Marxist class
Paper instructions:
Sociology 3005B 2013-14
Contemporary Social Theory
Second Assignment
Write a short, thematic essay on one of the following topics:
1. Social practices surrounding identity, such as identity formation, identification, self-identification,
essentialism, and/or social categorization.
2. Class relations as ‘mediated’ or ‘overdetermined’ social practices and historical formations.
3. Marxist conceptions of class, in comparison to functionalist conceptions of social stratification.
4. The ‘new man’ of Fordism, the flexible worker of ‘lean production’, and the modern individual full of ‘self
-esteem’.
NOTE: Essay format prevails; you must cite all sources (except lecture notes) in-text and include a reference
list. Organize your essay around a theme, thesis, argument or claim. Draw on at least three (3) of the readings for
the course from the period beginning 30 October. The consultation of sources not on the syllabus is not necessary
(all sources consulted must be cited and reported on your reference list).
Value: 15% of course grade.
Length: 8 double-spaced, typescript pages maximum. 6 pages minimum