Sociology - Poverty - Case Study

Case Study: “Poverty and Homelessness in America”

Central Question:  As one of the wealthiest countries on earth, America needs to do more to eradicate the problem of poverty and homelessness. There is simply too much of a gap between the super-rich and the super-poor.  Should the government do more to solve the problem of extreme poverty/homelessness in America?

Try to think about this issue/problem from these perspectives:

·        Economic

·        Social

·        Crime/Punishment

·        Moral /Religious / Humanitarian

·        Political

·        American Values

·        Health/Hygiene

CASE STUDY POSITIONS

I know that many of us would like to position ourselves in the middle, but for the sake of the assignment please select one of the positions listed below.  Thank you.

Position 1: America needs to reach out and address the problem of poverty and homelessness in America.

Position 2: There are enough systems in place right now to help those in poverty - probably too many.  America doesn’t need to make this more of an issue.

 

Sociological themes to consider:

·        Ethnocentrism

·        Cultural relativism

·        Social change

·        Crime

·        Family values

·        Economy

·        A nation’s defense/security

·        Moral/religious issues

·        A nation’s vision of the future

·        Environmental concerns

·        Poverty

WHAT TO DO:

1.      Research the topic

2.      Identify your position

3.      Research the topic in relation to your position

4.      Take notes, rough draft

5.      Put together your thoughts and information

6.      Type a 2-4 page paper – MLA Format

a.      Introduction to topic; finish with your position

b.      Body / Argument #1

c.       Body / Argument #2

d.      Body / Argument #3

e.       Conclusion of paper; recap your important facts

7.      Due: 30 September 2014 (Tuesday)

Schedule

9/23 (Tues) Workday

9/24 (Wed) – Workday

9/26 (Fri) – Workday

9/30 (Tues) - DUE

• Poverty.us - http://www.poverty.us/
• Poverty in America - http://povertyinamerica.mit.edu/
• Poverty USA - http://www.povertyusa.org/
• US Census - http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/
• The War on Poverty - http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/poverty/report/2014/01/07/81661/the-war-on-poverty-then-and-now/
• Poverty Program - http://www.povertyprogram.com/usa.php
• White House - http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/poverty/
• Hunger in the US - http://www.worldhunger.org/articles/Learn/us_hunger_facts.htm