Importance of Sociological Theory

Importance of Sociological Theory Why is theory important in the area of sociology? A theory is a proposed relationship between two or more concepts. In sociology, theories are statements of reason why particular facts about the social world are related (Marcionis Geber, 2010, p14). The scope of the social issues in question may range from exact descriptions of a single process to examples or models for analysis and interpretation. Some theories attempt to tell us about the possible outcome of future events in the social world, while others function as broad perspective which guides further sociological analyses (Calhoun, 2002, p1). The importance of theory in the area of sociology cannot be overemphasized. Theories such as the social conflict theory, structural functionalism theory, positivism theory, field theory, rational choice theory, and so on, were developed to explain social phenomena. In sociology, a theory states the hypothesis of a set of entities or relevant system, and permits statements on the possible or envisaged outcomes on their future states. As captured in Little (2010), a theory may also specify probabilistic relations among entities, giving rise to statements about the distribution of possible future states of the system. Little (2010) also noted that a theory provides a set of â€Å"bridge† statement that permits the theorist to connect the consequences of the theory with predictions about observable state of affairs. Sociology is an examination of human beings in social contexts. It entails observing how people in specific communities interact, and surveying and conducting experiments to yield new data on which to build sociological knowledge. Interconnectivity or interdependence is the main characteristic of a society. Sociological theories are frameworks explaining how certain aspects or elements of society are interconnected to the larger processes or environment. Application of theories helps determine the interdependent aspects of the co-existence of individuals or groups. Theories in the area of sociology will help people understand how society works and how they can be a useful part in it. Furthermore, theories helps in decision making with regards to factors affecting a certain community as wrong decisions often result from inadequate knowledge of the structure and other peculiarities of the society. These wrong decisions may have a far-reaching impact on people’s lives. In addition, addressing societal problems such as alcoholism, high criminal rate, requires decision makers to have a fair knowledge of the problems and their root causes. Vassos, while contributing to the subject, stated that sociological theories provide insights on social issues, thereby enabling appropriate relevant authority to adequately and effectively tackle the problems. Sociologists focus on how a society is structured, how each and every individual works as part of the whole, how society has changed over the years and predictions of future changes. In essence, sociological theories help people understand society and knowledge of the world as it grows. In conclusion, Ritzer (2003) defined sociological theory as a set of interrelated ideas that allow for the systematization of knowledge of the social world. This knowledge, he noted, can then be used to explain the social world and make predictions about the future of the world. Discuss any sociology theory of your choice The Social Conflict Theory is one of the theories in sociology. The conflict theory was originated by Karl Marx in the mid – 1800’s. The theory states that human behaviour results in conflicts between competing groups. According to Karl Marx, the two competing social groups comprised of the ruling class on one hand and the subject class on the other have unequal access to power and resources (Anderson Taylor, 2009). The ruling class enjoys been the owner, having control over the forces of production thereby exploiting the subject class which results in a conflict of interest between both parties. Conflict theories generally focus attention on key areas of substantial social differences particularly with regards to class, gender and race. Conflict theory is mostly associated with Marxism, and may also be associated with other major perspectives including critical theory, feminist theory, post-modern theory and post structural theory (Adegbolagun, 2012). Macionis Geber (2011) however noted that other important sociologists like Harriet Martinean, Hane Addams and Dubois argue that this sociological approach does not adequately consider how social structures help society to function; rather it dwells on how inherent social differences can cause some people in the society to be dominant and others to be oppressed. The social conflict theory opines that different social classes of individuals and groups within society with varying amounts of material and non-material resources use their relative strength in power or wealth to exploit groups with lesser advantage. Two major means of this exploitation are through cohesion or force usually done by police, the army and economics. Perhaps this explains the reason why money is perceived as the substance of social disorder and oppression. It can also be deduced from