theory could be applied to (see above) and what sort of evidence would be needed to either confirm or disconfirm the theory’s hypothesis. In many ways, this is similar to the application paper, with added emphasis on the veracity of the theory being used.

The research paper

Finally, we reach the mighty research paper. Although the thought of doing a research paper can be intimidating, it is actually little more than the combination of many of the parts of the papers we have already discussed. You will begin with a critical review of the literature and use this review as a basis for forming your research question. The question will often take the form of an application (“These ideas will help us to explain Z.”) or of hypothesis testing (“If these ideas are correct, we should find X when we investigate Y.”). The skills you have already used in writing the other types of papers will help you immensely as you write your research papers.

And so we reach the end of this all-too-brief glimpse into the world of sociological writing. Sociologists can be an idiosyncratic bunch, so paper guidelines and expectations will no doubt vary from class to class, from instructor to instructor. However, these basic guidelines will help you get started.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Cuba, Lee. 2002. A Short Guide to Writing About Social Science , 4th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Rosen, Leonard J., and Laurence Behrens. 2003. The Allyn & Bacon Handbook , 5th ed. New York: Longman.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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