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Amy Richie Phone: Master of Science, Human Services, Counseling Studies Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Art Therapy and Small Group Counseling Pregnancy Prevention Programming Executive Director – Big Brothers Big Sisters District Youth Leader for my Church. Worked with 13 congregational youth leaders in developing outreach programs for K-12 youth. Best Decision Ever – Volunteer at the Iowa State Training School for Boys Best Career Ever – Mom & Wife! “When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.” (Anthony J. D’Angelo)

Seminars Wednesday, 7:00p.m. ET Thursday, 7:00p.m. ET  You can choose either one and it does not matter if one week you attend on Wednesday and then the next week you attend on Thursday.  I am doing BOTH seminars. The information presented will be EXACTLY the same on both nights.  All PowerPoints will be posted in Doc Sharing.

Unit 1 To-Do-List  Introduce Yourself  Complete the assigned Readings Read the Syllabus and pp in Henslin, and review the Web Resources related to social issues.  Participate in Discussion The Discussion for this week will focus on social problems, and three different perspectives used to view social problems. Please respond to the following questions/statements: – Which of the three sociological perspectives (Functionalism, Conflict Theory, or Symbolic Interactionism) best explains the social problems that exist in society? Why do you think the perspective that you chose best explains social problems? – Using a reputable website or your local paper, find and describe something you would consider to be a social problem. After you have identified a social problem, discuss the impact that the problem has on individuals as well as society.  Attend Seminar (Option 1) or Submit Seminar Option 2

Grading Criteria for Discussion Board: 45 Points  Makes one primary post for each discussion thread (there may be more than one thread) answering each of the questions correctly, and fully with substance meeting length requirements (100 word minimum for each primary post)  Makes two or more thoughtful responses to other students on each thread contributing to the quality of the discussion and meets length requirements ( words for each peer response)  Primary responses make at least 1 reference to the unit material, text, or other academic source. 0-5  Responses are clearly written and are original ideas rather than a recap of what others contribute 0-10 Grading Criteria for Seminar Option 1: 20 Points  Frequent and thoughtful interaction on concepts being discussed by students and instructor  Posts are on topic and contribute to the quality of the seminar. 0-5  Student arrives on time and stays the entire seminar. 0-5 Grading Criteria for Seminar Option 2 20 Points  Response is on topic answering each question correctly and fully making informed reference to the unit material  Response is clear with correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, free of typographical errors, and meets 200 – 250 word length requirement. 0 – 5

Sociological Theories & Social Problems In our society we devise our own ways of “covering up” when the elderly have outlived their social usefulness. Theory: Explains how two or more concepts (or facts) are related, such as age and suicide. A theory provides a framework for organizing facts, and in so doing, provides a way of interpreting reality. Sociological Theory: Provides a framework for thinking about a social issue from a perspective that we might otherwise neglect.

Three Theories FUNCTIONALISM A social system composed of parts that work together to benefit the whole CONFLICT THEORY Groups competing with one another within the same social system SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM People’s patterns of behavior always changing

Functionalism & Social Problems First major theory that sociologists use to interpret social problems To see application of functionalist perspective to social problems, think of society as single machine with many parts. –When each part does its job, the machine runs smoothly. If some part fails, however, the whole machine can suffer (dysfunctions). From the functionalist perspective, a social problem is the failure of some part of society that interferes with the society’s smooth functioning.

Applying Functionalism to Social Problems Major source of social problems is the inevitable consequence of change. –Institutional change in one area of society disrupts the equilibrium of society’s parts, forcing those parts to make new adjustments. Society needs to pass its positions of responsibility (jobs) from one group (the elderly) to another group (younger people).

