Conflict Theory and Authority

Part A

Please choose one of the following prompts and respond to it in no less than 5 paragraphs. In your response, you must fully answer all aspects of the question and support your answer with reference to course materials (textbook, supplementary readings, videos, etc).

Almost every type of society that has ever existed has been marked by some form(s) of social inequality. Using one of the sociological theories (or theorists) you’ve learned about so far, discuss why, according to that theory, social inequality exists, and then use that theory to discuss what, if anything, you think can be done about it.
Compare and contrast one form of society (hunter-gatherer, pastoral/horticultural, agricultural, or industrial) with the post-industrial society of the United States. What are their differences? In what way do you think these differences could matter for the people who live in these societies? And do they have anything in common?
PART B

Please respond to the following prompt in no less than 5 paragraphs . In your response, you must fully answer all aspects of the question and support your answer with reference to course materials (textbook, supplementary readings, videos, etc).

Consider Weber’s “types of legitimate domination,” also known as the three major types of authority. Who are the authorities in your life and society, and what type(s) of authority do you think they possess (or claim to possess)? On what basis do you or other people consider them “legitimate” or illegitimate?