SECOND WRITING ASSIGNMENT
*Due Wed, March 20th in class*

Introduction to Sociology, Spring 2002
Kessler

For this writing assignment you will analyze, from a sociological perspective, the Ching-a-Ling motorcycle club as an “outsider group” or “deviant subculture” in U.S. society.

Choose one of the three paradigmatic analyses of deviance (that is, structural-functional, symbolic interaction, or social conflict) to underpin your discussion.  Within the perspective you choose, select one or two relevant theories upon which to base your analysis.  You should:

• Briefly define your chosen perspective/theory/s; then use them to frame your discussion of the Ching-a-Lings.

When constructing your paper consider the following:

Ø       The Ching-a-Lings self-identify as “outlaws.”  Based on what you know about the group, and your knowledge of deviance from a sociological perspective, what factors might account for their choice to identify as such?  Why might an individual choose to become a lifetime member of the Ching-a-Lings?

Ø       It is relatively easy to identify behaviors that would cause the group to be labeled as deviant.  In what ways do the Ching-a-Lings’ social organization, norms, values, and gender roles reflect mainstream society?

Ø       How do the lives and comments of some of the members (i.e., provide examples) of the club provide insight into why the club exists, what purpose/s it serves, who benefits and who doesn’t, its significance in the context of larger U.S. society, and so forth.  How you respond to this will depend on your chosen paradigm.

Ø       Feel free to be creative in your analysis, as long as you maintain relevancy and a sociological perspective.

The paper will be 1.5 - 2 pages in length (no longer than 2 pages), typed and double-spaced, and written in essay format.

This paper is to be analytical, not descriptive.  In other words, please do not tell me the story of the documentary; I have seen it many times.  What I am interested in is your sociological analysis of the events and outcomes.

Please use spell-check, your dictionary, and your spelling skills to correct all spelling and typographical errors.

This is a college-level writing assignment.  As such it is expect that your thoughts will be organized and your writing concise and clear, with close attention paid to proper grammar, syntax, and punctuation.

NO COVER PAGE, PLEASE - TYPE YOUR NAME ON THE FIRST PAGE OF YOUR ESSAY

STAPLE YOUR PAPERS TOGETHER - DO NOT USE A PAPER CLIP

PLEASE USE 11 OR 12 POINT FONT