Category: Sociology

Individual Assignment #1A: Draft Business Plan, Theory of Change Model, & Executive Summary for a Social Enterprise or Nonprofit (Draft Grant Application Packet) (5 – 10 pp., single- or double-spaced, 10-12 size font). Under this assignment, you’ll be asked to propose a new social enterprise or nonprofit and to enter a hypothetical grant competition to secure some funding for your organization. These critically important items will help you put together a Grant Application Packet (GAP) as part of a hypothetical grant funding competition that you’ll enter. The type of plan, model, and summary you are asked to develop, as well as the GAP exercise, are guided by some of the course’s research-based content and entrepreneurship business-related best practices. The details of the assignment are outlined below.
For this draft assignment, write your thoughts under an outline format or using complete sentences under the appropriate sections. Yes, you can use bullets or a formal outline format. Ideally, you should address all areas as best you can with preliminary ideas (at minimum, address half of the sections). To separate the five parts of this assignment, use page dividers and note the section titles. It is preferred that you submit all sections under one document (you may submit the parts as separate documents). Cite your references using an APA, ASA, MLA, or another appropriate format (include a references section). An appendix or appendices section is optional. The following overview represents the guidelines of the final assignment (address as best you can in draft form).
Description: This is the general background to keep in mind for this assignment
A plethora of social ills continue to plague many communities throughout the U.S. and the world. Here are some examples of the many concerning issues in America and around the world: poverty, malnutrition, homelessness, affordable housing, unemployment, illiteracy, lacking access to adequate educational preparation, environmental concerns, plant and animal extinctions, various human illness and life-threatening diseases, lacking access to healthcare, human trafficking, domestic violence, child abuse, teenage pregnancies, gun violence, alcohol and drug addiction, school-to-prison pipeline, income inequities and wage gaps, and racism and discrimination, just to to name a few. In the U.S. and in other countries, the government, nonprofit sector, private business, and other segments of a society have attempted, either independently or collaboratively, to address many of these problems. While some progress has been made, there is still much room for addressing many of these challenges and to help improve the lives of people who continue to suffer under these areas.
Through social entrepreneurship, both social enterprises and nonprofits continue to play a critical role in addressing many of today’s most pressing social problems. Under this assignment, you have the opportunity to think like and to implement the steps of a social entrepreneur. You are asked to propose a new social enterprise or nonprofit that seeks to address a social issue you are concerned about. First, identify an issue to address from your local community, city, or state. You can also address an issue at the national level in the U.S. or internationally. Second, determine if you will propose a social enterprise or a nonprofit. A social enterprise is a business that seeks to generate revenue/profits while simultaneously addressing a serious social problem (the social side, however, is at the center of operations and often more important than the revenue/profits side). Through this type of organization, the profits are usually the primary funding sources for addressing the social problem and running the business. Fundraising, donations, and grant sources are also streams of funding for social enterprises. On the other hand, a pure nonprofit is focused strictly on addressing a social problem and its goals are not focused on generating revenue/profits (the social side is the primary and all-encompassing issue focused on). Under a pure nonprofit, philanthropy, namely through donations, fundraising, and grant-writing, forms the core of the primary funding sources for addressing the social problem and running the organization. Scenario: This is the specific contextual information to keep in mind for the assignment
You are proposing to start a social enterprise or nonprofit that will operate over a three-year pilot period. Determine if you will propose a social enterprise or a nonprofit. Your venture will address a social-related problem that you and others are concerned about. The issue you seek to address can be local, regional, statewide, countrywide, or global. Identify a specific social problem to address. Plan to do most of the work in your own organization either independently or in a team, regardless plan to have others on board to assist and provide the necessary skills sets, as appropriate.
You are eligible to apply for a $360,000.00 grant award that will be dispersed in equal amounts annually. If you are awarded, you’ll receive $120,000.00 every year, which breaks down to $10,000.00 monthly. The grant is funded by a collaborative involving the state, federal government, and a private philanthropic organization. Depending on the effectiveness and success of your organization, you will be eligible to apply for a second round of three-year funding after the initial three-year pilot period.
To apply for the grant, you need to submit a Grant Application Packet (GAP) that includes the following sections: a Business Plan (BP), Theory of Change (ToC) Model, Executive Summary (ES), a statement related to the social problem you are addressing using a Sociological Perspective (SP), and a References Sections (Appendices are optional). Detailed guidelines and templates are provided to help complete the various sections of the GAP, as outlined below.
Grant Packet Packet GAP: These are the parts of the assignment that you need to submit (submit under this sequence)
One-page to three-page Executive Summary (ES) for the Proposed Social Enterprise or Nonprofit (Address: Organizational Overview, Market Analysis, Marketing Plan, Partnerships, Objectives and Assessment, Finances and Budgeting, etc.). One-page to three-page Theory Of Change (ToC) Model for the Social Enterprise or Nonprofit (Address: Inputs, Activities/Processes, Outputs, Outcomes & Impact)
One-page to three-page Business Plan (BP) for the Social Enterprise or Nonprofit (Address: Organization Description/Overview, Need/Problem Addressed, Goals/Objectives, Targeted Market/Constituents, Services & Products, Marketing, Competitors, Evaluation, Management/Operations, Finances/Budgets, etc.)
One paragraph to one-page statement using a Sociological Perspective (SP) to describe the social problem the Social Enterprise or Nonprofit seeks to address (Address: From sociological perspective, what exactly is the problem? What are some micro-levels and macro-level sociological dynamics of the problem? Which sociological theory(ies) can help contextualize the problem?) One-page Reference Section (at least 1 to 2 references) and include if necessary an Appendix/Appendices Section

