Assignment task:
Step 1: Think of a commonly faced personal problem that people in society struggle with. This can be one we have discussed in class or something you come up with on your own. Using the sociological imagination, explain how this seemingly individualistic problem can be tied to a greater societal issue.
Step 2: Pick one of the three primary social theorists we have discussed (Marx, Durkheim, or Weber), and explain how they would view this issue. In this explanation, make sure to use at least one of their critical concepts that they developed.
Step 3: Connect this issue to each major theoretical perspective in sociology (structural functionalism, symbolic interactionism, conflict theory). How would this issue be viewed under each of these perspectives?
Step 4: Conduct a small literature search to see what kinds of studies have been done on your specific issue. Cite three separate studies. For each study, explain the methods, goals, and results. Please also discuss whether the researchers used a quantitative or qualitative approach. Sources must be academic journal articles retrieved from the UMass Lowell Library website.
Step 5: Explain why this issue is relevant. What makes this problem one that is important and should be studied sociologically?
Step 6: Include a personal reflection on what you have learned about this issue as you have written your paper. Was anything surprising? Confusing? What steps do you personally think should be taken in the future to help in fixing this issue?
Papers must be between 3 and 5 pages long, double spaced, using size 12, Times New Roman font. All sources, including class materials and research articles, must be properly cited both in text and at the end of your paper in a formatted bibliography. You may use whatever citation style your major uses. Omitting proper citations will result in a 3-point deduction from your paper grade. Please also make sure that you are writing in essay format. Do not list your answers in bullet point format or simply answer each question individually. This needs to read like a cohesive paper with an introduction and conclusion