Introduction
For this paper we are going to practice examining the same social phenomenon through the three sociological perspectives. Sociology examines social problems in contemporary society and this paper will allow you to begin to examine problems sociologically. Utilizing the three perspectives will demonstrate the various types of questions each perspective can address.
Directions
Choose a current social issue or problem (ex: police brutality, unemployment, access to health care, education inequality, climate change) and read at least five different news reports from different sources on the issue. Examine the pictures, read the headlines and story, watch any video, and review any comments posted by other readers. After completing this examination of the issue, answer the following questions from each of the three sociological perspectives. Your response should be written in a series of paragraphs and answering each of the questions.
Structural Functionalism – What are the functions of this issue for society? What purpose do they serve, and how do they maintain stability and order? What social systems and institutions support this issue? Are they any dysfunctions in the issue?
Conflict Theory – What forms of inequality are revealed in the social issue? What do these stories have to say about race, class, and gender inequalities? What are the power dynamics related to the publication of these stories? Did any of the stories contribute to social change in society?
Symbolic Interactionist Theory – What does this issue mean to society as a whole? What do they mean to individual members of society? Can they have different meanings for different individuals or groups? How do those meanings get constructed in interaction? Does this issue influence everyday life?
Analysis – In your analysis, which perspective gives the most accurate and comprehensive explanation of the issue? Why? What do the other perspectives fail to address?
Core Assessment Part 1
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuestion 1: Structural Functionalism
10 pts
Full Marks
Completed all aspects of question. Showed clear understanding and application of theory to social issue
8 pts
Meets Expectations
Addressed most parts of question. Showed almost complete understanding of theory
5 pts
Below Expectations
Completed half of question
3 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Completed less than half of question. Did not show understanding of theory application
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuestion 2: Conflict Theory
10 pts
Full Marks
Completed all aspects of question. Showed clear understanding and application of theory to social issue.
8 pts
Meets Expectations
Addressed most parts of question. Showed almost complete understanding of theory
5 pts
Below Expectations
Completed half of question
3 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Completed less than half of question. Did not show understanding of theory application.
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuestion 3: Symbolic Interaction
10 pts
Full Marks
Completed all aspects of question. Showed clear understanding and application of theory to social issue.
8 pts
Meets Expectations
Addressed most parts of question. Showed almost complete understanding of theory
5 pts
Below Expectations
Completed half of question
3 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Completed less than half of question. Did not show understanding of theory application
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuestion 4: Synthesis and Analysis
10 pts
Full Marks
Insightful and comprehensive explanation of perspective and social problem. Completed all parts of question
8 pts
Meets Expectations
Showed clear understanding of perspective. Completed all aspects of questions adequately
5 pts
Below Expectations
Completed half of question
3 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Incomplete answer. Did not show comprehension of perspective application.
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReadability and Timely Submission
10 pts
Full Marks
Paper was easy to read and the questions are clearly numbered. The paper was submitted by the deadline
7 pts
Meets Expectations
Paper was mostly easy to read and the questions are clearly numbered. The paper was submitted by the deadline
5 pts
Below Expectations
The paper was either easy to read or submitted on time, but not both
0 pts
No Marks
10 pts
Total Points: 50