Functionalist Theory: Aging Functions: Social Security transfers jobs from older workers to younger Social Security not only benefits recipients but families, businesses, and workers at Social Security Administration –Nursing homes as positive environments –Function of change in family/work patterns Dysfunctions: Nursing home facilities can be inadequate or detrimental Barriers to receiving adequate care and treatment that the elderly face Rules and regulations

Functionalist Theory: Aging Functions of Nursing Homes Nursing homes provide a function where stay-at-home wives and mothers used to provide role of caretaker for the elderly Dysfunctions of Nursing Homes Segregated from outside world Medications Lack of privacy Rigid control Less contact with family and friends Psychological and physical abuse is common

Conflict Theory & Social Problems Below the surface, society’s parts are competing with one another for scarce resources. From the conflict perspective, social problems are the natural and inevitable outcome of social struggle. Conflict theory: views society as a system in competition and conflict Each group in society attempts to further its own interests, even at the expense of others. As these interests collide, the social order becomes unstable. Those in power exploit people and their resources for their own benefit.

Applying Conflict Theory to Social Problems At the root of each social problem lies conflict over the distribution of power and privilege. Social problems are inevitable, for it is inevitable that groups will come in conflict as they try to maintain or to gain control over power and privilege. Understanding that power and privilege lie at the root of social problems helps analysts to penetrate the surface and pinpoint what any particular social problem is all about.

Applying Conflict Theory to Social Problems Two types of social problems: –Trouble experienced by people who are exploited by the powerful –Trouble experienced by the powerful when the exploited resist, rebel, or even appeal to higher values

Feminist Theory Inspired by the Marxist theory and aims to transform society instead of just studying it Patriarchy Rule by men is understood to be the root of all this inequality. To maintain this power, men create boundaries and obstacles for women, making it hard for them to gain power.

Development of Feminist Theory In 1970s, feminist theory was an umbrella term that described oppression of all women. In 1980s, feminists split into five different branches of feminist theory. –Radical feminism: dismantle society entirely to dissolve patriarchy –Liberal feminism: all people created equal and deserve equal rights –Socialist feminism: direct link between capitalist class structure and oppression of women –Cultural feminism: biological differences between men and women should be appreciated –Ecofeminism: patriarchy oppressive for women and environment

Applying Feminist Theory to Social Problems Social norms place the burden of care for elderly parents disproportionately on daughters, not sons. In the U.S., men typically do not care for parent(s) because it is often assumed his wages are more vital than a woman’s. Over the next several decades, the population of aged persons will continue to grow, while the number of caregivers remain constant. Social problems are a result of the struggle over resources between men and women.

Symbolic Interactionism & Social Problems The significance of culture –Sociological theory that focuses on the symbols that people use to make sense out of life Symbols: things to which we attach meaning and that we use to communicate with one another Because symbols change, so do social problems

Symbolic Interactionism & Social Problmes Earlier in our history, old age was a personal problem, not a social problem. –What was once a personal problem had become a social problem –From the perspective of symbolic interactionists, then, social problems are whatever people in a society define as social problems.

Applying Symbolic Interactionism to Social Problems Social Construction of Reality: the attempt to make sense of life by giving meaning to one’s experiences. The Social Construction of Social Problems: –Labeling Simply means that people categorize things Put tags on other people or on events and then act accordingly

The Future of the Problem: The Pendulum Swings Some people think elderly are receiving more than their fair share. –Reflects fundamental shift in the subjective concerns of this social problem –Belief centers on costs of health care In about 20 years or so, one in five Americans will be elderly. –This continuous growth will strain Social Security and health care programs.

The Emerging Struggle “Congress has caved in and has given too many benefits to old people.” –Some want to trim Social Security, Medicare, and other programs available to the elderly. –To protect their gains, older Americans have organized a powerful political lobby. The AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) boasts 38 million members and a staff of 1,200. –Difficult for politicians to ignore these numbers

The Emerging Struggle The interests of younger and older groups are on a collision course. Two major problems: –Contributions to Social Security are not put into a worker’s own account. –Proportion that collect Social Security is growing, proportion who are working (those who pay) is shrinking. Dependency ratio: number of workers compared with number of Social Security recipients