Objective I propose to create a photo essay which depicts the effects of large chains such as Wal-Mart and Chipotle on various aspects of a small community.
Interest This is interesting because large chains are infiltrating small communities throughout the United States; it seems as if there is a Wal-Mart within a few miles of every community. Large chains such as Wal-Mart and Chipotle are simultaneously praised for creating jobs and selling affordable goods and criticized for "choking out" smaller, more local businesses. From a sociological theory, these businesses can be viewed as groups in which social evolutionary theory and conflict theory can aid in explaining why they thrive. From a a microsociological perspective, rational choice theory and exchange theory can aid in explaining why people choose to shop at these retail giants and the “mom and pop” stores are left with little business.
Background reading I will read the text book, wikipedia, and other basic sociology texts on the following topics: social evolutionary theory, conflict theory, rational choice theory, and exchange theory.
I will also find scholarly research on the general issue of the effects of chain businesses in small communities. Posting links here.
I will find popular press discussions of my topic because there has been a lot of controversey especially surrounding Wal-Mart. This will probably include mostly newspaper articles.
General Plan I plan to research Wal-Mart and Chipotle's contributions to the community, effect on the environment, and effect on small businesses. I plan to interview local coffee shops to determine if the opening of The Front Room in Baker Center, which sells Starbucks coffee, has affected business. Then I plan to photograph these businesses and find ways to photograph the effects on the community. Then the pictures will be uploaded to Flickr with captions.
Collaborators I will be working with Chip Redmond.
