Problem
Textbook: The Sociology of Childhood 5th edition by Corsaro
i. Why must we distinguish between the social problems of children and children as social problems? Select one of topics discussed in the chapters (working parents, divorce rates/ increases in single parents, poverty, teen pregnancy/ birth, and victimization/ abuse) to illustrate the importance of considering how children are impacted by social conditions, highlighting what research has shown us (particularly as we are able to see the perspective of interpretive reproduction).
ii. Corsaro advocated for paid family leave, universal health care for children, and government-subsidized childcare and early education as the three most pressing changes that could support the lives of children in our society, especially those facing poverty. Which of these seems to be the most essential to you? What are the benefits of even modest improvements in this area for children and families? How can benefits of these changes extend beyond the immediate impacts you identified to others (what Corsaro referred to as the "ripple effects")?
iii. Toward the end of Chapter 12, Corsaro reflected on several proposals for steps to support "children and families at risk" - including programs and policies that could be more fully supported, developed, or expanded to serve children facing disruption and instability within their communities. Which of these most resonated with you? How would the proposed idea(s) improve the present of childhood (i.e., think about children's lives as children, not their futures as adults!)? Are there additional steps that need to be taken that were not addressed? Make sure you distinguish this response from the previous questions.
iv. What are you most likely to take with you from this class and share in your professional or personal life? Walk through how you would explain this point, in your own words, to someone else.