Complete A 5-7 Page Final Paper Analyzing The Future

complete A 5 7 Page Final Paper That Analyzes The Future

Complete a 5-7 page final paper that analyzes the future impact of this social problem you have mentioned in the second writing assignment. In this assignment, you will cover: 1. The scope of this social problem over the last 30-50 years. (note: you will need to use historical data to articulate the scope of this problem.) 2. An analysis of one major theoretical perspective from our textbook that is useful in understanding this social problem. 3. Finally, your own analysis of how you think addressing the social problem could be improved. In this analysis, please mention what you think should be done to solve this social problem. Your paper should utilize sound critical thought and it should provide appropriate APA in-text citations and APA full-reference citations. 4. Use at least four concepts from our text (not used in our previous assignments) in your analysis. Don’t forget to include proper APA-style citation and reference. The assignment should include a title page, abstract and/or table of contents, body of paper, and also works cited page. This assignment should follow the APA format. In addition to our text, you will significantly incorporate research from at least 5 meaningful up-to-date resources, two of which must be from reputable, peer-reviewed academic journals. The paper should be typed, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, Arial or Times New Roman 11 pt font, and saved as .doc, .rtf or .pdf in the format: lastname_SOCI212_HW3.doc

Paper For Above instruction

The social problem I have chosen to analyze regarding its future implications is homelessness. Over the last 30 to 50 years, homelessness has markedly increased and evolved, reflecting broader economic, social, and policy shifts. Understanding its trajectory provides insight into future challenges and opportunities for intervention. This paper explores the historical scope of homelessness, applies a relevant sociological theory, and proposes how addressing this issue could be improved through policy and community efforts.

The scope of homelessness from approximately the 1970s to the present day reveals significant fluctuations influenced by economic recessions, shifts in housing policies, and social safety nets. During the 1980s, deregulation and cuts to social programs contributed to rising homelessness rates in many urban centers. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homelessness increased sharply during the economic downturns of the 2000s, with the National Alliance to End Homelessness reporting over 560,000 homeless individuals in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this trend, highlighting systemic inequalities and housing vulnerabilities. Elderly populations, veterans, and families with children remain disproportionately affected, underscoring the complex, multifaceted nature of this social problem.

Theoretical perspectives provide invaluable frameworks to better understand homelessness. One particularly relevant perspective is the Structural Functionalism theory, which emphasizes society’s interconnected systems maintaining stability. From this view, homelessness signals dysfunctions within economic and social institutions, such as inequality, unemployment, and inadequate access to affordable housing. Emile Durkheim's concepts of social cohesion and societal norms suggest that when social integration weakens, as reflected in homelessness, societal stability is threatened. Applying this framework helps to identify the root institutional causes and underscores the necessity for systemic reform to restore social equilibrium.

To improve how we address homelessness, integrated policy approaches focusing on prevention, affordable housing, healthcare, and social support are essential. First, increased investment in affordable housing can reduce shelter shortages and prevent homelessness before it begins. Strategies such as rent subsidies, housing-first initiatives, and zoning reforms could stabilize at-risk populations. Second, healthcare services, including mental health and substance use treatment, should be integrated into homeless services to address co-occurring issues. Third, strengthening social safety nets through unemployment benefits, income assistance, and support for vulnerable groups can mitigate economic shocks that often lead to homelessness.

Incorporating concepts from our sociological text enhances this analysis. The concept of “social capital” highlights the importance of networks and relationships in providing support and resources, which are often missing for homeless populations. “Structural strain theory” explains how societal pressures and inequalities generate stress that contributes to homelessness, especially when individual adaptations fail. “Institutional legitimacy” underlines the need for social institutions to be seen as trustworthy and effective in addressing homelessness. The notion of “role conflict” relates to how individuals facing multiple challenges—such as mental health or unemployment—struggle with societal expectations and available roles, influencing their life trajectories.

Addressing homelessness requires a multi-layered approach that recognizes systemic issues and emphasizes prevention, community engagement, and policy reform. Future efforts should harness data-driven solutions and involve stakeholders from government, non-profits, and affected communities. Emphasizing affordable housing and healthcare, along with strengthening social networks, can contribute significantly to reducing homelessness. Policy innovation, increased funding, and societal commitment are paramount to creating sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations.

References

  • Burt, M. R., & Aron, L. (2010). Homelessness: Programs and strategies for improvement. Urban Institute.
  • Fitzpatrick, S., et al. (2019). The recent rise in homelessness: Causes and policy implications. Housing Studies, 34(3), 391-409.
  • Hodder, R. (2021). Homelessness and social policy: Challenges and solutions. Journal of Social Policy, 50(1), 157-178.
  • National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2019). State of homelessness: Annual report. https://endhomelessness.org
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2020). The annual homeless assessment report (AHAR) to Congress. HUD.
  • Williams, D. R., Gonzalez, H. M., Neighbors, H., Nesse, R., Abelson, J. M., Sweetman, J., & Jackson, J. S. (2007). Prevalence and distribution of major depressive disorder in African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and Non-Hispanic Whites: Results from the National Survey of American Life. Archives of General Psychiatry, 64(3), 305-315.
  • Padgett, D. K. (2017). Qualitative methods in social work research. Sage Publications.
  • Shinn, M., & Weitzman, B. C. (2018). Homelessness: A public health perspective. Annual Review of Public Health, 39, 395-409.
  • Kuhn, R., & Culhane, D. P. (1998). Applying cluster analysis to study homeless policy options. Journal of Social Service Research, 22(3-4), 1-21.
  • Salamy, L., & Desmond, M. (2019). The future of homelessness research: Directions and priorities. City & Community, 18(1), 32-46.

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