Problem of Slavery in the World and the Approaches on Growing Old

Please select TWO of the following 12 essay questions. Provide a brief response to your chosen questions (one paragraph for each should be sufficient).
Chapter 12
Describe the problem of slavery in the world. What is the extent of the problem? What different kinds of slavery are there? What part does poverty play in causing and perpetuating slavery?
Do you think that it is possible to end absolute poverty in the world? Clearly, it is technologically possible because the world already has more than enough food to supply everyone. However, is it politically or culturally possible? Take a stand and explain your position.
What do you find to be the strengths of modernization theory? What about dependency theory? Also point to what are, in your opinion, the two biggest weaknesses of each theory.
Chapter 13
In a short essay, answer the following questions: Is social class or gender more important in shaping the life of an individual born in the United States today? How does each factor matter? Provide reasons for your choice.
Explain why gender is a central element of socialization across the life course from birth through early adulthood. Begin by addressing the fact that people are quick to ask about the sex of a newborn child.
Apply the structural-functional and social-conflict approaches to the issue of gender. What are key insights offered by each theoretical approach? How does each approach view gender differences and gender inequality?
Chapter 14
Explain the assertion made in the text that race is socially constructed. That is, explain what biological traits may be used in defining race, but why a biological definition cannot explain the reality of race in the United States.
How are race and ethnicity dimensions of social stratification in the United States? Consider ways in which race and ethnicity combine with gender and class.
Why do various racial and ethnic categories of the U.S. population have different social standing? Why do some categories surpass the national average in income, while others do not?
Chapter 15
What are the biological changes associated with growing old? In light of these changes, why do sociologists claim that aging is just as much a cultural issue as a biological issue?
Explain the insights offered by sociology’s three major theoretical approaches on growing old.
In what ways does U.S. society separate death from life? Why do we do this? What approach to death and dying would be more beneficial? Why?