Category: Social Sciences : Social Sciences

The Risman & Rutter chapter,  “The Evolution of American Families,” by Stephanie Coontz explains how families have changed over time in the United States. The Benokraitis text and course content guide also describe many of the changes in family structure and roles since the founding of the United States. Begin your discussion by selecting and summarizing some of the characteristics of families in the US prior to the 20th century. How did the family change throughout the 20th century? How have families changed during the first two decades of the 21st century?  What are the reasons that these transformations have occurred? Have the transformations changed the stability and importance of the family in the U.S. society? Support your comments by citing specific evidence from this module’s readings and videos.
Your paper should be between 4 – 5 pages, in length, double-spaced, with 12 point font. Remember to cite all sources (both in-text and references) in APA format. The following link to the Research, Write and Cite Guide will provide directions to information about APA citations.

Section 1 – Identify and Research an Issue
Identify/research a social welfare policy issue about which student is concerned.
Identify the Issue
The campaign will identify a specific social welfare policy issue. The social welfare issue needs to be concerned with human problems. The campaign should identify specific populations of people that are the focus of the social problem.
Example: “This campaign will address the issue of the incarceration of minority adolescent offenders in juvenile detention facilities in Nebraska. Data suggests that a significant proportion of incarcerated youth identify themselves as Native American or Hispanic.”
Explain why you or your group are interested in this social welfare issue.
Research the Issue
Present the facts of your case.

Define the human problem. What exactly is the problem?

Provide statistical data related to the prevalence of the problem. This means data related to such factors as the incidence, frequency or volume of occurrence within defined local, state or national populations of people.

Has this issue been previously explored? Have there been prior bills/legislation and, if so, who were the sponsors and what were the outcomes?

Identify and describe the characteristics of the individuals who are impacted by the problem. Characteristics may include people’s ages, gender, income levels, education, ethnic or racial makeup, living arrangements, living locations, public support, etc. Demographic information is essential to helping you isolate and discuss specific characteristics of those impacted or the focus of the social problem. It may also help you isolate potential causes of human problems.

What appears to be the major unmet needs of this population? Of these needs, which one or two do you believe to be most significant? Why?

Identify and discuss the consequences of the problem for these individuals, for communities, for professionals, and for society. For example, if children do not receive the needed child immunizations, the consequences could be higher death rates, disabilities, reduced capacities, greater costs for health care, etc… Data from reputable sources is important.

Determine an estimate for the cost of funding of your project. For example, how much will it cost your community or state to address the issue/problem you hope to change/implement?
Minimum 4 pages. (Section 1 is worth 100 points.)

1.) Discuss the value of studying the social sciences for everyone, not just social scientists. Why might it be important for individuals and society to understand how the social sciences relate to current events and contemporary issues?
2.) Consider a recent event, either in your personal life or in the news. In a few sentences, describe how basic knowledge of the social sciences could help you better understand that event, make decisions, or act.

You develop a handout/worksheet you can give to clients that explains your approach and allows them to consider some of these ideas outside of therapy. This handout explains couple differentiation and specific intervention for them to do at home between sessions. The intervention will be designed to help clients increase their levels of differentiation, which will help them connect without being so reactive. Follow these guidelines in designing the brochure/handout (Note: Brochures/handouts should be readable and can include lists, bullets, or graphics rather than complete paragraphs):
Explain/define differentiation in lay terminology so that it is clear to your client.
Provide a brief discussion of the Bowen approach to working with relationships.
Describe at least one intervention designed to increase differentiation in relationships that couples can do at home, in between sessions (you can use one in the research or be creative, as long as it connects to the Bowen model goals).
Discuss the role that extended family can play in the current relationship (strengths and challenges)
Create a section that embraces cultural differences that might exist around the idea of differentiation and extended family expectations.
Provide a brief summary of teletherapy and what clients should expect for this setting. 

Title (original)

Introduction – see requirements noted in the paper 2 instructions document (explain the nature of the assignment/state the focus of the paper and tells the reader what the paper is going to be about).  Introduce the three generations of family members included in your paper.  Introduce the three main topics your paper will focus on (list your main topics in the order in which you will cover them throughout your paper).

Paragraph 1/main topic 1 – review the requirements in the paper 2 instructions (state main topic,  include examples of the experiences of each generation in your family, include at least six subtopics, apply key terms/concepts, social theory, and research data to specific examples of your family’s experiences; directly apply the material and explain application; bold application; one lengthy paragraph)

Paragraph 2/main topic 2 – review the requirements in the paper 2 instructions (state main topic,  include examples of the experiences of each generation in  your family, include at least six subtopics, apply key terms/concepts, social theory, and research data to specific examples of your family’s experiences; directly apply the material and explain application; bold application; one lengthy paragraph)

Paragraph 3/main topic 3 – review the requirements in the paper 2 instructions (state main topic,  include examples of the experiences of each generation in  your family, include at least six subtopics, apply key terms/concepts, social theory, and research data to specific examples of your family’s experiences; directly apply the material and explain application; bold application; one lengthy paragraph)

Conclusion – review the requirements in the paper 2 instructions; include a brief summary, sum up your overall findings from your analysis, and include any final thoughts on the topic.  Include key terms/concepts as needed.

Works Cited (last page; on it’s own page)
Textbook – citation for the textbook is noted on syllabus
Lectures on each of the main topics included in your paper and theory lecture (cite each lecture separately by lecture title); see Canvas for citation resources
Other course material – articles and other material posted in the lesson plans on the main topics included in your paper; cite each separately; do an online search for how to cite
Family members (if you asked any family members questions in order to complete this assignment). Sociology of the Family (Hammond, R., Cheney P., Pearsey R., 2015). 
https://web.archive.org/web/20190511034444/http://freesociologybooks.com/Sociology_Of_The_Family/01_Changes_and_Definitions.php