Bois’ concepts of “the veil” and “double consciousness.”

1. Define W. E. B. Du Bois’ concepts of “the veil” and “double consciousness.” How do
   you see them applying to society today? Provide an example.
2. Define Crenshaw’s concept of “intersectionality.” Using this concept, critique or respond
   to one other theorist we’ve read in the course so far (Durkheim, Merton, Marx,
   Marcuse, Hartmann, Weber, Du Bois, Bonilla-Silva, Alexander). What are they missing
   by not using an intersectional framework? What could an intersectional framework add to
   their theory or understanding of the social world?
3. Provide a review of Alexander’s critiques of mass incarceration. How does this work
   build on Du Bois’ writing? What does it mean to call mass incarceration “The New Jim
   Crow”?
   Essay Questions: Choose two of the essay questions below to answer. (1 ½-3 pages double
   spaced EACH, 7 points each):
4. Imagine you are Max Weber, Du Bois, West/Zimmerman, Bonilla-Silva, Risman, and
   Crenshaw, write a single tweet per theorist (6 tweets total, with the new 280 character
   limit) about the ongoing presidential election. I am not grading anyone based on
   whether they are pro or con any candidate. What I am looking for is any analysis of
   the election from the perspective of each theorist that demonstrates knowledge of one
   or more of the theorists main ideas and connects it to something factual about the
   candidates or campaigns. It can be critical or positive about one or both candidates. For
   example, if I asked you to write from the perspective of Marx you could tweet something
   like, “Doesn’t matter who wins, the bourgeoisie still has all of the modes of production—
   thus all the power and control.” Then, use the rest of the essay to expand on or explain
   any of the tweets further.
5. Compare and contrast two key theories of gender in sociology: Risman’s Gender as
   Structure and West and Zimmerman’s Doing Gender. Then, provide examples of ways in
   which you “do gender” as well as when you have been held “accountable” to gender.
   (Note: you could also choose to explore “doing gender” through a pop culture example
   instead of in your own life. For example, if you wanted to walk through ways different
   characters in xyz show “do gender” or are held accountable you could also do that with
   this question).
6. How does Eduardo Bonilla Silva conceptualize racism in society? Explain his
   conceptualization of racialized social systems. Bonilla-Silva positions his theory as being
   radically different from other theories on racism. What are the ways in which it is
   different and what are the alleged advantages? Be sure to explain in your own words

Sample Solution