SCLG3601-Contemporary Sociological Theory

Questions

1.The ascendance of neoliberalism has coincided with invigorated forms of  social conservatism. In some ways these two social philosophies are diametrically opposed, yet in practice they have managed to cooperate.  Do neoliberalism and neoconservatism require each other?

2.Neoliberalism is commonly associated with a focus on personal  responsibility and individual choice. Yet several theorists argue that  “family responsibility” also plays a central role in neoliberal thinking and  practice. How can we explain this apparent contradiction? And how  might it help explain the alliance between neoliberalism and  neoconservatism?

3.What is the causal relationship between neoliberalism and the rise of  new racist movements of the far right?

4.Various theorists, including Balibar/Wallerstein and Douglas Holmes,  argue that “culture” has displaced “biological race” as the primary  concern of the far right. Discuss the validity of this claim with reference  to contemporary expressions of xenophobia.

5.What is political homophobia? What forces is it shaped by and what is its relationship to neoliberalism? You may use one or more case studies to  illustrate your argument.

6.Alternatively, you may respond to one of the questions included in Assessment 1 apart from the one that you submitted for the first assessment.