ph.d.generalexaminations.docVIP

Ph.D. General Examinations Contextual Area Exam (Prof. Judith Donath, Examiner) Xinyu Hugo Liu Submitted August, 2004 Exam Questions 1) The language metaphor is often invoked in the sociological literature of identity; however, it may not be a particularly good metaphor for understanding many communicative systems. Address the ways that fashion, etc. are communicative systems that are different than language - and how and why they differ.?? Like language, they do enforce social boundaries, and talk about how they are similar in this goal. 2) In Metaphors We Live By, Lakoff and Johnson suggest that language and thoughts are grounded in metaphors, and that the way in which something is grounded shapes our understanding. In the identity literature, theories are grounded as well. Signalling, for example, is grounded in theories of evolution.?The question here is as we go on to look at the theories about objects, fashion, media, etc. is: Are they grounded? And if so, how.? Do the authors attempt to ground them? Some do, but end up with a circular definition. Others do not.? So for this essay, do start by defining what you mean by grounding; then discuss the clearer examples of “Metaphors We Live By” and Signalling; then discuss the more interpretive cases - the others do not explicitly say here is where we are grounded so you will have to interpret more. 3) Simmel states that we cannot know completely the individuality of another, nor can we comprehend our own individuality in its totality.? The only way to approximate an understanding of a persons identity is to use prototypes to conceptualize people.? Simmels prototypes happen to heavily relate to social roles -- bureaucrat, police officer, and businessman.? Looking at the gamut of treatises on identity in the literature, how does each fall within, augment, or contradict Simmels prototype theory of identity?  Breakdown of the Language Metaphor Introduction Throughout much of the sociological litera