Are you religious? Are you interested in religion in general –whether out of piety, or experiences or just wonder and curiosity? Which religion or religion-like phenomenon (a sports event, cult, superstition etc.) most interests you? Describe this phenomenon and then go on to analyze it from a sociological perspective. You may think of, for example, of the historical origins of the phenomenon, its evolution (or not) over time, and the class, gender, or status traits of the group or leadership. Be analytical, employ course concepts, and write systematically. Yes, i am religious in my early childhood I grew up going to the catholic church took ccd classes got baptized in the church, and also did my first communion but never my confirmation. then my mom and dad switched over to forming part of a Christian non-denominational church and I just didn’t feel like a robot anymore . My faith grew I started to understand more about God and the bible. As well as it allowed me to cope, especially during trying times such as losing loved ones. Even though I did grow up in a religious family there’s always some sort of questioning that’s involved. But personally, in my family I’ve seen a lot of miracles occur I’ve seen god heal those who are ill, and even though I had times where I questioned God I know that at the end of it all he doesn’t put me through anything I can’t overcome. Such as at a young age I learned what death was I witnessed my grandfather have a stroke were home alone and I Had to call the ambulance he ended up having 4 strokes back to back and he managed to service and lived 3 years after that despite what the doctors told us that we had to start setting up funeral arrangements and he proved doctors wrong and god let us have him for some more time. and even this past year I lost my uncle randomly it was one of the hardest thigs I went through I can confidently say god and my church got me through the semester when I felt like I couldn’t anymore god have me the strength. You can incorporate that into the essay and pls do it on a google edoc

How is technology changing the way we interact—for better AND for worse? Be specific.
Explain the value of solitude, and how tech and social media undermine that.
Explain the problems that tech causes for family, friendships, and romance. (1 different paragraph for each)
What do these problems mean for our relationships? What different things should we do?
NO AI!! I will check with a reliable detector and report you.

a 400-500 words essay draft, based on the question: How does analysing consumption help us understand the nature of social differences and inequalities? Critically discuss, with reference to readings attached and examples

