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Chapter 1: Sociology and the Study of Social Problems

  1. There is great debate whether social sciences, like sociology, can be studied accurately ultimately presenting truly valid and reliable data using the scientific method.  Social sciences are often referred to as the “soft sciences” while biology, chemistry, and physics are called the “hard sciences.”  Discuss some of the challenges that the social sciences face in using the scientific method.
     
  2. Globalization is increasingly making our world more socially, economically, and politically connected.  The economic recession that started in 2007 is a great example of the effects of negative globalization.  Discuss whether globalization is overall a positive or negative reality. look at this from several different perspectives, for example, a U.S. perspective versus a third world country perspective.
     
  3. C. Wright Mills’ sociological imagination allows us to link our personal lives with our social world.  The example provided in the textbook is unemployment.  If Bill is unemployed, is it due to his individual circumstances (e.g., poor employee, lazy), or might it be due to other circumstances such as high unemployment rates due to an economic recession.  Discuss the benefits and limitations of applying the sociological imagination to individual troubles.
     
  4. Perhaps one of the most important components to studying social problems is an understanding of the difference between an objective versus a subjective definition of a problem.  Discuss some of the challenges to defining problems from an objective perspective.
     
  5. Sociologists conduct research studies as it pertains to social problems in order to understand the underlying issues associated with these problems.  Discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with each type of research method and how Sociologists decide which one(s) to utilize when conducting a research study.
     
  6. There are four theoretical perspectives that are used to analyze social problems.  Discuss the limitations associated with each specific theory.  Is there one theoretical perspective that would be more beneficial to apply to certain issues? Why or why not?

Chapter 2: Social Class and Poverty

  1. There are more White-Americans living in poverty than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S. mainly because White-Americans make up the majority of the U.S. population.  However, when the size of each specific racial and ethnic group in the U.S. in calculated and poverty rates are factored in, White-Americans are among the least likely to live in poverty.  Discuss some of the specific reasons why this is the case.  Is racism a factor in poverty levels among the different racial/ethnic groups in the U.S.?
     
  2. The sociological perspectives discussed in this chapter provide very different views into social class and poverty in the U.S.  Discuss the advantages of using multiple perspectives in understanding social problems such as poverty.
     
  3. Students studying poverty can often come up with numerous reasons why people go hungry in the U.S. (e.g., a lack of sufficient money), but few realize that poor families encounter higher food prices and a smaller selection of food than other families.  Discuss why this happens and what, if anything, should be done about it. 
     
  4. The United States has one of the highest income disparities in the world.  The gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow.  Other nations, such as Nordic countries, have much lower income disparities.  Discuss some possible reasons why such dissimilarity exists among highly developed nations. 
     
  5. Some researchers believe that the poverty line is too low.  If you were in charge of adjusting the poverty line to reflect the current year what would it be for an individual?  A family of four?
     
  6. If you could create a plan to allieviate poverty what points would your plan include? 

Chapter 3: Race and Ethnicity

  1. The election of Barack Obama is seen by many as a great example of how the United States has significantly moved past racism.  Even though the election of a black man into the presidency is a milestone, black-Americans still continue to lag behind in such things as income, wealth, and homeownership as compared to White-Americans.  Discuss if President Obama’s election, overall, will help or hinder (or have no affect) on the ongoing struggle for equality for African-Americans in the U.S. 
     
  2. In April 2010, the state of Arizona passed Senate Bill 1070 with an aim to identify, prosecute and deport illegal immigrants.  There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the law which has passionate supporters on both sides of the issue.  As the federal government challenges the law and other states are closely watching the fallout, discuss the real and imagined results of this bill. 
     
  3. In 2012, the U.S. Census reported that minority births were the majority-50.4 % of children  younger than age 1 year were Hispanic, Black, Asian, or of mixed race.  Non-Hispanic Whites accounted for 46.9 % of all births in a 12-month period.  Discuss how this demographic change may lead to cultural changes in U.S. society.  Include a discussion of SB 1070 and other emerging issues in the Latin community.
     
  4. Young Latinos are less likely than white students to complete a bachelor’s degree.  What changes can be made in the U.S. educational system to combat this issue and help Latinos earn their college degrees?
     
  5. Review how the four major sociological perspectives address the concepts of assimilation and cultural pluralism.  Discuss which theor(ies) presents the best argument for or against these concepts.

