Problem: Read the following scenario:
A community forum is bringing together local leaders and residents to discuss important social issues. You have been invited to speak about a key issue affecting society today and how sociological theory can help people understand it.
Your audience is not just looking for opinions-they want to see that you can apply sociological theory to identify patterns and impacts of the issue. Your role is to help them think critically about how this issue functions within broader societal structures and affects individuals and communities.
Before you develop your speech, complete the following tasks:
- Choose 1 contemporary social issue you have not yet explored in this course that is relevant to your community or American society. Need Assignment Help?
- Select 1 sociological theory that will help you explain patterns and impacts related to your selected issue.
Assessment Deliverable:
Write a 525- to 875 word speech OR record a 3- to 4-minute video or audio presentation.
Your speech should apply sociological theory to explain patterns and impacts of your chosen social issue. Your audience should gain a deeper understanding of how this issue fits into larger societal structures and affects individuals and communities.
Your speech or presentation should follow this structured approach:
- Introduction
- Introduce yourself and the social issue you will discuss.
- Explain why the issue is significant and how it relates to larger societal patterns.
- Sociological Theory Application
- Explain 2 key concepts from the sociological theory that will guide your discussion.
- Describe how this theory helps explain why this issue exists and what effects it has on society.
- Micro-Level Application
- Explain how this issue affects people at the micro level (in their personal lives, relationships, and daily interactions) using key concepts from your chosen theory.
- Identify patterns in individual experiences, behaviors, or social interactions related to this issue and provide at least 1 example to support your response.
- Describe how personal identity (e.g., race, gender, class) influences how people experience or respond to the issue, and provide at least 1 example to support your response.
- Macro-Level Application
- Explain how this issue functions at the macro level (within societal structures, policies, and institutions) using key concepts from your chosen theory.
- Identify broad social patterns that contribute to or are affected by this issue and provide at least 1 example to support your response.
- Describe how laws, economic systems, government policies, media, or education influence the issue on a large scale, and provide at least 1 example to support your response.
- Conclusion
- Summarize your main points.
- Address this question: How does sociological theory help uncover patterns and impacts of social issues?