Overview:

This final paper will be the culmination of what we have accomplished in our first and second writing assignments. Now that we have identified and clarified the nature of our chosen social problem, and examined two key organizations that address this social problem, we will now give a more in depth discussion about the scope of the social problem, a major theoretical idea that can be applied to the social problem, and our own analysis of how this social problem might be better solved. A crucial part of this paper will be in identifying one of the major theoretical perspectives we have covered this session. The three major ones include the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interaction approaches. However, as our texts point out, there are other theoretical viewpoints we may also adopt if we choose. The key will be in thoroughly reading and understanding these theoretical viewpoints, and finding the most effective one for understanding our chosen social problem of study.

Instructions:

Complete a 5-7 page final paper that analyzes the future impact of this social problem you have mentioned in the second writing assignment. In this assignment, you will cover:

1. The scope of this social problem over the last 30-50 years. (note: you will need to use historical data to articulate the scope of this problem.)

2. An analysis of one major theoretical perspective from our textbook that is useful in understanding this social problem.

3. Finally, your own analysis of how you think addressing the social problem could be improved. In this analysis, please mention what you think should be done to solve this social problem. Your paper should utilize sound critical thought and it should provide appropriate APA in-text citations and APA full-reference citations.

4. Use at least four concepts from our text (not used in our previous assignments) in your analysis.

The assignment should include a title page, abstract and/or table of contents, body of paper, and also works cited page. This assignment should follow the APA format. In addition to our text, you will significantly incorporate research from at least 5 meaningful up-to-date resources, two of which must be from reputable, peer-reviewed academic journals. Please check the Course Materials for more information on this homework assignment.