Chapter 4: Gender

  1. Have a class discussion exploring why students feel supporters of an equal rights amendment for women have not been able to garnish the required support to amend the United States Constitution.
     
  2. As noted in the textbook, Nancy Pelosi became the first Speaker of the House of Representatives in January, 2007.  She is now the third highest ranking person in U.S. Government.  During the 2008 presidential election, Hillary Clinton came very close to clinching the Democrat nomination for president but failed.  She would go on to become the third female Secretary of State.  Sarah Palin was selected by John McCain to be his Vice-Presidential nominee but he failed to win the 2008 election.  Hold a discussion about the challenges women face in attaining and holding high office in U.S. government including the presidency.
     
  3. According to the American Council on Education (ACE), women now represent 57 percent of college and university student enrollment.  Have a class discussion about the perceived long term ramifications, if any, about more women than men earning degrees.
     
  4. A poster attempting to recruit males into the nursing field on a college campus read, “Are you man enough to be a nurse?”  As pointed out in the textbook, several occupations, including receptionists, childcare workers, and secretaries have been and continue to be dominated by females.  Discuss why this is the case and if the above aforementioned advertising piece is a worthy cause to breakdown gender sex types.
     
  5. Discuss the difference between college degrees as pertains to sex.  Have a discussion about the changes that may take place in the future in terms of degrees mainly earned by men and women.
     
  6. Have a discussion regarding sports that are played by women and men.  Why is there a difference in the media coverage as it pertains to female and male sports?

Chapter 5: Sexual Orientation

  1. The nature versus nurture approach to understanding sexual orientation ranges from genetic predispositions to learned behavior.  It appears that most of the scientific community supports the notion that homosexuality has a genetic component while those that oppose gay rights believe it is learned behavior (therefore it can be unlearned or changed).  Hold a discussion about how those that oppose gay rights might, if at all, change their position if indeed unquestionable evident is found that supports sexual orientation is genetically driven (It should be noted that many biologists believe that confirmation of the genetic link to sexual orientation has been found through comparative studies of identical and fraternal  twins but this information has not been widely accepted among skeptics).
      
  2. National laws do not include sexual orientation as a protected category against societal discrimination (e.g., workplace discrimination) as they do for other categories such as race and ethnicity, religion, sex, etc.  Should sexual orientation be added as a protected category?  Why or why not?
     
  3. Historically, laws have been created to extend equal rights for minority groups not to limit or reduce rights.  The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), signed into law in 1996, denies homosexuals the right to a marriage that is legalized recognized in all fifty U.S. states.  Should the government have the right to create laws that limit rights for one group that other groups benefit from?
     
  4. Homophobia is defined as the irrational fear or intolerance of homosexuals.  Discuss why anyone would be homophobic.
     
  5. Discuss with the class why some individuals may want to try and hide their sexual orientation.  Discuss with the class if they think, in the future, more people will feel more comfortable expressing their sexual orientation with others.  Why or why not?
     
  6. DADT was repealed in 2010.  Discuss with the class how institutions may change in the future to acknowledge the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals.

Chapter 6: Age and Aging

  1. It has been found that the American elderly, who comprise 13 percent of our population, consume more than 35 percent of all our total health expenditures (much covered by government paid insurance: Medicare and Medicaid).  The cost of funding Social Security is soaring and expected to be unfunded by 2017.  By age, the elderly are the most likely to vote in the United States.  Have the elderly “figured out” that their voice must be heard through the voting process?  Why haven’t young Americans voiced their concerns about issues they face such as the soaring cost of college tuition?  If young Americans voiced their concerns as well as the elderly, would programs such as Medicare and Medicaid be cut due to youth competition for scarce resources?  If so, what would that mean for elderly health care?
     
  2. The elderly in many Western nations are marginalized and stigmatized as slow, incompetent, and unable to give back to others and society because of their limitations.  Many of the inhabitants of these nations look down on the elderly and exalt youth and being young.  The elderly in many Eastern nations look up to the elderly and look to them for guidance and wisdom.  Discuss the social, historical, and cultural foundations along with the ramifications of both approaches. 
     
  3. According to the Conflict perspective, two groups in society that are at odds with one another are the young versus the old.  Do you agree or disagree with this statement?  Discuss.  If you are a young (or older) American, do you believe the elderly (youth) would agree with your position?
     
