Featured Articles

Discover a curated selection of easysociology’s most insightful “Featured Articles” with topics designed to deepen your understanding of social structures, theories, and issues. Our featured articles go beyond foundational insights by offering essay suggestions, research prompts, and recommended papers to support both new learners and seasoned scholars in their sociological pursuits. Explore a diverse range of subjects from classical theories and contemporary sociological debates to global social challenges. These articles are crafted to inspire critical thinking and assist with academic projects, bridging theory with real-world application. Each article is accompanied by resources, from suggested readings to research question ideas, empowering students, educators, and researchers to explore the depths of sociology. This selection is updated regularly to reflect emerging sociological discussions and highlight groundbreaking studies and trends. Whether you’re exploring symbolic interactionism, examining structural inequalities, or analyzing cultural phenomena, our featured articles provide a foundation of knowledge, ideas for further inquiry, and recommended academic papers to guide your research.

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Emergent Norm Theory, Agency, and Post-Pandemic Society

Emergent Norm Theory, introduced by Ralph Turner and Lewis Killian in their seminal work "Collective Behavior" (1957), offers a compelling framework for understanding the dynamics of collective behavior, especially in situations characterized by ambiguity and uncertainty. The theory posits that in times of crisis, when established norms and guidelines are insufficient or absent, new norms emerge through collective consensus and individual interactions. This essay explores the applicability and relevance of Emergent Norm Theory in the context of the post-pandemic society, examining how new social norms have developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mechanisms through which these norms have been established, and their implications for future societal behavior.

The Foundations of Emergent Norm Theory

Emergent Norm Theory suggests that collective behavior in groups is guided by new norms that arise in response to situational demands. Unlike traditional norms, which are long-standing and widely accepted, emergent norms are temporary, situational, and often arise spontaneously. This process involves a few key steps:

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The Construction of Dissent as Deviant

The construction of dissent as deviant behavior is a significant theme in sociology, reflecting broader questions about power, norms, and social control. Dissent, defined as the expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held, is often perceived as threatening to the social order. This perception leads to the labeling of dissenters as deviants. The following analysis will explore this phenomenon through various sociological theories and frameworks, including symbolic interactionism, conflict theory, functionalism, and labeling theory.

Symbolic Interactionism and the Social Construction of Deviance

Symbolic interactionism provides a lens through which to understand the micro-level processes that contribute to the construction of dissent as deviant. This perspective focuses on the meanings and definitions that individuals and groups attach to behaviors, symbols, and interactions.

One of the key tenets of symbolic interactionism is that reality is socially constructed through language, symbols, and interaction. Howard Becker's work on labeling theory is particularly relevant here. According to Becker (1963), deviance is not inherent in any particular act; rather, it is the result of the application of labels by society. When individuals or groups express dissent, they are often labeled as deviant by those in positions of power who seek to

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Anime Tourism: A Sociological Perspective

Anime tourism, a niche yet burgeoning sector within the broader tourism industry, reflects the deep interplay between culture, media, and global mobility. This phenomenon involves fans traveling to locations associated with their favorite anime series or films, including real-world settings that inspired fictional locales or events like anime conventions. The rise of anime tourism highlights significant sociological themes such as identity formation, community building, commodification of culture, and the globalization of media.

The Rise of Anime and Its Global Influence

Anime, a distinct style of Japanese animated media, has grown from its domestic roots to become a global cultural phenomenon. The international proliferation of anime can be traced back to the late 20th century, with pivotal series like "Dragon Ball," "Sailor Moon," and "Neon Genesis Evangelion" captivating audiences worldwide. This global spread has been facilitated by advancements in digital technology, making anime accessible through streaming platforms, fan subs (fan-created subtitles), and online communities. As anime has transcended national boundaries, it has fostered a diverse and devoted fanbase, integral to

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The Link Between Neoliberalism and the Prevalence of Resilience Narratives

Neoliberalism, as a dominant economic and political ideology, has significantly reshaped various aspects of society since its rise in the late 20th century. One notable cultural shift accompanying neoliberalism is the proliferation of resilience narratives. These narratives emphasize individual capacity to overcome adversity and adapt to changing circumstances, often focusing on personal responsibility and self-management. This essay explores the connection between neoliberalism and the prevalence of resilience narratives, examining how neoliberal policies and ideologies promote and reinforce the concept of resilience.

Understanding Neoliberalism

Neoliberalism is characterized by policies that promote free markets, deregulation, privatization, and a reduction in state intervention in the economy. This ideology advocates for individual entrepreneurship, competition, and the belief that market forces are the most efficient means of allocating resources. Prominent figures such as Milton Friedman and Friedrich Hayek championed neoliberal ideas, which gained significant traction during the 1980s under political leaders like Margaret Thatcher in the UK and Ronald Reagan in the US.

The Rise of Resilience Narratives

Resilience narratives have become pervasive in contemporary discourse, spanning various domains such as psychology, education, business, and social policy. These narratives emphasize qualities like adaptability, perseverance, and the capacity to "bounce back" from challenges. While resilience can be a positive trait, the neoliberal context in which these narratives thrive often places undue emphasis on

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Ubasute in Japanese Culture

Ubasute, also known as "obasute" or "oyasute," is a purported ancient Japanese practice where elderly parents were allegedly carried to a mountain or remote place and left to die, ostensibly to alleviate the burden on the family. Although the historicity of ubasute is debated among scholars, it holds significant cultural and symbolic resonance in Japanese literature and folklore. This essay outlines and explains the concept of ubasute, examining its historical context, cultural significance, and the sociological implications it holds in the context of family, aging, and societal values.