their beliefs that the society is characterized by an on-going social struggle or competition between various groups. The social conflict theory believes social relationships are about power and exploitation; the rich exploiting the poor. Citing an example of this oppression is a renter for instance, living in a rented apartment for as long as fifty years and having no right or economic interest within the property. In sociology, conflict theory opines that the society functions so that everyone or group involved can make the best use of benefits which in the long run brings about social changes. Most times, the theory is used to explain conflict between social classes in ideas such as socialism and communism. Competition plays a vital role in understanding conflict theory. Accordingly, there are three primary assumptions of modern conflict theory (Vanithamohanakumar, 2011). The first is competition over scarce resources such as money and leisure which is characteristic of human relationship. Second is structural inequality which has to do with inequalities in power and reward. Thirdly, it is believed that rather than adapting to the situation, rapid and forceful turnaround or revolution is eminent as a result of the conflict between competing interests. According to McCafferty (2006), conflict theory emphasizes the social political or material inequality of a social group. It also contrast domi nant ideologies and make open differences in power. Conflict theory posits that social groups or classes compete with each other in order to obtain control of the scarce resources. A realistic social conflict theory is an understanding of the positive role of social conflict in serving the common good. It is actually expected to put change in perspective since all substantial social change involves social conflict. Understanding social conflict theory can assist groups to function in finding common grounds, developing alliances, defining core values, identifying and indeed eliminating differences in viewpoints where necessary, setting group boundaries, and strategizing to achieve the expected change. Harper postulated that in Social Conflict Theory, no one group should dominate all other groups particularly in a democratic society. He noted further that the power of all groups, especially of large institutions, is limited by the rule of law and by social impact, custom and social tradition. Within these confines of interest, various groups and institutions compete, negotiate and work out changes in socio-economic arrangements, generating social conflict in the process. Wright Mills opined that social structures are created through conflict between people with differing interests and resources. Individuals and resources in turn, are influential by these structures and by the unequal distribution of power and resources in the society (Knapp, 1994, pp228-246). REFERENCES Academic Room, Sociological Theoretical Perspectives, [online], (2013, [n.d]). Available from: http://www.academicroom.com/topics/sociologocal-theory-definition [Accessed 27 March 2014]. Adegbolagun, Adefolaju, Theories of Conflict, [online], (Scribd.com, 5 September 2012). Available from: http://www.scribd.com/doc/105006384/Theories-of-Conflict [Accessed 30 March 2014]. Anderson, M L. And Taylor, H.F., Sociology: The Essentials, (Rhomson Wadswoth, Belmot Ca, 2009). Berger, Joseph, Theory and Formalization: Some Reflections on Experience, Sociological Theory, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp482 – 489, (2000). Calhoun, Craig J., Classical Sociological Theory. (Wiley Blackwell, 2002) Gerber L.M, Macionis J.J, Sociology, 7th Canadian p15, (Pearson Toronto, Canada, 2011) p. 15. Harper, Nile, Journeys into Justice: Understanding Social Conflict Theory [online], [n.d.]. Available from: http://www.journeysintojustice.com/social-conflict-theory.htm, [Accessed 28 March 2014]. Knapp, P., One World – Many Worlds: Contemporary Sociological Theory, 2nd ed., ( It Apprercollins Colleges Div, 1994) pp 228 – 246. Little, Daniel,â€Å"Theory† in Sociology [online], (Understanding Society, 11 February 2010). Available from: http://understandingsociety.blogspot.com/2010/02/theory-in-sociology.html [Accessed 30 March 2014]. Liz, Sharon, Granehoolz, Boiuma–Holtrop, Explaining Critical Sociological Thinking from Teaching Sociology, Vol. 31, No. 4, pp 485 – 496, (2003) Macionis Gerber, John J. and Linda M., Sociology 7th Canadian ed., (Pearson Education Inc, Upper Saddle River NJ, 2010). McCafferty, Kevin C (2006) Conflict Theory [online], (How Contributor, ehow, 2006). Available from: http://www.ehow.com/facts_5518763_ conflict-theory. Obserschal Anthony, Theories of Social Conflict, from Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 4, pp291 – 315, (1978). Ritzer, George., Contemporary Sociological Theory and its Classical Roots: The Basics, [online], (McGraw-Hill Higher Education, University of Maryland, 2003). Available from: http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/007234962x/student_view0/chapter1/chapter_overview.html [Accessed 28 March 2014]. Stark, Rodney., Sociology, 10th ed., (Thomas Wadsworth, 2007). Skocpol, Theda., States and Social Revolutions: A Comparative Analysis of France, Russia and China, (Cambridge University Press, New York, 1980). Sociology Guide, Conflict Theories [online], (SociologyGuide.com, 2014). Available from: http://www.sociologyguide.com/social-stratification/Conflict-Theories.php [Accessed 30 March 2014]. Thio, Alek., Sociology: A Brief Introduction, 7th ed., (Pearson, 2008). Vossos, Tasos., The Importance of Sociological Theories [online], (eHow, [n.d]). Available from: http://www.ehow.com/info_11367824_importance-sociological-theories.html [Accessed 27 March 2014] Vanithamohanakumar, Introduction to Sociology [online], (Scribd.com, 8 July 2011). Available from: http://www.scribd.com/doc/59605267/introduction-to-sociology-V.2-0 [Accessed 23 March 2014]. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Conflict Theories, [online]. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict_theories [Accessed 30 March 2014]. Wikipedia, the free encyclpedia, Sociological Theory, [online]. Available from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociological_theory [Accessed 28 March 2014]. 1

A Brief Look to the Minority Issues in Turkey Essay -- turkish democrac

Currently, Turkey stands between the worlds of Europe and the Middle East, in other words West and East. As Turkey prepares to join the EU, the county’s problematic relationship with democracy needs to be re-examined. Under Turkey’s current system, in operation for nine decades, the country has not been able to establish a stable democratic regime. Since the beginning of the republic, Turkey has created three constitutions. In addition, over the past 40 years, Turkey has faced four military coups or attempts thereof, the most recent in 1997. The EU is certainly not interested in the inclusion of a military state within democratic structures. Yet, as it stands today, the formal democracy of Turkey is notably weakened by its traditional reliance on a paternalistic military. Not only is the state of democracy in Turkey important in light of its EU application, it also carries vital international significance. If democratization can truly take hold and stabilize the country , Turkey could become a model state demonstrating the potential for congruency between democratic and Islamic values. Currently the Turkish Parliament (TBMM) is trying to make up the Republic’s first constitution without a military stance. It is evident for Turkey that without the elimination of Turkish military power from civilian life, there is no way to cure undemocratic problems within the country, for example, the recognition and protection of minorities. Since its establishment in 1923, the Republic of Turkey has faced severe minority rights issues. In that year, the allies (France, the UK, Italy, Greece etc.) and the new republic signed the Treaty of Peace in Lausanne, which included minority subjects. However, until today the parties of the treaty have acc... ...l under the category of either ethnic or religious minorities such as Kurds, Laz and Zaza...etc. Now, the groups along with their problems will be briefly examined. Numbers related to the population will also be provided. Works Cited Oran, B. Tà ¼rkiye’de AzÄ ±nlÄ ±klar: Kavramlar, Teori, Lozan, Ä °Ãƒ § Mevzuat, Ä °Ãƒ §tihat, Uygulama [Minorities in Turkey: Concepts, Theory, Lausanne, Domestic Law, Jurisprudence and Practice] (Istanbul, Ä °letiÅŸim, 2005) at 48-49. Oran, at 48. Will, K. Multicultural Citizenship: A Liberal Theory of Minority Rights (New York, Oxford, 1995) at 1. United Nations, ICCPR, Human Rights Committee, â€Å"General Comment No.31 [80] Nature of the General Legal Obligation Imposed on States Parties to the Covenant: 26/05/2004. CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.13. (General Comments)† online: http://www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/(Symbol)/CCPR.C21.Rev.1.Add.13En?Opendocument

Baltimore (Maryland) As A Transportation Network And Sea Port

Baltimore is located in North central part of Maryland state, on the Patapsco River, 40 miles (60 Km) North East of Washington D. C. and 75 miles (125 km) South West of Philadelphia (Holcomb, 2005). The city lies in a humid sub-tropical climate zone and experiences very high humid summers around July and warm winters around January (Ogle, 1996). Baltimore towns were founded in the 17th Century as commercial ports. The town was established on July 30, 1729 and was named after the first proprietary governor of Maryland province Lord Baltimore (Holcomb, 2005).Baltimore grew rapidly from â€Å"mid to late 18th century as a granary for sugar-producing colonies in the Caribbean† (Ibid, 2005). Since the distance of Baltimore from the Caribbean is shorter as compared to other large ports such as New York City port and Boston, it was popularly used because it reduced transportation time as well as reduced spoilage of goods (Starr, 1991). After the British forces had burnt down Washingt on DC, they invaded Baltimore in 1812 but the US forces won in that war (Ogle, 1996).Afterwards, development grew explosively due to increase commerce in America and abroad. This lead to construction of federally-funded National road, privately-funded Baltimore and Ohio railroad (Oslon, 1997). This boasted Baltimore as a major shipping and manufacturing centre (Ibid, 1997). On February 7, 1904, great Baltimore fire gutted down more than 