Create a presentation or a 15-20-minute speech on either same-sex marriage or immigration policy.
Many of the current political, legal, and social debates in U.S. society concern diversity and its related issues. Two of those debates have centered on immigration policy and same-sex marriage. These debates involve not only arguments regarding discriminatory treatment of particular ethnic groups or sexual minorities but also legal, economic, and religious questions and concerns.
In this assessment, you apply the sociological perspective to one of these debates. You research the political players and key arguments on the different sides of your chosen controversy, and you place them in historical and contemporary context to gain a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of the debate, and current and proposed policy solutions. Understanding the key developments and policy changes that pertain to your debate puts you in a position in which you can more accurately evaluate the merits of arguments made by politicians, leaders, and others with a stake in shaping future policy decisions.
Demonstration of Proficiency
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:
Competency 1: Describe theoretical ideas of power in relation to policy.
Discuss how sociological theory can be used to understand disparities in political power.
Competency 2: Identify historical and contemporary influences of discrimination in U.S. culture.
Competency 3: Analyze the effects of social policy using aggregated data.
Analyze the evolution of antidiscrimination law to give context to current law or policy.
Competency 6: Communicate effectively.
Your task in this assessment is to choose one of two debates—same-sex marriage or immigration policy—and create a presentation that would be delivered at a symposium on a college campus. You will need to place the debate in historical context, which will involve researching the history of policy as it pertains to your chosen topic and the social movements that developed as a result—for example, the gay rights movement. You will also be asked to address potential questions audience members might ask in this kind of situation.
Complete the following:
Include a time line with key events to provide historical context.
Briefly analyze the following for your selected topic:
The evolution of federal legislation on the topic over the past 10 years.
The current political landscape, including key political debates related to your central issue.
Introduce the important political players in the national debate.
Explain how at least one specific sociological theory can be used to understand why some players have more power than others in this debate. Examples of theories include conflict theory, power elite theory, and human capital theory.
Discuss how the continued uncertainty in political and legal environments affects stakeholders who are seeking to expand their rights or challenge existing policies.
Immigration:
“I heard 75 percent of people are against gay marriage. Who are they?”
Sources: Cite at least six credible scholarly sources to support your presentation.Resources: Data Sources
This report features polling data on perceptions of same-sex marriage among different demographics groups.
This collection of resources from the Migration Policy Institute includes current and historical data on immigration trends.
This site features research reports containing recent data in various immigration trends.Resources: Policy Issues
These resources discuss policy issues and related social issues surrounding the debates over immigration and same-sex marriage.
This article challenges the argument that immigrants are taking Americans’ jobs.
Healey, J. F., Stepnick, A., & O’Brien, E. (2019). Race, ethnicity, gender, and class: The sociology of group conflict and change (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
This research study uses both quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate arguments of same-sex marriage opponents.
FMG Video
The following video was purchased through Films Media Group for use in this Capella course. Any distribution of video content or associated links is prohibited.
This documentary examines perspectives on being gay in American society.