SOC220 All Week Discussions Latest 2018

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 What is a social problem? Explain why it is important to keep the social context of the social problem in mind when analyzing the problem for a cause or correlation. Explain how research is used to describe the social context of a social problem.

DQ2 After completing the “Research Analysis Exercise”, explain how the article can be used to understand the social problems presented. Which part of the analysis did you struggle with the most? Why? Explain whether or not the journal article provided any contextual factors that have influenced the social problem the article was about.

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1 Provide an example of institutional discrimination. Explain how this social problem became incorporated into social policies and practices. What are some possible solutions to alleviate or eliminate this social problem from policies and practices? Explain if you have seen the elimination of some institutional discrimination in your experience.

DQ2 Explain whether the Civil Rights Act or Affirmative Action eliminated racism in America. Why or why not? Explain a theory you have regarding the source of prejudice or discrimination in America. Provide a possible solution to alleviate this social problem.

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1 Access and view the “GCU Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work” document. GCU believes that the Christian worldview offers the hope of restoration of families, communities, and societies. How would a sociologist with this worldview explain the influence and impact of social deviance on society? What would their possible solutions to social deviance be? What historical solutions to control criminal deviance have been applied? Evaluate the results: Have they been effective or not? Explain your answer.

DQ2 Explain if there is a biological explanation for criminal deviance. Provide an example of a biological explanation for criminal activity. Explain if psychological approaches are better used to explain criminal deviance. Provide a solution to social deviance on a macro level.

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1 For the vulnerable population you had to research for the assignment, identify other social problems associated with teenagers. How do these social problems affect society on a macro level? How do these social problems affect an individual on a micro level? What factors place this population in a position of vulnerability to discrimination or exploitation?

DQ2 For the vulnerable population you had to research for the assignment, describe historical solutions to social problems that have affected this population. Next, evaluate the effectiveness of these historical solutions: Have they worked? Why or why not? Finally, provide your own possible solution that might alleviate the social problem.

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1 Explain the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interactionist perspectives about the family institution. What are some of the similarities? Which perspective do you identify with and why? Does this perspective best explain the family institution overall? Explain your answer.

DQ2 After reviewing the data in the 2010 and 2016 “Status and Trends in the Education of Racial and Ethnic Groups” reports, describe one trend about these racial/ethnic groups that stood out to you. Explain if this trend surprises you or not. Compare and contrast the trend data in the “Student Behaviors” section of the reports: What data categories were similar? Which categories were different or additional between the reports? How can this data be used to alleviate social problems in this population?

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1 What are characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of capitalist economies? Socialist economies? Mixed economies? Explain how economic conditions contribute to class stratification.

DQ2 What are the differences between the power elite model and the pluralist models? What does research suggest about these models? Provide a possible strategies to reduce power inequalities on a national or global scale.

SOC220 Social Problems

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1 Based on your reading of Scott Campbell's classic paper, "Green Cities, Growing Cities, Just Cities," describe the three main goals city planners must consider to support a sustainable city. Do you think conflicting interests can be reconciled, and if so, how? How do these problems compare with problems occurring in other urban areas, both nationally and internationally? How does the impact of urban development extend to rural communities? Are their benefits to the expansion? Why or why not?

DQ2 What is one type of collective violence? How extensive and widespread is this type of violence? What historical and contemporary factors contribute to this type of violence? What are some of the consequences of war and terrorism socially? How has our current involvement in war affected individuals on a micro level?