Once you choose a social phenomenon, you will analyze it in two ways: (THE SOCIAL PHENOMENON WILL BE “WHY DO PEOPLE WATCH SPORTS”)
FIRST you will attempt to explain it according to a functionalist/structuralist approach. In doing this, you should first explain Durkheims approach to social explanation. Explain what that is and how one goes about explaining social phenomenon according to this approach. Then attempt to apply it to your example. There may be some guesswork involved here; that is okay. What I
want you to do is try to imagine how a Durkheimian would explain the phenomenon. Apply the relevant concepts; speculate on the social facts that might be appealed to.
SECOND, you will take a Wittgensteinian/Winchean approach to understanding your social phenomenon. Here, you will want explain Wittgensteins approach (or the hermeneutic approach
in general) and then apply it to your example. Analyze the meaning system that people operate according to and how it might inform their behavior.
Lastly, compare and contrast these two approaches. Does one work better than the other? Can they be combined? What do you think is the best explanation of the phenomenon you have
analyzed?
While this topic is covered later in the book (Ch 11), you might also seek to explain some practice held by members of another culture. We read the classic example of Evans Pritchards
analysis of witchcraft among the Azande. People in different cultures have different beliefs. You might try to explain why so many Germans believe that David Hasselhoff is a singer. This might
also be extended to attempt to explain any practice or belief that is quite foreign to us (even if in
our own culture) like belief in alien abductions or why people go bowling.
Social and environmental problems offer cases: why is there gang violence? Why is text messaging so popular?
Why chase virtual Pokemon? Be creative. Just about any group behavior might offer possibilities for explanation. Why are we obsessed with smart-phones? Why do we read websites telling us
about the lives of celebrities? Why do we shop at Walmart? Why do dance clubs exist? Why do people join fraternities? Why does anyone pay attention to Kim Kardashian? Why are so many
people afraid of the apocalypse? Why is Nascar popular? Why do Raiders fans cry upon learning
their team is moving to Las Vegas? Why was there an insurrection on January 6?
Whatever you do, the essay should feature four things prominently: 1) the social phenomenon to
be explained or understood, 2) A structural explanation of the social phenomenon based on Durkheims approach, 3) A meaning analysis of the phenomenon based on Wittgensteins
approach, 4) Your assessment of the explanatory strategies and the phenomenon.
In covering 2 and 3, refer directly to the Hollis text. FOUND HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001469ZLY/ref=docs-os-doi_0
Do not use other sources for Durkheim or Wittgenstein.