  4. Thomas (2007) found that older job interviewees whose qualifications were equal to younger candidates were less likely to be hired.  While older workers are valued for their work habits, skills, and performance, they are also perceived to be inflexible, unwilling to adapt to technology and are more expensive (due to health insurance costs) when compared to younger workers.  Hold a class discussion about the challenges and benefits to hiring young versus older employees. 
     
  5. 34 % of workers in the United States have no retirement savings at all.  Discuss the issues individuals may face if they have no retirement savings.  Ask the students if they are concerned about saving for retirement.
     
  6. Discuss with the class why there are negative stereotypes regarding the elderly in our society.  How are these stereotypes formed?  Can they be changed?

Chapter 7: Families

  1. This chapter starts out stressing the importance of using our sociological imagination in understanding the relationship between our families and the family as a social institution:  “If we use our sociological imagination…..we can uncover the links between our personal family experiences and our social world.”  Hold a class discussion about the following question:  What does your family have in common with the other family groups?
     
  2. Divorce is often looked at in a very negative manner.  Social conservatives often frown upon the high divorces rates in the U.S. and some even want to go as far as restricting divorce or at minimum making it harder to obtain.  Should divorce be harder to obtain in the U.S. and if so why? 
     
  3. Though this textbook purports that, “There is a persistent belief that nontraditional families, such as divorced, fatherless, or working-mother families, threaten and erode the integrity of the family as an institution is a myth,” there are some within our society that believe this is not a myth and is actually a real threat to the sacred institution of marriage and the family.  What do you think and why? 
     
  4. The U.S. teen birthrate is the highest in the developed world.  There are no federal laws in the U.S. that require sexual health education in schools like, for example, in France and Australia that have much lower rates of teen pregnancy.  Should sex education be mandatory in the U.S. public school system?  Why or why not?  In what grade should sex education start?  Why? 
     
  5. Researchers have different opinions regarding the changes that have taken place in regards to     families in the United States.  One view is that the family is deteriorating since familymembers spend fewer hours together due to outside obligations.  Another view is that the family unit changes as our society changes.  Finally, another view is that the family is stronger than ever, as families make sure the time spent together is quality time.  Discuss with the class which view they take and why.
     
  6. Ask the class which trends, in regards to the family, do they think have increased  (i.e. cohabitation rates) and which trends have decreased (i.e. marriage) in the past 50 years. Then, discuss with the class why these trends have taken place.  Ask them to predict what changes they believe will take place in the future.

Chapter 8: Education

  1. As reported in the textbook, although the United States spends more per capita on education than other high-income countries, our literacy scores are average in a world comparison. The literacy scores of native-born U.S. adults rank 10th among the 17 high-income nations. The nations that scored higher were Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Belgium, and Australia (Sum et al. 2002). What are we doing wrong and what do we need to do to correct this problem?
     
  2. Education is assumed to be the “great equalizer” in our society.  After having read this chapter you quickly discover that it is not.  Has education truly ever been the “great equalizer” in our society or have certain groups always been left behind?  
        
  3. Every president since Ronald Reagan has claimed to be the “Education President” promoting new laws and programs to reform American education.  During his first year in office, President Barack Obama set a goal for the United States to have the highest proportion of college students in the world.  Have any of the ideals for education reform promoted by the president, been realistic (e.g., economically funded, high standards set and measured, etc)?  In your opinion, is education truly a top priority for a president or does it just sound good to talk about education as a politician? 
     
  4. In your opinion, is public education in crisis as many believe it to be?  If so, what was the catalyst and what, if anything should be done about it?
     
  5. Ask the students what they feel is the most pressing issue in the American educational system and what they think can be done to resolve this issue.
     
  6. As discussed in the textbook the “hidden curriculum” perpetuates gender inequalities in math and science courses.  What can school administrators do to address this issue?

Chapter 9: Work and the Economy

  1. Proponents of increasing the minimum wage, such as the late Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts, feel such a measure would help the nation’s working poor and low-income families get out of poverty.  Opponents, who include members of the business community and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, argue that increasing the minimum wage would put an unnecessary stress on medium-size and small businesses and would not decrease poverty.  Should helping those living in poverty and unable to make a liveable wage be defined as, “an unnecessary stress on business?” 
     
