Black Sociology Research Paper

1384 Words6 Pages

1. Black sociology has come a long way from the early years when black sociologist had to fight for their work to be recognized by their white contemporaries and assert the need for a discipline that was unique and specific to the needs of African Americans. Today, I believe that Black sociology has accomplished many of its goals as far as reexamining the way Black people are studied. Through the use of empirical data, oral history and participant observation; Black sociology has evolved into a more holistic science in the way its studies Black people in America and in other parts of the African diaspora. However, I also believe that black sociologist should engage the public more often. Most people in our society receive their information …show more content…

This wouldn’t happen if Black intellectuals (Black sociologist included) didn’t limit their scholarship to academic circles. Many of our people don’t have the privilege to attend academic conventions nor have access to academic journal databases, however fringe scholarship is readily accessible via internet blogs, YouTube and Facebook. Black sociologist has made tremendous gains over the past decades but now is the time they actively engage the public. 2. Despite the many years that separates their work, the pioneering social theories of Black feminists Anna Julia Cooper and Patricia Hill-Collins shared quite a few similarities. Both scholars assert in their writings that because of the multi-layered oppression that Black women experience due race, gender and class status, Black women have a unique perspective on society and therefore should been a viable asset in bringing about social change. For instance, in her 1892 book Voice from the South, Cooper states in her essay The Colored Women’s Office that Black women’s challenges are …show more content…

Spencer and Sumner were social Darwinist and advocated for laissez-faire capitalism and limited government. They also believed that the wealthy possessed inheritable traits which allowed them to successful compete against other humans for survival. Additionally, both Spencer and Sumner strongly opposed social welfare programs on the grounds that philanthropy and charity to the poor interfered natural selection and social evolution. According to Spencer and Sumner, the government’s only responsibility was to protect its citizens from foreign and domestic