INSTRUCTIONS
Reply to THREE of the questions below;
Each essay should be approximately 400-600 words;
Each essay must include at least one citation from outside the class, in addition to citations from the reading in question;
Cite all sources using the citation style of your choice with a full bibliographic citation at the end of each essay
Questions:
Karl Weick uses the case of the Mann Gulch fire to detail what happens to organizations in emergencies. First, use the example of Mann Gulch to explain why role structure is important to maintaining an organization. Then, define sensemaking, and provide your own example of an organization in an emergency that challenges this process. Finally, use your example to illustrate the four sources of resilience that will help the group survive this emergency.
Klaus Eder describes new social movements (NSMs) as a recent phenomenon of the late 20th century. First, provide THREE key features of NSMs that make them unique when compared to earlier social movements. Then, describe the role of class consciousness in social movements, and explain how NSMs operate in the absence of this common perspective. Finally, define moral crusade and provide an example of a NSM that illustrates this concept.
Tim Hallett and co-authors argue that it takes a lot of work to turn academic knowledge into public ideas. First, provide a current example of a public idea with cultural power; what makes this idea powerful? Next, provide THREE examples of mediators who have given this idea a career. Finally, define applicative flexibility and explain why you think your example idea resonates with the public today.
Jo Freeman analyzes the limitations of structureless organizations. First, describe the distinction between formal and informal structures in terms of collective action. Next, define THREE of the seven principles of democratic structuring, and explain how each prevents the emergence of an elite. Finally, how would Freeman reply to the claim that a structured organization will always be free from informal structures?
Mayer Zald describes the importance of culture for affecting social change. First, define ideology and provide an example of a social trend or movement that reflects this ideology. Next, describe the current cultural object or social structure these actors are trying to change. Then, provide THREE strategic frames that these actors use to influence culture. Which frame do you think has been most successful and why?