Questions We Can Help You To Answer
Paper instructions:
NEED THIS BOOK: (chapters 1-5)
Philippe Bourgois. 2003. In Search of Respect, 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Answer in 2-4 pages.
Bourgeois argues that structural oppression is the root cause of Primo and Caesar becoming drug dealers. Explain how, according to Bourgois, structural oppression affect Primo and Caesar’s life chances? Bourgois also integrates cultural analysis and agency into his analysis. Explain how cultural factors and agency lead Primo and Caesar to dealing drugs? Why do Primo and Caesar ultimately choose to deal drugs? As always, support your answer with many examples from the text.
2) Answer in 2-3 pages
On pages 11-18 of In Search of Respect Bourgois discusses the politics of representation. Specifically he is concerned to document and explain the structural oppression experienced by Primo and Caesar without erasing their individual decisions and the violence and self-destruction they often entail. A) From your perspective does Bourgois reproduce caricatured and stereotypical portrayals of Primo and Caesar? B) Do you empathize with Primo and Caesar and the choices they make? C) Give two criticisms of Bourgois’s analysis. D) Ultimately do you find Bourgois’ analysis convincing? Why or why not?
