Social Welfare, Social Policy, & Social Work

Fall 2021

SOWK 260: Introduction to Social Welfare, Social Policy, & Social Work

Topic s Excessive Force

Nobody: Casualties of America’s War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond by Marc Lamont Hill – Writing assignment- Using APA format: typed, double spaced, 4-5 pages. (15-Points) DUE: Nov. 11

Using the book Nobody:

Identify a social problem that you would like to focus on. Once you have identified the problem, complete the following steps, and submit a short paper which addresses the following points.
Describe the problem using specific examples from the reading. Briefly explain why you think this is a social problem. What features of a social problem as defined in the readings and lecture does it have? (Cite sources as appropriate).
Discuss the Impact of the problem
Who has the problem (be specific)?
What impact does this problem have on those with the problem?
What impact does this problem have on the larger society?
Assessment of the Impact- What systems have been utilized and what impact has this had? (Write a narrative and create an Ecomap to illustrate this point)
Using the Ecological Perspective format illustrate the problem using a ecomap.
Clearly identify the relationship of those impacted or involved in the problem (using micro, mezzo, and macro examples)
Who is affected by the problem and how (positive and negative associations)?
Based on your understanding of social policy- why does the problem exist (what are the conditions that have created or support the existence of the problem)?
Based on the above point, indicate whether (or not) you think there is consensus on the cause(s) of the problem
Give examples of the different points of views regarding the problem and include your sources.
Who is instrumental in problem definition?
What values are significant?
Identify at least one existing or proposed social policy and one program addressing this problem. What is currently being done to address the problem?
Think about some of the competing functions of social welfare policy that were discussed in the class notes and readings. Identify at least two that you think are evident in that policy or program (i.e., oppression, social control, poverty, etc.).

Extra Credit: Use at least one article from popular media (newspapers, magazines, social media etc.). How does this article portray the problem? What are the assumptions about the causes? How do these relate to the proposed solution? Add the link to the paper and attach a copy of the article to your paper.