Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Anomie: Concept, Theory, Research Promise, Max Coleman

Honors Papers

The term anomie has declined in the sociology literature. Apart from brief mentions, it has not featured in the American Sociological Review for sixteen years. Moreover, the term has narrowed and is now used almost exclusively to discuss deviance. This project explores Durkheim's original use of the term, and whether modifications of his work--by Merton, Parsons, and others--are useful or muddling. We also present critiques of the term, evaluating them in light of Durkheim's intentions. Possible explanations for the decline of anomie theory are given, including academic explanations (e.g., classical sociology was replaced by newer theories like symbolic interactionism) and …

The Rastafari As A Modern Day Pariah Group In Jamaica, Alexandra M. Bartolf

Honors Papers

This paper examines why the Rastafari-a religious group comprised mainly of poor, disenfranchised, black Jamaicans-can be labeled within a Weberian framework as a pariah group. This author has chosen to commence her analysis by providing an abridged history of the group beginning with their enslavement in Jamaica during the 1790s. Through an examination of primary sources by the Jamaican Rastafari community as well as secondary sources by scholars of Jamaican history and the Rastafari movement, the author has employed pariah group theory as developed by Max Weber and Hannah Arendt, in order to explain the unique circumstances that led to …

A Study Of Some Of The Factors Involved In The Friendship Selections Of Juniors In High School, Delno Tyree Perkins

Honors Papers

Before we examine the friendship patterns of Lorain High School Junior Class, it is well to discuss briefly the meaning of the relationship, friendship, in the existing society and to refer to certain studies dealing with selective association and friendship patterns among high school students. It is important to examine the peculiarities in the social process of friendship within the culture and also to note its particular functions and characteristics within the subculture of a high school situation as a background for the present study.

Friendship in the culture of the United States is difficult to define because it is …