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8.9: Critical Thinking Questions
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Of Weber’s three forms of authority, which ones can you identify in your own society? How do these forms of authority interact?
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What are the limitations of informal leadership in acephalous societies? Are there some forms of community action that might be impossible or time-consuming? What kinds of activity become possible with formal positions of leadership?
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In your own culture, are there age-related groups that provide structure and organization to society? How do these groups promote social norms and values?
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a state society? Which groups benefit most? Which groups benefit least? What can those groups do to improve their situation?
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In what ways is your own nation-state an “imagined community”? What rituals and institutions construct this community? What is the common “origin story,” and how is it told in ritual and monuments?
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If many postcolonial states are fragile due to the damaging effects of colonialism, what might be done to repair the damage and enhance their functionality?
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What social movements can you identify in your own society? Have you participated in any of them? If so, describe your experiences. What thoughts and feelings are associated with participation in social movements?
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How do social movements achieve social change? What methods do they use? Which ones seem to be most effective?