  2. The global recession that began in December 2007 has been described as, “one of the most difficult financial and economic episodes in modern history” by U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernake.  Millions of people around the globe have either lost their jobs and/or have had hours and benefits cut.  Millions globally have also lost a large portion of their retirement funds and in most cases have also lost significant equity in their homes.  Meanwhile as been reported in the media, Chief Executor Officers (CEOs) of the world’s largest companies continue to receive extravagant bonuses even though their company profits have plummeted and many of their employees have been laid off or fired due to the “bottom line.”  Is this ethical?  Why or why not?  Should anything be done about this (e.g., should the federal government step in and regulate pay)?
     
  3. Globalization is a process whereby goods, information, people, communication, and forms of culture move across national boundaries.  Should globalization of the workplace be of concern to American workers?  Why?
     
  4. Employment discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability is prohibited.  Under current federal law, discrimination based on sexual orientation is not.  Should sexual orientation be added to the list?  Why or why not?
     
  5. Some researchers believe that people in other countries will work for lower wages and therefore they do the jobs American workers wouldn’t want since the wages are so low.  Have a discussion with the class regarding this issue.
     
  6. Have a discussion with the class regarding unemployment.  Should benefits be extended for those that are unemployed to help them financially?  What would be a good “cutoff” time?

Chapter 10: Health and Medicine

  1. The United States spends more on health per capita than any other country.  The U.S. spends about 16 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on health care—the largest expenditure in this category among industrialized countries. Even though the U.S. health system is the most expensive in the world, comparative analyses consistently show the U.S. underperforms relative to other countries on most dimensions of health performance.  Finally, the U.S. remains the only major industrial country without some form of universal health coverage.  Given this information, why do you feel so many Americans are opposed to universal health care coverage in the U.S.?
     
  2. Spending for prescription drugs in the U.S. totalled $234 billion in 2008. Prescription drugs are one of the fastest growing sectors of medical care.  It isn’t uncommon to see prescription drug companies advertising their new drugs to assist with problems related to allergies, sexual dysfunctions, depression, cholesterol, and countless other ailments.  Are drug companies looking out for the best interests of their consumers or have they simply become profit motive driven companies pumping out new drugs as fast as possible?  Is there enough federal regulation on drug companies?   
         
  3. Because of the high costs of prescription drugs, should Americans be allowed to purchase prescription drugs legally from other countries which is currently illegal?  Why do you believe it isn’t legal for Americans to have choice in the global free market to purchase their prescription drugs from where they want? 
      
  4. According to the guidlelines of the Affordable Care Act individuals who aren’t insured and   don’t sign up are assessed an annual fee.  Ask the students how they feel about the fee?  Why would a fee be assessed?  Is it fair?
     
  5. Many Americans are going overseas to seek treatment and/or to have surgeries because the costs may be cheaper and more efficient.  Discuss with the class the pros and cons of this type of practice.

 

Chapter 11: The Media

  1. There is a difference in what and how topics are covered on liberal (e.g., MSNBC) versus conservative (FOX News) television news outlets.  Have students watch, take notes, and compare these news reports for a specific period of time.  Also, have the students come up with brief summaries of their findings to report in class.
     
  2. Should the government regulate what is broadcast on television or should regulation be a responsibility of each individual consumer?  For example, should the government state that nudity is inappropriate during Prime Time and therefore restrict it or should individuals say to themselves “If I don’t like what’s on, or I don’t think my children should be watching something, it is my responsibility to turn off the television?”
     
  3. Is the media truly doing its job when important stories go unexamined, unreported or are marginalized?  For example, before the start of the Iraq war, the Bush Administration was seldom questioned about their intelligence and abilities to prove Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.  Discuss how such emissions can affect a society such as the U.S.
     
  4. It appears that local television media outlets have become so desperate for ratings, and the hugh revenue that follows, they sensationalize issues (e.g., “Are restaurants trying to kill you – tune in at 5:30 and we will let you know,” “Will one of the neighborhood kids break in and rob you – tune in at 6:00 and we will tell you how to defend yourself”) to make you believe that they have the answer to solving these emanate threats to your life.  Is this appropriate news broadcasting?
     
  5. Ask the students to discuss how their lives would change if the internet disappeared today. What would they miss the most?  Why? 
     
  6. News outlets often state that they have “breaking news” to report when in fact it often a ploy to get viewers to tune in to their channel.  Discuss with the class how often they pay attention to news stations when they state they have “breaking news”.  Many people may choose to ignore these alerts.  Is this an issue that should be addressed by the news outlets?

