The media, politicians, and people we know continually discuss social issues: poverty, the quality of education, bullying, drug use, the changing family unit, immigration, racism, declining moral values, same-sex marriage, the separation of church and state, the limits of free speech, political polarization, gun violence, unequal pay for women in the workforce, internet-related crime, the death penalty, and so on. They often discuss these issues from a nonsociological point of view. It’s time to begin thinking like a sociologist!
First, in your opinion, what is the most important social issue in America today? (You can select an issue listed above, or select your own.) Why?
Second, how would each of the three major theoretical perspectives in sociology—Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Interactionism—view this issue? Which perspective do you most agree with? Why?
2ND QUestion and answer-PLease note this is not a paper,just short questions to answer
In this week’s first discussion question, you identified what you believe is the most important social issue in America today. If you were granted funding to conduct sociological research on this issue, what specifically would you investigate? Keeping in mind Ch. 2, “Doing Sociology: Research Methods,” how would you conduct your research, and what research method would you employ? What ethical concern(s) may be raised by researching this issue, and how would you address them?
