... "Gellner wrote on the assumption that his readers were also familiar with the texts and ideas he thought about for a lifetime. Despite the difficulties that assumptions can produce, this posthumous book, studded with ideas like a little roast with truffles, will pleasurably provoke those who persevere. According to Gellner, the transformation of the "closed, intimate community" in which most people ... don't, he seems repetitive." Chris Hann's earlier quoted article states: "He was a superb public speaker and debater, and also a gifted teacher, injecting occasional notes of melodrama int...

• Word Count: 811
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... an alternative, so a long-term solution can be worked out. C. Wright Mills talks about the sociological imagination between "personal troubles" and "the public issues of the social structure", in his book the sociological Imagination. Mills believes when looking at events with large ramification such as famine, the view that smaller milieu's contribute to larger structures of social and historical lives need ... to be taken. Mills also notes that, often there is a debate about what that value really is and about what it is that really threatens it. Mills's philosophy can be used to unde...

• Word Count: 934
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... workings of a religious "cult" and then imminent end discussed in the downfall. Throughout the story, there are numerous references to sources of information. The 35 pages of notes at the end of the book show how detailed and at the same time, wide array of informational sources used to write it. Often with the time constraints of a classroom, we are able to ... able to understand their friends, family, and followers. In class we learned about the market revolution and its affect on different types of workers and the different social classes. This book helped tie everything together usi...

• Word Count: 1174
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... rage. They feel the enourmous frustration that comes with knowing that unlike death by accident or illness, death by suicide could have been prevented". Shocking statistics are used throughout the book to shock the reader. The effect of showing the statistics makes the reader acknowledge the fact that suicide is out of control and is getting worse. "In 1995, in Australia ... many different people that backs up Donaghy's information. Donaghy quoted "My main source of information was a series of taped interviews and written notes based on conversations." From all of the research Donaghy h...

• Word Count: 610
• Approx Pages: 2
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... of reprinted related readings by other authors. It is a user/student friendly textbook with each chapter having neatly spelled out objectives, a summary, a list of terms, discussion questions, activities and end notes, as well as, illustrations, figures and important terms highlighted in bold face type. In Part One, the authors offer the basics. Chapter 1, "A Systematic Study of Dress," includes the classification system ... are good examples of research, and provide excellent fuel for lively classroom discussion. And while teachers and students of cultural diversity will be delighted t...

• Word Count: 834
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... contrary to society as a whole. "In fact, each individual, as a man, may have a particular will contrary or dissimilar to the general will which he has as a citizen." (Ch.5) However, he notes: "in order then that the social compact may not be an empty formula, it tacitly includes the undertaking, which alone can give force to the rest, that whoever refuses to ... our fort." (p.122) His "home will become the capital of the world." (p.122) Rand doesn't reject society in favor of total individualism, Rand rejects imposed society without individual thought. The book ends with the impression...

• Word Count: 888
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

In Jay MacLeod's book, Ain't No Makin" It, The Hallway Hangers and the Brothers come from the same economic background and are of similar age. The only outward difference is their race. MacLeod shows ... Action are viewed as discrimination against whites. Unlike the Brother's they never feel like their skin color gives them an advantage, and even think of it as a disadvantage. As Frankie notes, " Well I look today, and if anyone shoulda had a chance to make it, it's fuckin", it's black people. They got a chance to make it. Cuz there's fucking quotas to be filled ... ...

• Word Count: 896
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School