Social Problems

In this assignment you are to write a brief review and analysis of a
social problem we have studied this term. Use the questions below as
a guide to your analysis. The assignment is split into two 3-page
(double-spaced) papers.

Paper I: Discuss issues #1-3 below.

Paper II: Discuss issues #4-7

1. Summary
   • Provide a brief summary of the social problem you have chosen to explore.
2. Context of the Problem
   • According to the research, why should we care about this problem?
     1. What is the history or background of this problem?
     2. What are the effects or consequences of this problem (negative and positive)?
3. Thesis
   • What is the researcher’s position? Explain what the primary cause(s) of the problem are?
4. Causes of the Problem
   • What factors (causes) produce this problem?
5. Evidence
   • What kind of evidence does the research use to
     examine this problem? What does this type of evidence reveal about the
     problem? How is it helpful for enhancing our understanding of the
     problem? Is the evidence adequate to address the questions raised
     author? What if any additional information needs to be gathered?
6. Addressing the Problem
   1. How does the research work affect our
      understanding of this social problem? E.g., will this research affect
      the way we think about the problem?
   2. What are the typical solution(s) proposed for this problem? What, if any, are the solutions offered by the research?
7. Take a personal position (One paragraph)
   • What are your own reactions to the author’s
     examination of this problem? Do you agree with the research? Why or why
     not? What do you think are the best ways to address the problem?