[04] Assignment 4B, AssignmentDirections: Be sure to make an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to AshworthCollege for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete...

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT        2
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT
Table of contents
Introduction    3
Sociological Concepts Used to Differentiate and Describe Social Structures    3
Sociological Theories of Crime Derived from the Structural-Functionalist Perspective    4
Critiques of Structural-Functionalism Theories of Crime    5
The Conflict Perspective on Economic Inequality in the New Global Economy    6
Conclusion    7
References    8
Introduction
    Sociologists use several concepts to differentiate and describe social structures. Social structures are patterns of social relationships, roles, and institutions that guide human behavior. These structures can be large and abstract, like social class, or small and concrete, like a family    
Sociological Concepts Used to Differentiate and Describe Social Structures
    The following are some basic sociological concepts used to differentiate and describe social structures:
· Social Class: Social class refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on their income, occupation, education, and other factors (Merton, 2020). It is a fundamental concept in sociology, as it shapes access to resources, opportunities, and power. Social class can be divided into several subcategories, such as upper class, middle class, and working class. For instance, in the United States, the top 1% of earners control a disproportionate amount of the country's wealth, whereas the bottom 20% are struggling to make ends meet. This concept is useful in explaining social inequality, access to healthcare, education, and political power.
· Social Status: Social status is the social position a person occupies in society. It can be based on a person's occupation, wealth, education, race, gender, and other factors. Social status can be divided into several categories, such as high status and low status. For example, a person who occupies the position of a CEO in a company has a high social status, while a janitor has a lower social status. Social status is important in understanding the distribution of power, privileges, and opportunities in society.
· Social Institutions: Social institutions are the patterns of social relationships, roles, and practices that guide human behavior (Weber, 2019). These institutions include the family, education, religion, government, and economy. They are essential in shaping individuals' behaviors and beliefs. For instance, education is a social institution that provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become productive members of society. Social institutions are useful in understanding how society functions and changes over time.
· Social Norms: Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern human behavior. They are based on shared values, beliefs, and customs. Social norms can vary depending on the culture, time, and place. For instance, in some cultures, it is customary to bow when greeting someone, whereas in others, a handshake is more appropriate. Social norms are important in understanding how individuals conform to social expectations and how deviance is...