Include a bibliography and reference properly using APA style. (Your entire paper does NOT need to be in APA style.)
Feel free to write in the first person/use “I.”
Quote and properly reference.
Bold your thesis. Your thesis is the statement (not paragraph) which answers the above question.
Define key terms. Be sure to explain surveillance culture (and what is involved in it), the sociological theory of self, and the role of relationship in creating self.
Please feel free to use ChatGPT for inspiration and brainstorming, as well as to improve your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. When I (the professor) loaded the prompt into ChatGPT, it came up with a pretty accurate (if vague and unsupported), well-written statement. This might help you get started. Whatever you argue must be deeply, extensively supported by a variety of course materials. MAKE SURE IT IS YOUR ORIGINAL WORK
Conceptual pointers None of the below is, strictly speaking, required for this essay; however, you might find that working through the below concepts, connections, and questions for yourself helps you develop a strong essay that deals extensively with course issues.You may wish to consider the relationships between these concepts:entertainment as a cultural value: performativity & the pursuit of fame
privacy, intimacy, authenticity & bonds
anxiety, depression, isolation, incivility
you may want to revisit earlier course concepts, such as social saturation, the robotic moment, and others, as you find them useful in developing your argument.
You may find it helpful to consider these questions:What is the relationship between social media, surveillance, and social control?
What is privacy?
What is the relationship between mass surveillance and societal perceptions of privacy?
Why is privacy necessary for self, trust, and self-building intimate relationships?
How is privacy treated in American culture today?
Is privacy seen as valuable, or even possible, in a culture which prioritizes entertainment and the pursuit of fame?
Is entertainment culture premised in lack of privacy?
What is the relationship between the performative self and the private self? Are they mutually exclusive?
What is the relationship between narcissism, entertainment culture, and the pursuit of fame?
What are the effects on the “self” and our interpersonal relationships when we live in a society which thrives on entertainment and the creation of a performance version of ourselves?
How does social saturation affect perception of self, personal relationships, productivity, and so on?
HERE ARE YOUR OPTIONS OF TEXT TO USE TO QUOTE FROM: Turkle, S. (2015). “The Public Square, The Nick of Time, & The End of Forgetting” in Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age, pp. 293-362. New York, NY: Penguin Press.
Twenge, J. (2017). “Insulated but Not Intrinsic: More Safety and Less Community” in iGen, pp. 143-177. New York, NY: Atria Books.
Turkle, S. (2015). “Solitude, Self-Reflection, and [choose ONE of Family, Friendships, & Romance]” in Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age, pp. 59-207. New York, NY: Penguin Press.
Silverman, J. (2015). “Social Media Rebellion” in Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection, pp. 333-371. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.
Turkle, S. (2011). “Anxiety” in Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other, pp. 241-264. New York, NY: Basic Books.
Twenge, J. (2006). “The Age of Anxiety (and Depression, and Loneliness): Generation Stressed” in Generation Me, pp. 104-136. New York, NY: Free Press.
Silverman, J. (2015). “The Ideology of Social & The Myth of Privacy” in Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection, pp. 1-19 & 279-312. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.
Turkle, S. (2011). “True Confessions” in Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other, pp. 229-240. New York, NY: Basic Books.
Twenge, J. (2009). “Superspreaders! The Celebrity and Media Transmission of Narcissism” in The Narcissism Epidemic, pp. 90-106. New York, NY: Atria Paperback.
Silverman, J. (2015). “To Watch and Be Watched; The Viral Dream; Churnalism and the Problem of Social News” in Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection, pp. 129-154; 65-99; & 101-128. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.

Include a bibliography and reference properly using APA style. (Your entire paper does NOT need to be in APA style.)
Feel free to write in the first person/use “I.”
Quote and properly reference.
Bold your thesis. Your thesis is the statement (not paragraph) which answers the above question.
Define key terms. Be sure to explain surveillance culture (and what is involved in it), the sociological theory of self, and the role of relationship in creating self.
Please feel free to use ChatGPT for inspiration and brainstorming, as well as to improve your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. When I (the professor) loaded the prompt into ChatGPT, it came up with a pretty accurate (if vague and unsupported), well-written statement. This might help you get started. Whatever you argue must be deeply, extensively supported by a variety of course materials. MAKE SURE IT IS YOUR ORIGINAL WORK
Conceptual pointers None of the below is, strictly speaking, required for this essay; however, you might find that working through the below concepts, connections, and questions for yourself helps you develop a strong essay that deals extensively with course issues.You may wish to consider the relationships between these concepts:entertainment as a cultural value: performativity & the pursuit of fame
privacy, intimacy, authenticity & bonds
anxiety, depression, isolation, incivility
you may want to revisit earlier course concepts, such as social saturation, the robotic moment, and others, as you find them useful in developing your argument.
You may find it helpful to consider these questions:What is the relationship between social media, surveillance, and social control?
What is privacy?
What is the relationship between mass surveillance and societal perceptions of privacy?
Why is privacy necessary for self, trust, and self-building intimate relationships?
How is privacy treated in American culture today?
Is privacy seen as valuable, or even possible, in a culture which prioritizes entertainment and the pursuit of fame?
Is entertainment culture premised in lack of privacy?
What is the relationship between the performative self and the private self? Are they mutually exclusive?
What is the relationship between narcissism, entertainment culture, and the pursuit of fame?
What are the effects on the “self” and our interpersonal relationships when we live in a society which thrives on entertainment and the creation of a performance version of ourselves?
How does social saturation affect perception of self, personal relationships, productivity, and so on?
HERE ARE YOUR OPTIONS OF TEXT TO USE TO QUOTE FROM: Turkle, S. (2015). “The Public Square, The Nick of Time, & The End of Forgetting” in Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age, pp. 293-362. New York, NY: Penguin Press.
Twenge, J. (2017). “Insulated but Not Intrinsic: More Safety and Less Community” in iGen, pp. 143-177. New York, NY: Atria Books.
Turkle, S. (2015). “Solitude, Self-Reflection, and [choose ONE of Family, Friendships, & Romance]” in Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age, pp. 59-207. New York, NY: Penguin Press.
Silverman, J. (2015). “Social Media Rebellion” in Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection, pp. 333-371. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.
Turkle, S. (2011). “Anxiety” in Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other, pp. 241-264. New York, NY: Basic Books.
Twenge, J. (2006). “The Age of Anxiety (and Depression, and Loneliness): Generation Stressed” in Generation Me, pp. 104-136. New York, NY: Free Press.
Silverman, J. (2015). “The Ideology of Social & The Myth of Privacy” in Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection, pp. 1-19 & 279-312. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.
Turkle, S. (2011). “True Confessions” in Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other, pp. 229-240. New York, NY: Basic Books.
Twenge, J. (2009). “Superspreaders! The Celebrity and Media Transmission of Narcissism” in The Narcissism Epidemic, pp. 90-106. New York, NY: Atria Paperback.
Silverman, J. (2015). “To Watch and Be Watched; The Viral Dream; Churnalism and the Problem of Social News” in Terms of Service: Social Media and the Price of Constant Connection, pp. 129-154; 65-99; & 101-128. New York, NY: Harper Perennial