Chapter 12: Alcohol and Drug Abuse

  1. The use of marijuana as a medical treatment drug is being more widely accepted around the U.S. although many states have strict laws against its use.  Why would people, especially policymakers such as politicians, want to deny those that could benefit from its use the right to do so?
     
  2. The United States has declared “War” on many things over the years including poverty and crime.  Is the use of the word “war” an appropriate term to use when attempting to curb or reduce social problems in a society such as poverty and drug use? 
     
  3. A lot of inmates incarcerated in American’s jails and prisons are detained because of drug and alcohol related crimes.  Most of these inmates receive little or no substance abuse treatment while incarcerated and after serving their sentences are released back into society expected to be “model citizens” to never use drugs again, to be great parents and hold stable jobs.  Is this realistic and if not, what should be done?
     
  4. Many workplaces have a zero tolerance drug abuse policy which means if you are caught using illegal drugs, you will be immediately fired.  Some would consider this businesses attempting to control personal behavior outside of the workplace.  Should businesses have the right to do this?  If an employee (excluding occupations such as truck drivers, medical professionals, teachers, etc.) can successfully do her/his job and use recreational drugs in non- work related times, should it matter to the business? 
     
  5. Discuss the no-smoking policy that is now in place in many institutions.  Ask the students how they feel about these policies (perhaps select places like bars or casinos).
     
  6. Marijuana is seen by some as a “gateway drug” meaning usage of this leads to heavier illicit drug usage.  Discuss this issue with the class.  Why do so many researchers feel this way?
     
  7. Discuss with the class why drug rehabiliatation may not work for some people.  What are the   factors that may lead to a relapse?

Chapter 13: Crime and Criminal Justice

  1. As reported in the textbook, at the end of 2013, the federal and state inmate population in the U.S. was more than 1.6 million.  Though the U.S. represents only 5 percent of the world’s population, the number of incarcerated in our country represent nearly 25 percent of the world’s prison population.  Data reveals that the U.S. has the highest prison population rate in the world.  Do we imprison too many people?  Why do you feel our prison population is so high?   
         
  2. Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics revealed that among 300,000 prisoners released in 1993, 67.5 percent were rearrested (i.e., the recidivism rate) within three years.  Among those rearrested, 46.9 percent were reconvicted for a new crime, and 51.8 percent were back in prison for a new sentence or for a technical violation of their release.  What does this tell us about our prison system?
     
  3. The number of U.S. women incarcerated since 1999 has increased by 75 percent.  What explanations can you think of to explain the significant increase in female incarceration?   
     
  4. Turn on the local evening news any night of the week and you are guaranteed to hear stories about car jackings, home invasions, and attempted murder.  These individualistic crimes are referred to as blue-collar crime because of the type of people committing the crime.  Blue-collar crimes are typically much more apt to make the evening news than white-collar crimes.  Why do you feel this is the case?
       
  5. The “Three Strikes Law” is found in 24 U.S. states.  This law increases the prison sentences of persons who are convicted of a felony for the third time.  There are some who disagree with this law.  Ask your students how they feel about this law and present some specific cases that have taken place.
     
  6. Many individuals are fearful of becoming a victim of a crime although in reality this may never take place.  Discuss with the class why people are fearful of becoming a crime victim.  What factors lead to this fear?  

Chapter 14: Urbanization

  1. Even though home prices have plummeted during the recent recession, the American dream of home ownership is still impossible for many poor and working class Americans.  Renters are limited by more than just the increasing cost of housing, there is also a shortage of rental properties.  The gap between the demand and the supply of affordable housing continues to grow. Higher land prices have made it less profitable to build new low and moderate-priced housing. The National Low Income Housing Coalition (2007) reports that the nation is 2.8 million apartments short of meeting the need among people with the lowest incomes. For every new affordable housing unit constructed, two are demolished, abandoned, or converted into condominiums.  What do you suggest could be done about this problem?
     
  2. Though most people first think of an unclean and unshaven man (51% of the homeless population) as “the face of the homeless,” other groups including families with children  (30%), single women (17%), and unaccompanied minors (2%) also suffer from homelessness.  Why do you feel that these other groups do not get as much attention as homeless men?
     
  3. Discuss the effects of urban sprawl on your community if any exists.
     
  4. Discuss the value of creating sustainable communities. 
     
  5. Where do you live?  Discuss the size and type of community you live in using the concepts and terms from the text.  What considerations to you have when it comes to moving from one location to another?  Do you have defined ideas about the best community assets for you?   Discuss these and other issues about your own living situation.
     
