Day 2: Religion, Migration, Inequality comprehensive exam
Please answer four (4) of the following six (6) questions
1. Compare migration patterns in the early 20 th
century with those in the late 20 th
century and early 21 st century, focusing on the U.S. How has the religious landscape shifted because of these migration patterns? Be specific, and use multiple examples.
2. What are some of the major theories of inequality that have developed across time? How have the classical theorists influenced current scholarship? What did classical theorists think about the role of religion in inequality (and why did they think that)? How have theories of inequality shaped religious scholarship?
3.
Comment on circular migration and compare it to other forms of migration to the U.S., like permanent migration and seasonal migration. It is known that immigrants face various difficulties coming to and remaining in the U.S. What are some of those difficulties, and how are they related to policies adopted on both macro and micro levels. Identify the ways in which organized religion played a role both currently and in the past—and both from the migrants’ perspective and from religious organizations.
4.
Rational choice theory has been widely used to create models in economics. How has this been applied to the fields of religion, migration and inequality? What do economics and religion have in common? Who criticizes RCT’s extension into religious life, and why? Discuss some of the historical and developmental aspects of this model.
5. What is the impact of immigrants and immigration on the U.S. economy and the economic situations of native-born workers? Discuss any relevant theories and empirical evidence.
6. Describe and discuss the concept of “transnational communities.” What are the arguments for and against the idea that transnational communities represent a new immigrant development particular to the recent phase of immigration, which started in the late twentieth century? What empirical research has been offered to support or refute the concept of transnational communities?