Identify a significant aspect related to their sexuality/intimacy (e.g., loneliness, widowhood, caregiving). Relate this aspect to theoretical knowledge you have gained throughout the course. Find three new (from the last five years) additional peer-reviewed academic articles (not used in this course) that speak to the issue you have identified. List three specific suggestions regarding ways in which the person and the social environment can improve the current situation related to intimacy and sexuality.
Describe what you have learned in 500 words (not including the cover page and the reference list). Write in full sentences (not in point form). Do not give your opinion without supporting it with reference to course material or to additional academic sources or grey literature from reputable professional organizations from the gerontological literature.
CASE STUDY ON : Frank is a 72 year old heterosexual man and widower of three years. He lives alone in a large home in which he often hosts his three children and eight grandchildren who all live several hours drive away. Frank volunteers much of his time within the community as a board member for a local bank as well as in his community garden. He recently hired a house cleaner to assist with chores.
Sources may come from : https://omni.laurentian.ca/discovery/search?vid=01OCUL_LU:OMNI&lang=en

What do the Shmoos really represent?
Why are the Shmoos so important and why does the current economy depend on destroying them?
What are the complexities of the middle class?
Why do governments tax the poor and not the rich?

This is the second of three case studies analyses that provide an opportunity to develop your skills in assessing an organizational situation and providing support for a particular course of recommended action. These assignments will be in the form of a memo addressed to the executive director of the focal organization, not to exceed 2 single-spaced pages. The memo must identify the problem as you see it, recommend solutions, and provide support for your perspective. An analysis memo is a short document designed to communicate essential information about an issue to a busy decision-maker. State major problems in the case and briefly explain the context in which key decisions must be made. Next, describe and assess proposed solutions to the problem, which you believe is the best course of action, and your reasons. Identify the next steps if your proposed solution is adopted and outline a “Plan B” in the event that your proposed solution fails. Show how the readings informed your understanding of the case and influenced your decision-making. Do not attempt to address every issue in the case, focus on your analysis of the problem and propose a potentially viable solution. Please use the outline below: Open with a brief one-paragraph summary (labeled Executive Summary) What is the context, key issue(s), and your recommendation? Background Why are we facing these issues? Identify root causes. Recommendations What are your specific recommendations? Rationale? Alternatives? Next steps How should your recommendations be implemented? What are the priorities? the case is the file below

Concerning Durkheim and Merton, please address the following in a brief essay: 1) analyze in detail the basic tenets of the functionalist perspective, and compare this to at least one other perspective in sociology; 2) although Durkheim and Merton did not write during the same era in sociology, explain where their ideas are similar, and both contribute to a functionalist understanding of society; and 3) utilizing and citing one recent case in the media through television or radio broadcast, newspaper, and so forth, provide one key example of a social issue that shows how the functionalist perspective can be used to make society better.