Group Project 5
Solutions
Over this semester we have looked at a number of social problems. We have applied developed a model of critical analysis of social problems through a series of group projects. In Group Project 1 we considered the importance of research and research based evidence in the definition or frame of a social problem. In Group Project 2, we looked at the social formation in which social problems occur, and considered major macro level trends and social structures such as the power elite and the ways corporate controlled media produce and frame social problems as public issues that affect individuals as personal troubles. In Group Project 3, we considered arguments about the causes of social problems, and in Group Project 4, we considered the values used by a defining group to frame an issue as a social problem. In this group project, we turn our focus to the question of solutions to social problems, and consider how well they address the underlying causes as well as how feasible they are in the current social and historical context.
Your task in this group project is to apply your sociological imagination and to use critical analysis to assess the proposals for social problems solutions in the assigned readings. There are several readings in the last section of Intersections, and it is important that you give at least a quick read of all of them so that you can respond in your group discussions to group members who choose a different focus than the one you prefer. Several of the readings address a specific problem by recommending some kind of reform in public policy. This is sometimes called a “reformist” approach. Sometimes these involve changes in laws and policies at the national (macro) level, as in the welfare state discussed by Logue and the national policies advocated by Wilson to address problems of inequality. Other approaches involve more grassroots organizing at the local (micro) level, as in the cases discussed in the articles by Meyer and Walljasper in the readings. McChesney and Nichols take on problems we discussed with respect to the media, and Coontz argues the importance of scholarly research in addressing problems of the family.
Another approach proposes a more radical (deep rooted change) in culture (people’s overall way of thinking and dealing with the world) or in society as a whole. This is sometimes seen as a more “revolutionary” approach. The example in your reading assignment is provided by, of all people, Albert Einstein. Interestingly, both grass-roots organizing and socialism have been major topics in public discussions surrounding the recent election, in which change was a major theme for both contenders.
Your job is to review each of these proposals, and decide which approach makes more sense, in terms of its ability to actually address the root causes of the social problem or problems in question, and in terms of its possibilities for success, its feasibility. To help you assess the feasibility of solutions, you can get a sense of resources available to the federal government and current priorities by looking at The Budget Graph, http://www.thebudgetgraph.com/ . You can browse through a detailed graphical representation of what the federal government will spend money on in fiscal year 2009, by federal department. Be sure to zoom in on the section called "The Total Budget" to get a better sense of the difference between the discretionary and non-discretionary parts of the budget. Also note the budget deficit, the difference between what the government takes in (revenue) and what it spends (expenditure). Be sure to follow the suggestions on the site to get the most out of the graph. Additional reference material on federal spending is available from the National Priorities Project, http://www.nationalpriorities.org/ . Of course, all of these budgetary considerations have been thrown into turmoil by the very recent financial meltdown and our entry into a very serious global recession, if not depression.
The assignment: Skim the last seven articles in Crossroads (pp. 200-287), and the article by Einstein at http://www.monthlyreview.org/598einst.htm. Also review any other readings we have covered this semester if there is a specific issue you would think is more important to resolve than the ones discussed in these readings. This time focus particularly on any solutions the authors have proposed in their articles. Finally, choose one of the topics and articles to read more carefully and to use for your discussion of the question below.
Discuss the following question in the Group Project 5 discussion topic. There will be one big group, and no summary this time. You will need to post at least twice: once, with your own response to the questions, and the second time in response to other postings. The discussion will take place from Nov. 23-Dec. 5.
The question:
1. Is there one main problem that influences or causes most (or all) of the major social problems facing us? If so, what is it? Did you find in the readings a way to remove or change this major cause? What might that be? If you don’t find one in the readings, can you think of one? How feasible would it be to implement that change (either the one in the reading or your own proposal)? How would you carry it out (be as specific and detailed as possible)? How do your personal values influence your definition of this problem and the solution you propose?
If you do not find a main cause of social problems, what do you see as the one or two most pressing social problems? Do you find a solution for that issue in any of the readings? If not, can you think of one yourself? Consider the feasibility of your solution. How would we (society) pay for it? How would you carry this solution out (be as specific and detailed as possible)? How do your personal values influence your definition of this problem and the solution you propose?