Historical Context

The term "ubasute" combines "uba" (old woman) and "sute" (to abandon), and is rooted in Japanese folklore and literature rather than concrete historical evidence. References to ubasute can be found in various texts, including the "Ubasuteyama" (The Mountain Where Old Women are Abandoned) tales and other folk stories. These narratives often describe an elderly person being carried to a desolate location, such as a mountain or forest, to die, either at their

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Symbolic Interactionism in the Case of Sean “Diddy” Combs and Cassie Ventura

The lawsuit and subsequent settlement between Cassie Ventura and Sean "Diddy" Combs reveal significant sociological insights, particularly through the lens of symbolic interactionism. This theoretical perspective, which focuses on the meanings and symbols that individuals use to communicate and construct reality, is crucial for understanding how public perception and reputation are managed in high-profile cases of alleged abuse and misconduct.

Symbolic Interactionism: A Theoretical Framework

Symbolic interactionism posits that people act based on the meanings they ascribe to things, events, and relationships. These meanings are derived from social interactions and are modified through an interpretive process. This theory, developed by sociologists like George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer, is especially relevant in analyzing how public figures manage their reputations in the media.

Public Perception and Reputation Management

In the context of the Combs and Ventura case, public perception and reputation play pivotal roles. Both parties engaged in a form of impression management—a concept introduced by Erving Goffman, which refers to the efforts individuals make to control how others perceive them. This is particularly evident in the statements released by both Combs and Ventura, as well as

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NHS Infected Blood Scandal: Necropolitics in Action

The UK infected blood scandal, detailed in a 2,527-page public inquiry report, revealed that thousands of patients were knowingly exposed to contaminated blood products between 1970 and 1991, leading to over 3,000 deaths and widespread suffering from HIV and hepatitis C infections. The inquiry found that this tragedy was not an accident but a result of systemic, collective, and individual failures by successive governments, the NHS, and the medical profession, which prioritized economic and political interests over patient safety. The report criticized the government's slow response, lack of transparency, and inadequate support for victims, calling for a formal apology, compensation, and systemic changes to prevent such a disaster from recurring. This article looks at the relationship between this scandal and the concept of necropolitics.

Necropolitics

Necropolitics, a concept developed by philosopher and political theorist Achille Mbembe, refers to the power and capacity of a state or authority to dictate how some people may live and how some must die. It extends Michel Foucault's notions of biopolitics and biopower, which focus on the governance of life and populations, to include the politics of death and the

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The Societal Implications of Excessive Travel Planning for Disabled Individuals

The BBC have published an article which discusses the significant challenges faced by disabled individuals in navigating Paris's transportation system, particularly the Metro, ahead of the 2024 Paralympics. Despite promises of improved accessibility, only one of the 16 Metro lines is fully wheelchair-accessible, leading to frustration and shame among disabled Parisians. Influencers like Arthur Baucheron highlight the excessive travel time and costs involved in using alternative transport methods. The article underscores the limited progress in making lasting accessibility changes and the heavy reliance on buses and taxis, despite substantial investments. The experiences of individuals such as Nicolas Caffin illustrate the daily struggle and systemic barriers faced by the disabled community in Paris. This scenario exemplifies a broader sociological issue: the disproportionate burden placed on disabled individuals due to inadequate infrastructure. This burden manifests as excessive travel planning and decision-making, which exacerbates social inequalities and perpetuates systemic disadvantages for disabled people.

Structural Inequality and Transportation

Structural inequality refers to systemic disparities ingrained in social institutions, resulting in uneven access to resources and opportunities. The inaccessibility of Paris's Metro system is a prime example of such inequality. Despite the city's promise to improve accessibility for the 2024 Paralympics, the reality remains grim, with only one of 16 Metro lines being fully wheelchair-accessible. This starkly contrasts with other major cities, such as London, where a more significant proportion of the public transport network is accessible.

The structural barriers in transportation systems force disabled individuals to engage in meticulous and often exhausting travel planning. As seen in the experiences of Nicolas Caffin and Arthur Baucheron, disabled Parisians must frequently rely on buses or taxis, which are not only more time-consuming but also

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Bureaucratic Incompetence

Bureaucratic incompetence, defined as the systemic inability of bureaucratic institutions to perform their designated functions effectively, can have profound implications for the mental health of individuals subjected to it. This phenomenon can be analyzed through various sociological lenses, including organizational theory, stress theory, and the sociology of health and illness. The following essay explores the multifaceted ways in which bureaucratic incompetence can impact mental health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of societal structures and individual well-being.

Examples of Bureaucratic Incompetence

Misallocation of Resources in Public Housing

Public housing authorities may exhibit bureaucratic incompetence by misallocating resources, such as assigning housing units to ineligible applicants while eligible families remain on waiting lists. This can lead to

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YouTube & The Alt-Right

The rise of the alt-right on YouTube represents a multifaceted phenomenon that has significant implications for understanding contemporary socio-political dynamics. YouTube, as a platform, has evolved from a mere video-sharing site to a potent socio-political influencer, shaping public opinion and discourse. This essay explores the sociological dimensions of the alt-right's ascendance on YouTube, examining the interplay of media dynamics, ideological propagation, and social identity formation.

YouTube as a Media Platform

YouTube, established in 2005, has grown exponentially to become one of the most visited websites globally. Its algorithmic recommendation system, designed to maximize viewer engagement, plays a crucial role in shaping the content consumed by its users. The algorithm prioritizes content that generates high viewer retention and interaction, often leading to the amplification of sensationalist and polarizing content. This environment has provided fertile ground for the alt-right movement, which leverages

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All Time Most Popular

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Learned Helplessness
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Understanding Symbolic Interactionism in Sociology
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Symbolic Interactionism: Understanding Symbols
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Main Sociological Theorists in Symbolic Interactionism
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