Introduction to Sociology – Week 4 Assignment

Ideal Bureaucracies

The textbook describes Weber’s ideal characteristics of bureaucracy. There are also eight shortcomings listed in the textbook.

Consider the bureaucracies that you come in contact with (college, work, IRS, medical offices, or the Post Office).

For the written assignment this week, pick one bureaucracy with which you are familiar, and create a 750 (or more) word, APA style paper. In your paper describe the following:

·         How did you come in contact with the bureaucracy?

·         What shortcomings do you see in the bureaucracy? (Select and provide evidence of at least two shortcomings)

·         How would you resolve the shortcomings mentioned?

·         Do social group memberships give some individuals an advantage when navigating this bureaucracy?