Social Theory Application
10 weeks · 0 milestones
Apply a specific named social theory — Bourdieu's field theory, Goffman's dramaturgy, Foucault's discourse analysis, intersectionality framework, or equivalent — to a real contemporary social phenomenon (not a textbook example). Name the theory, cite primary or secondary theoretical sources, and demonstrate step-by-step application to the phenomenon. Proof is the written analysis plus a documented challenge from a sociologist or social theory academic who questions whether the theory is being applied correctly and whether a different framework would yield a better or different explanation. Your written response addressing both challenges is a required part of the proof.
Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Select a real, observable social phenomenon — gentrification in a specific city, the rise of populist politics, the persistence of racial occupational segregation, digital platform labour, or social movement mobilisation — and apply a named social theory (Bourdieusian field theory, critical race theory, feminist standpoint theory, structuration theory, world-systems theory, or Foucauldian biopolitics) to explain it. The theory must produce specific explanatory claims about this phenomenon — not just provide a vocabulary.
Proof required
Theory application document (700+ words) identifying the real phenomenon with evidence of its existence, naming the social theory and explaining its core concepts, applying the theory to produce at least three specific explanatory claims about the phenomenon, and explaining what the theory reveals that a non-theory account misses.
What gets checked
- Phenomenon is real and its existence is evidenced
- Theory is applied to produce specific explanatory claims — not just vocabulary
- Theory application explains what a non-theory account misses