1,500 buildings in about 30 year and brought down city to ruin (Ogle, 1996). But two years later, through the help of city council the buildings were set back. The city grew in area as more suburbs were founded (Higham, 2004).From late 1970s, the Inner Harbor was revitalized in a bid to modernize the port to increase the capacity and make it more competitive (Ogle, 1996). In 1979 the Baltimore convention centre was opened (Higham, 2004). In 1990s it was revamped and expanded as it became a major tourist destination. In the 21st century there has been development of Inner Harbor with sites like sport centre, ESPN Zone and Baltimore World Trade Centre (Martin, 2003). During the 19th and 20th centuries, Baltimore served as a ship building and transportation hub for the Mid Atlantic states due to its large natural harbor.In the 20th century, the city competed vigorously with New York and Philadelphia in developing and maintaining large port facilities to attract merchants (Oslon, 1997). Baltimore port which was originally developed to â€Å"transport crops, today the port moves more than 30. 6 million tons of cargo annually from automobiles to zinc† (Anuta, 1983). This port has a major economic impact on Maryland state and neighboring states like Virginia, Washington DC and New York (Starr, 1991).The state is an industrious town with motor manufacturing and steel processing forming its economic base and backbone (Ogle, 1996). Nevertheless, shipping and transportation is a major economic engagement due to its strategic locati on as well as its developed and networked transportation system. Baltimore city has a number of interstate highways. These federally-funded state highways link Baltimore with other states (Robert, 2005). There are also two tunnels that pass through Baltimore harbor within the city. These are the four bore Fort McHenry Tunnel and two-bore Harbor tunnel (Ibid, 2005).Baltimore is well served with passenger rail. Amtruk’s trains serve between Baltimore and major cities in US, for example, just outside the city Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Rails Station is a renowned traveler’s stop (Oslon, 1997). Besides, MARC commuter rail services connect Baltimore’s two intercity rail stations; the Camden Station and Penn Station with Washington DC’s Union station and stops in between (Robert, 2005). Maryland Transit Administration provides people in Baltimore city with public transit.The bus network in the city is comprehensive and efficien t. Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Martin State airport serves Baltimore with air transport services (Anuta, 1983). Baltimore is a preferred transport hub and sea port that is very important to Maryland State as well as neighboring states like New York and Virginia (Higham, 2004). This is because it has a well-defined road network that gives it great comparative advantage. Its deep water port facilities are modernized and handle bulk goods conveniently.There are various advantages of Baltimore port as compared to other ports around that region. These include geographical advantage. Baltimore has interconnected multi-model system of transport and it offers one of the low cost shipping and transportation services (Starr, 1991). It also has well-maintained state roads connect Baltimore to the rest of the US. Baltimore Beltway surrounds the city and other interstate highways connect Baltimore to all directions (Robert, 2005). People can easily make across Baltimore metropolitan area through the city’s extensive local road system.Due to its central location in the densely populated North West corridor of US, Maryland state and Baltimore in particular has geographical advantage over other ports as a distribution centre (Holcomb, 2005). Baltimore can be accessed by overnight tracks that haul goods to major markets of North East, South East and Mid West due to the strategic location (Ibid, 2005). According to Maryland Distribution Council (http://www. mdc. org) the consumer market that is within overnight reach of Maryland state represents a whooping 80 million people (32% of US population), $1.2 trillion in effective buying income (35% of the US total) and $566. 2 billion in retail sales (33% of US total) (Anuta, 1983). According to MDC the private haulers number over 5,000, common and contract carriers that serve within Maryland and its environ (Ogle, 1996). Baltimore port handles in the ranges of 30. 6 million tons of c argo every year and it is ranked number one in Poll-on Roll off cargo in the East coast (Starr, 1991). Another comparative advantage is the technological advances in the port that has computerized its operations.The port boasts the use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), hand held computers, computerized gate computers and scanners which in a great way have had a positive impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the port (Ogle, 1996). Economically, Baltimore has large skilled labor force that is important in running of its vibrant economy. It has large tracks of warehouses, that is, over 23 million square feet and cold storage space (Starr, 1991). It has developed in service industry and has comprehensive international banking services (Robert, 2005).Baltimore still has other comparative