Commentaries on two other students application projects week 2 - Essay Example

Application Project Commentary Week 2 Introduction to Sociology Application Project Commentary Week 2 Commentary Subculture Music From Past to Present The application project entitled “Subculture Music From Past to Present” written by Anissa T. Cruse aimed to present a comparative discourse between the past and present of two distinct music: rap and hip hop. Cruse initially provided a definition of subculture from the concept of culture learned in chapter two of the course reference book by Macionis (2011).

As emphasize, the concept of subculture likewise involves not just disparity or setting people apart but also hierarchy. In her application project, expounding on the concept of subculture was tackled through differentiating rap from hip hop across significant points in time. As noted by Macionis (2011) the concept is challenging to explain since it likewise encompasses areas of multiculturalism. From the discourse, the fact that both rap and hip hop evolved to include other segments of society is evident of its ability to manifest popularity in other cultural groups, not only to the urban American blacks noted to have originated these musical forms (Kartharinen Gymnasium, n.d.; Global Darkness, 2012).

The research methodology that was applied to this project used a qualitative method that focuses on descriptive and comparative analysis supported by authoritative sources on the subject. The sociological theories that were evaluated including subcultures that are reportedly a source not only of pleasing variety but also of tension and even violence (Macionis, 2011). The evolution of music, particularly rap into political rap and gangsta rap, which was reportedly introduced to focus on depicting an outlaw lifestyle of sex, drugs, and violence in inner-city America became a medium of sociological expression, not only of a subculture, but of the challenges faced by diverse cultural groups within contemporary American society.

ReferencesGlobal Darkness. (2012). "THE ROOTS OF HIP HOP" - RM HIP HOP MAGAZINE 1986. Retrieved August 10, 2012, from http://www.globaldarkness.com/articles/roots_of_hiphop.htmKartharinen Gymnasium. (n.d.). Rap. Retrieved August 10, 2012, from http://www.katharinen.ingolstadt.de/projekte/lurz/Rap.htmMacionis, J. (2011). Society: The Basics, 11/E. Pearson.Commentary 2: Culture The application project written by Jo-Anne Elbourne focused on the concept of culture. Elbourne initially provided a brief overview of the American culture that delved into cultural elements of language, symbols, values, food, and practices (holidays and sports).

American culture was likewise compared to the cultural of Peru, particularly of people from the Andes Mountains. Consistent with the concept of culture as expounded by Macionis (2011), Elbourne provided the theoretical application in the case of American culture as compared to the culture of the Andeans. As such, one appreciated the contention noted that cultures apparently vary and yet when individuals from different countries come together they are able to integrate or showcase their distinctive cultural elements amidst universality in goals, philosophies, ideals, and conformity to ethical, moral, and legal standards.

Relying solely on the theories and concepts of cultures as presented by Macionis (2011), Elbourne’s research lacked appropriate authoritative support from secondary sources. Likewise, through it is appreciated that the description qualitative method of narrating the cultural elements of two countries, it could have enhanced analytical applications through the provision of a comparative analysis that would clearly stipulate similarities and enhance disparities; and arrive at a generalization regarding factors that either influence one culture to assimilate or retain distinctive elements, as deduced.

Reference:Macionis, J. (2011). Society: The Basics, 11/E. Pearson.