  6. Discuss with the class how they feel about giving to a homeless person.  Have they given money or other items to a homeless person?  Would they give something if they were approached?  Why or why not?
     
  7. If you were in charge of urban planning for your community what new businesses do you      think would succeed in your area?  What kind of businesses would fail?  Why? 

Chapter 15: The Environment

  1. Though most climate change scientists agree that the warming of the earth is due to manmade activities such as industrial pollution and burning of fossil fuels, some conservatives continue to state that global warming is a farce and attempt to harm business and shrink economic development.  Who should we believe and why?
     
  2. Former President George W. Bush and current President Barack Obama have very different views and opinions about climate change, hence greatly shifting federal policy from administration to administration.  Should federal responses to such enormous issues be allowable from one political party being in power to the next?  If not, how should consistency be held during changes in political power?
     
  3. Radical environmentalists feel that there is a lack of urgency when addressing such issues as global climate change and that radical change must come quickly to have an impact that is truly needed.  Periodically, radical environmentalists such as a tree sitter will be belittled by the media as “crazy and attention seeking.”  Should radical environmentalists be labeled crazy or should they be honored for doing something that most people generally agree with but would never take the time to do?
     
  4. Most social problems such as poverty, prejudice/discrimination, joblessness, a bias media, substandard health care, war, and most of the other social problems discussed in the textbook can be addressed and possibly solved over time if people come together and make hard choices and compromise.  Unlike the social problems mentioned, if climate change and global warming are so far out of control and non-stoppable as some scientists believe (some believe we can slow the warming process by making changes but warming will continue due to the harm that has already been done), isn’t environmental degradation the most significant social problem human beings face as there might not be anything we can do to stop the long-term effects regardless of what we do now (in other words, it’s out of our hands)?
     
  5. What is the most effective way to get the public to understand the importance of certain environmental issues?  What role can the media play?

Chapter 16: War and Terrorism

  1. Dwight D. Eisenhower famously warned the U.S. about the "military-industrial complex" in his farewell address in January 1961.  Depending on the source, between 20 to 40 percent of the federal budget goes into U.S. defense spending while most other developed countries spend only a fraction of that amount.  Has Eisenhower’s concern become a reality?
     
  2. Can the U.S. win the “War on Terror?”  If so, how?  If you were President of the United States, what would you propose?
     
  3. The U.S. lead war in Afghanistan is now the longest war the U.S. has ever fought throughout its history.  What are your thoughts?
     
  4. As mentioned in the textbook, the U.S. has a long history of war over the years.  When it comes to conflict after WWII, some would say that the U.S. has an important global role to play in policing the world and its tyrants while others say the U.S. is a “war hungry country.” Which stance do you agree with and why?  Do you see the other side of this issue?   
     
  5. Your text discussed the development and definition of terrorism.  Discuss the difference between a terrorist act and military act.
     
  6. Discuss the pubic’s reaction to soldiers returning from the Vietnam War and soldiers returning from Afghanistan.  Ask the students how much the media plays into the reaction the public has to soldiers returning from war.
     
  7. Racial profiling of Muslims and those of Arab and South Asian descent increased after 9/11. What can institutions do to deal with this issue?    

Chapter 17: Social Problems and Social Action

  1. The author invited readers of the textbook to make three connections during the class.  The first connection was between sociology and social problems: The relationship between personal troubles and public issues.  The second connection was between social problems and social solutions.  The third connection was between social problems and solutions in one’s community.  Were you successful in doing that?
     
  2. The four sociological perspectives helped to guide the reader in the exploration of each social problem, from a sociological perspective, presented throughout the textbook.  As a result, do you have a better understanding of the four sociological perspectives and how they are applied to different social issues?
     
  3. Of the four different types of social movements discussed in this chapter, which one do you feel is most common and why?
     
  4. Ultimately, how has this social problems class changed your thinking, opinions, beliefs, views, or behavior towards yourself, others, and/or our social world? 
     
  5. Has your understanding of social problems changed since you took this course?  Will you now be able to view social problems utilizing a macro and micro analysis?
     
  6. If you could predict what social movements will be making headlines in our country 5 years from now, what would they be?  Do you see any current social movements coming to a conclusion in the next 5 years? Why or why not?