advantages over other ports surrounding it. These include excellent inter-model connections by water, rail and tunnel, rail service that is on-dock at all terminals provided by CSX and Norfol k Southern, is rated as one of the safest and most secure ports in the world, presence of advanced and electronic cargo data system which makes the process of clearing and forwarding efficient and time-saving, cargo consolidation, export parking and crating services. It also has excellent tracking services whether it is a local dray or a long haul (Robert, 2005).Baltimore harbor’s importance to neighboring states like New York City and Virginia are numerous. With the well-maintained interstate highways one can drive to Baltimore from New York City for only two hours, and less than one hour from Washington DC (Higham, 2004). There are also options to use trains or fly into the city. The city offers exciting tourist destination. Ellicott City is a charming village with restored historical sites with art galleries, quaint shops, gift shops and restaurants (Ibid, 2004). Baltimore offers a great investment destiny for businessmen and businessmen have identified the city for invest ment.Investors from New York and neighboring states are investing in hotels, transport and other services (Ogle, 1996). The Baltimore port ahs become a magnet for development that has spread outside the city to nearby states like Virginia (Oslon, 1997). This is because of the ability to handle large bulk of goods that are shipped into these states for development and also serving as exporting port to these states economies (Starr, 1991). The Baltimore port has contributed to growth of nearby regions such as Virginia and Philadelphia through provision of jobs.Direct related jobs, induced and indirect jobs have increased due to increased cargo movement in the port (Holcomb, 2005). Out of these 16,500 are direct jobs and about 34,000 induced and indirect jobs and other jobs that are directly related to activities at the port in nearby states are in hundreds of thousands (Anuta, 1983). Through taxes paid by businesses that engage in shipping, handling, transporting, importing and export ing goods, Maryland State and neighboring regional states, get tax revenues that greatly help them fund their budgets (Higham, 2004).Baltimore port has enabled growth of service sectors in Maryland state and other states (Oslon, 1997). These sectors that developed include banking, insurance, admiralty, law, maritime services, consignee service and surface transport (Ibid, 1997). This has impacted an increased business income of participants like national trucking firms, freight forwarders and bankers. The value of the port of Baltimore to neighboring states has increased due to increased due to increased cargo moving via the port into these states (Martin, 2003).Through the port goods are exported and imported into these states that generate about $50 billion of their economic activities in 2007 (Ibid, 2003). Some of the challenges that Baltimore port faces is environment degradation due to material waste disposal (Starr, 1991). However, legislation was passed to control waste of dr edge materials. Environment Trust Fund was set up to fund building of a site for the disposal of the material dredged from the shipping channels leading to Baltimore harbor (Anuta, 1983).Environment impact statement was prepared after public hearing, where citizens proposed provision of commercial shipping by maintaining channels approaching Baltimore port, which in turn saw an outright prohibition to open water disposal and recycling of waste for agricultural and other purposes (Robert, 2005). Traffic congestion is another challenge that faces the city and Maryland state in general. There was a bill that proposed state local and regional transportation plans to reduce vehicle mileage by at least 10% by 2020; however the US senate rejected the proposal (Holcomb, 2005).The assembly has approved removal of the annual state sidewalk funding capital which amounts to about 2 million dollars which will see increased funding of state in sidewalks that will manage transport in the city stre ets (Oslon, 1997). Crime situation in the state is a major challenge to this city port (Anuta, 1983). The crime statistics for 2005 revealed approximately 269 homicides which is about seven times the normal rate (Starr, 1991). Generally overall crime rate have worked hard to reduce crime activities and give the city a safe environment (Martin, 2003).Conclusion Baltimore port is a very important not only to the Maryland state but to the whole region. This port serves as a major entry and exit point of goods and people from Atlantic to Mid West and the whole of United State. Its strategic geographic location has given it a comparative advantage over rival ports. Many of businesses around the region use these ports to export or import their goods as it is cheaper considering the short distance to the coast. Increased activities this port has translated to economic growth in the region.The impact of the use of the Baltimore ports on the regional economies can be identified in sectors su ch as, tourism sectors, transport and haulage sectors, banking and other financial service sectors as well as public sector. More