A Sociological Analysis of “Wetback: The Undocumented Documentary

The task of this essay is to expand on the content/issues within the documentary “Wet: The
Undocumented Documentary” using a sociological perspective. After viewing the
entire documentary please choose a main theory to analyze the content of the documentary, once
you have selected either Conflict Theory/World Systems Theory or Functionalism, your task is
address the following questions.
1. Why are Central American and South American countries so economically
dilapidated, which leads to mass immigration to the United States? Be sure to utilize
Open Veins of Latin America by Galeano to address an often ignored world pattern
that started in 1519 in relation to the development of capitalism.
2. How does the Mexican-American War fit into this world pattern that started in 1519?
What impact did this war have on Mexico? Please use chapter three from the Acuna
reading to address this question.
3. Based on information gathered from Galeano, Acuna, and the Hedges readings are
immigrants (legal or illegal) the victim or the crime? Is building a border wall a
viable solution to thoroughly address the current issues at the United States/Mexico
border?
Remember, a Conflict Theorist/World Systems Theory approach will be critical of this situation,
while a Functionalist approach will just explain the situation with no judgment.
Important Note: If you select Conflict Theory (Marx/Du Bois/Wallerstein) or Functionalism (Durkheim, Parsons, Merton) you must provide “four terms” within your essay.
Your essay should be a minimum of three pages, but no longer than four pages. Your essay
should follow proper ASA formatting, which includes a cover page, in-text citations, and a
reference page (no abstract is required). Additionally, be sure to include a clear thesis statement
near the end of your introduction paragraph that is precise and powerful……(This essay will
utilize Conflict Theory to sociologically examine……)
These are the course sources that must be cited in your essay:
Note: While you do not have to cite “Wetback: The Undocumented Documentary” in-text, your
essay must discuss this documentary extensively using language related directly to precise
scenes from the documentary.

-Hedges Chapter “Days of Slavery” related to current conditions in Immokalee, Florida. (Three
citations) For a paraphrase use (Hedges 2012). “For a direct quote add the page number”
(Hedges 2012:44).
-Occupied America by Rodolfo Acuna (PDF’s in Canvas) (Three citations) For a paraphrase use
(Acuna 2007). “For a direct quote add the page number”(Acuna 2007:44).
-Open Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano (a total of three citations) For a paraphrase
use (Galeano 1973). “For a direct quote add the page number”(Galeano 1973:44).