Sociological Engagement Project #2
Identifying Social Problems and Working Toward Social Change
Due Date: December 1, 2021
Step One:
Complete the following table to identify three community issues or social problems
that you think need to be addressed. List these issues in the first column. In the second
column, identify who is affected by each issue. In the third column, brainstorm at least
one idea for how to address each issue. The final column should include the factors
that could potentially facilitate these solutions, as well as what obstacles might be
faced in the process.
Column 1:
Column 2:
Column 3:
Column 4:
WHAT IS THE ISSUE?
WHO WOULD IT
AFFECT?
HOW WOULD
RESOURCES AND
OBSTACLES
YOU FIX IT?
1.
2.
3.
Step Two:
After completing the table above, choose one of the social issues you identified and
generate a report connecting your ideas to the course material on social movements.
This report should be written in a formal, essay-style paper. Any references, including
those made to the textbook or lecture must be properly cited. Your paper must contain
each of the following components:
Introducing the Issue (1-2 paragraphs)
• Introduce one of the social issues you identified in the table from Part One.
• Be sure to justify why this issue matters, who is affected, and what solution/s
you are proposing to address it at the societal level.
• You must provide at least one citation to an external resource to provide
evidence of the social issue you are describing (newspaper articles,
academic journal articles are acceptable — blog posts and other informal
sources are not).
Implementing Change (2-3 paragraphs)
• Envision yourself as a leader of a social movement organization that could
address this issue and implement solutions. In at least two paragraphs,
address the following two points:
• In Chapter 18, we learned about four types of social movements —
identify which specific type of movement would best meet the needs
of your issue? Be sure to define this type of movement.
• Describe this movement — what would its goals include? Who would
be involved? How would you raise awareness? What kinds of efforts
would it undertake?
Resources and Obstacles (1-2 paragraphs)
• Describe what sorts of resources your social movement organization would
need in order to successfully meet its goals — keep in mind, resources can
be material (e.g. funding) and immaterial (e.g. volunteer labor).
• Describe any obstacles you foresee your organization facing.
Conclusion (1 paragraph)
• Summarize the key points of your paper. This is a great place to drive home
why you think this social issue is so important and what kind of social change
you see as necessary to addressing it.
What to submit and grading breakdown:
1. 25% of project grade — A copy of the completed table from Part One. You
can either print and fill in by hand (scan/photograph a copy to me) or create
your own table to fill in digitally.
2. 75% of project grade — A critical, engaged, polished final report.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. I am happy to proofread early
drafts.