Analysis using positivism vs. constructionism in deviance
Sociology 365 Writing Assignment
Topic: Analysis using positivism vs. constructionism in deviance
Topic chosen: Drug Use Among Juveniles
Discuss a type of deviance and present an analysis of it from the perspectives of positivism versus constructionism. First, describe both perspectives in your own words. Summarize the research you’ve done on your topic. Then, explain which perspective is better at shedding light on the type of deviance you’ve discussed—or whether both perspectives are helpful.
Sources: Use journal articles, book chapters, or other high quality sources. Do not use the textbook, although other readings from the course are permitted. Consult at least five different sources other than the text book and cite them. (Use ASA or APA format for citing materials.) Be sure to check out Refworks in the Library. It’s a great way to manage your sources and automatically create a bibliography.
Discussion of the Assignment
Many of the types of deviance that Sociologists study can be examined from the perspectives of both positivism and constructionism. For example, in research like mine on female offenders, many of us are interested in the causes and nature of female crime. We might look at the experience of abuse, drug addiction, or mental illness as being involved in why women commit crime (i.e., positivist approach).
However, many of us feel that this isn’t enough. We are interested in how society views these women and reacts to them. After all, if society treats drug addicted women harshly (the constructionist aspect), then this helps us understand the issue of incarcerated women better. Women tend to be judged more harshly by people for violating the law and for violating the norms associated with female gender. Thus, both perspectives are interesting and important.
This assignment is meant to show how positivism and constructionism are two sides of the same coin in many cases. Sometimes, as in the example of my own research, they are complementary and equally important perspectives. Depending on your topic, you may feel one perspective is far more valuable than the other – just explain that. But you’ll have to put some thought into this.
I suggest that you narrow down your topic to make it manageable. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
