This is not hubris or the idea that the author of this response is any "better" than that of Giddens. However, sociology texts and summaries seem to leave out the idea that some actions, thought patterns and mindsets that are cultural and/or societal in nature make little to no logical or basic sense in the grand scheme of things. However, perhaps a covering of that dynamic would be too

And as we have gained greater scientific, medical, technological and ideological diffusiveness, theorists from every discipline concerning human matters have required their own lens for examination. For instance, the text by Conrad & Gabe (1999) focuses the whole of its discussion on the relationship between social systems and our ever-growing body of knowledge on systems specific to the physical makeup of the human being. Indeed, the authors provide an

Sociology, Identity, and Families I would like to write about the concept of self in sociology this week because I have learned to evaluate the relationship between the internal and external self and the influence that society plays on developing who we are as individuals. When taken in the perspective of how we view children in society as influential and subject to the perspectives of key people, one would believe that

Authoritarianism is a type of political system in which the population lacks any control over the ruling authorities (Taylor, 2002). It is characterized by indefinite tenure of leaders who cannot be removed from office or positions of authority by any political process or by the collective will of the people. Generally, authoritarian systems are only maintained by the use of force or by the implied threat of the use of

Authoritarian Regimes Authoritarianism has been a historically produced phenomenon in reaction to state crises of political order. Its primary feature has actually been elitist dictatorship, with the periodic cult of character. It is a feedback to democratic failure, social polarization, financial stagnation, and worldwide weakness, which typically becomes the reason for its stamina. An additional reason for its stamina is that it normally works out sovereign power with single-party guideline, and

Problem/Puzzle Krastev (2011) is perplexed by the stability and longevity of authoritarian regimes in the “age of democratication,” (p. 7). Main Argument The “new authoritarianism,” or the “user-friendly” version of authoritarianism is compelling and attractive (Krastev, 2011, p. 7). Russia is actually a good springboard for discussing the new authoritarianism because it represents some of its key features, within a historically relevant framework. Russia’s authoritarian regime is also paradoxical in that it has