service industries are developed in Maryland and nearby estates to support the growth brought by enhanced use of this port. Despite these positive influences the use of ports has on the region there are some negative impacts that can be identified as having came out of the use of the ports.Drug importation through these ports has been a challenge not only to this state but to the whole nation. Drug barons use this as sea entry point to US market. They disguise their consignment as legal trade goods to get clearance and access to their intended markets. Maryland Port Authority has stepped up and taken measures like use of scanners to scan contents in containers and use of drug detectors. The state security forces together with federal security agents should help reduce crime in the city.Insecurity has been recognized as a major force that can greatly decel erate the rate of development in the city. Investors flee areas that they know their investments are not safe. Maryland Port Authority should implement ways of improving harbor management and services for instance, ensuring that there is sufficient safety from hazards like fire, theft, accidents in the work place as well as ensuring that information technology system is up-to-date and fully functioning.In turn, this will radically enhance Baltimore harbor transportation network, thus reducing obstacles such as delayed transportation, drug trafficking and traffic congestion. References Anuta, Michael J. (1983). Ships of our Ancestors. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co. , Inc. Higham, Eileen. (2004). Tuscany-Canterbury: A Baltimore Neighborhood History. Baltimore: Maryland Historical Society. Holcomb, Eric L. (2005). The City as Suburb: A History of Northeast Baltimore since 1660. Santa Fe, N. M. : Center for American Places. Martin L. Millspaugh.(2003). The Inner Harbor Story. Th e Urban Land Institute. Washington, D. C. Ogle, Maureen. (1996). All the Modern Civilization Baltimore. Johns Hopkins University Press. Olson, Sherry H. (1997). Baltimore: The Building of an American City. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Robert C. Keith (2005). Baltimore Harbor: A Pictorial History. Third Edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press. Baltimore and London. Starr, J. (1991). The Port of Baltimore: Off the Beaten Track? Maritime Policy and Management 18, 171-181. http://www. mdc. org

An evaluation of the claim that Rousseaus Social Contract sacrifices the individual to the collective Free Essay Example, 5000 words

I. Introduction The social contact is a term that refers to establishment of government and the origination of its ity over society at large. In terms of individuals who existed post the construction of the state, it is assumed that they implicitly consented to the social contract. A key example of this is the fact that individuals reap the benefits of society, such as peace and access to health care and use of a medium of exchange. Jean Jacques Rousseau indicated that society operates freely insofar as the general will is used as a criteria for making policy decisions. The will of the public is represented though democratic procedures in society. While most interest converge to reflect the overarching consensus within society, there are bound to be some marginalized opinions. This means that society has to develop a means of arbitrating between what is right and wrong. Rousseau developed a simple calculus for making this decision. He uses the general will to evaluate whether the up holding the individuals rights is good for society as a collective entity. In this paper after providing background information on the nature of humanity, I describe the social contract and the role of government. We will write a custom essay sample on An evaluation of the claim that Rousseaus Social Contract sacrifices the individual to the collective or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Next, we explore the philosophical framework that surrounds the rights that individuals have in society. Before concluding, I discuss the General Will and determine whether its meant to sacrifice the individual for the collective. II. Background Rousseau exclaimed that the state of nature existed without the rule of law or a system of morality. In this state humans banned together for the benefits and necessity of cooperation. As society became increasingly developed, the perpetual division of labor and the extension of private property demanded the totality of the human race to adopt governing institutions of law. This structure of society forces individuals to be increasingly interdependent whereby on one hand, they continue competition while on the other hand, they require each other. Rousseau theorized that by joining together into a civil society through the social contract surrendering their natural rights, individuals can both preserve themselves and remain free. Specifically, because the submission to the authority of the general will guarantees individuals protection against being subordinated to the wills of others and ensures that they obey the collective because they are, holistically, the authors of the law. This is where the general will becomes and important aspect of Rousseau’s Theory of the social contract.