Introduction to Sociology - Paper Option 3

Paper Option 3: Introduction to Sociology:

Due: Thursday, April 30

Approximate Length: 4 - 5 pages

This paper requires you to analyze a social institution most of you are probably very familiar with – the workplace. While I obviously want you to talk about your own experiences, you also need to think more broadly about the place you work at. (You may also choose to analyze a former workplace as long as it hasn’t been more than two years since you worked there.)

For the paper you must do the following:

1) Describe your workplace and the job that you do there. Be sure to discuss the kind of tasks you are expected to perform at your job. (1/2 – 2/3 pages)

2) As discussed in class (and pages 89-93 in Schaefer), explain what Weber meant by the terms bureaucratization and rationalization. How bureaucratized is your workplace? (Is there a clearly stated hierarchy of authority? Is it impersonal?) In particular, how rationalized is your job? Do you always have to do your work duties in a very specific way? (For instance, if you work in retail, are you required to say the same thing to every customer?) Try to be as detailed as possible in your answer. (1 ½ pages – 2 ½ pages)

3) Do you think the level of bureaucratization and rationalization at your workplace is necessary? In other words, does it make you more productive and efficient at your job? Or, as in Office Space, does it hinder you from performing your job well? What about other workers? Just as significantly, does the level of bureaucratization and rationalization affect your enjoyment of your job? Does it affect your co-workers enjoyment of their jobs? (3/4 – 1 1/4 page)

4) Is your job unionized? If so, do you think that being in a union has been good or bad for you in terms of 1) pay and benefits and 2) your actual work experiences? If you do not belong to a union, do you believe that belonging to a union would 1) improve your pay and benefits and 2) improve your actual work experiences? Why or why not? In your opinion, what is the most important thing that could be done to improve your 1) your workplace and 2) your particular job? Explain. (1/2 – 1 page)