To be an effective sociologist OR to engage in social justice issues in a meaningful way, one must have a core belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities, resources, political influence and social rights and privileges. But do they? You have the power to affect and implement social change, improve social injustices and advocate for issues which are meaningful to you. We must ask ourselves, what can I do, what actions can I take on a micro or macro level, or both which will make a difference and change my chosen social injustice?
We have heard over and over again, our vote matters. Yes, it is indeed one important way we can assert our power and our voice. Yet there are other activities, services, campaigns, etc. which we can do every day. Your final research project will showcase what you have learned in this class This is where the rubber hits the road!!
Karl Marx contributed the concept of Conflict Theory and “praxis” to understanding opposing sociological perspectives. Praxis is the practical application of theories and concepts to challenge the status quo and affect positive change improving conditions of those who are traditionally oppressed for example. Think of ways to combat racism, xenophobia, homophobia or transphobia. It is complex and takes multiple approaches to move deeply entrenched beliefs and to change behaviors.
For this assignment, students were to choose a social problem important to them in the beginning of the semester. (Examples may be immigration rights, opioid epidemic, poverty, poor access to mental health treatment, gay rights, animal rights, environmental concerns, reducing sexual violence, improving access to health care, gaming addiction, dementia as a public health crisis, etc.)
Using Conflict Theory to guide your paper, you are to include the following by separating each discussion area by paragraphs (Use headers to organize your writing):
- Define the Social Problem – What are the social justice or human rights confronting this population? Who and what are the opposing forces at play? Who has ownership of the power, resources and opportunities? This must be based on your research. Use the Conflict Theory as your lens to discuss this social issue and use evidence-based material. (5 points) No opinions.
- Who is adversely affected by this social problem? Who is being oppressed? Who are the dominant cultures or populations? Provide background information (data on demographics, ethnicities, race, cultural information, socioeconomic status(SES) , ages, sexual or gender identities, disabilities, rates of addiction, historical facts and other data, etc.) (5 points)
- Using a micro-sociological lens, describe an individual who is affected by this problem. (Case Study) and provide historical data and facts regarding the severity of this problem PUT A FACE ON THIS PROBLEM! You may include a real family, an individual, a community, etc. It must be a real case. (3 points)
- Call to Action: Explain your plan of action and how it will improve matters. How will your plan of action improve social conditions? How will your plan go about fighting for rights of oppressed populations or how will you go about changing actual policies affecting your oppressed population or improve this social justice issue. (5 points) Ideas may be to create new programs, services, educational campaigns, lobbying or other activities and efforts to address this issue. BE SPECIFIC AND DO YOUR RESEARCH. WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN SUCCESSFUL?
- Academic sources and resources used, format, writing, APA compliance and ability to convey content using newly acquired sociological knowledge from semester and research. Some students mistakenly focus on the economic, psychological, anthropological or medical reasoning to explain social problems, human behaviors or issues. Remember this is a sociology class. BE CREATIVE and INNOVATIVE as well.
Additional Guidelines: The Research Paper include:
- 7 pages of your evidence based content and researched material (this is your substantive content) plus you must add a title page, abstract & bibliography (additional pages will not be graded more favorably). That translates to 10 total pages!!!
- Double-spacing using 12-point Times New Roman font
- A reference page (bibliography), title page and abstract must be included.
- APA style must be used to reference and format your paper. EVERY sentence you take from outside sources must be cited in the narrative. Example: (Author’s last name, year of publication, page #)
- This assignment will be submitted on Canvas and TurnitIn.
- If a student has a problem with uploading papers, the student must email paper to instructor and explain reason uploading failed. Add screen shot.
An excellent (grade A) paper will present a well-articulated analysis of the topic of social class and social stratification and exhibit the following characteristics:
- It articulates a clear, detailed and insightful position on the issue of social class. Research required!!
- Contains research informed data and information from reputable, peer-reviewed sources. (3 academic journals are required)
- It develops the position fully, with compelling reasons and/or persuasive examples.
- It sustains a well-focused, well-organized analysis, connecting ideas logically.
- It conveys ideas fluently and precisely, using effective vocabulary and sentence variety.
- It demonstrates excellent use of standard written English (i.e., grammar, usage, and mechanics) though may have minor errors.
- Exceeds all requirements listed in guidelines.
- Citations and bibliography match and are accurately applied using APA format.
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