Final Paper: Your Final Paper Should Include A Problem State

Final Paper Your Final Paper should include A Problem Statement Or Desc

Your final paper should include a problem statement or description of the social problem you have selected, a discussion of the scope and consequences of the problem, and an assessment of society’s responses to the problem (including public policies and other less formal responses). Papers should also present a clearly reasoned alternative that is supported by scholarly research. While the following example can be modified to suit your needs, using this outline as a guide will likely result in a high-quality final paper:

1. Title
2. Describe the social problem.
3. Explain why this problem qualifies as a social problem.
4. Indicate the sociological theory or theories that may explain this social problem.
5. Discuss the individual and social implications of this problem. Your discussion of implications should be supported by accurate research data.
6. Summarize what social science experts have to say about this social problem. Are their conclusions methodologically sound?
7. Explain what we, as a society, have done about this problem, considering public policies and other less formal responses.
8. Explain how well societal efforts to solve the social problem are working.
9. Describe an alternative.
10. Discuss why the alternative is, or can be, an effective response to the problem. Remember to consider negative consequences of the alternative response.
11. Conclude with reflections and thoughts about your chosen social problem.
12. References

Paper For Above instruction

The social problem of homelessness has become a pressing issue in contemporary society, affecting millions of individuals worldwide and revealing deep-seated structural inequalities. This paper aims to analyze homelessness by articulating its scope, examining its societal implications, reviewing existing responses, and proposing an effective alternative rooted in scholarly research.

Homelessness refers to the condition of individuals lacking stable, safe, and adequate housing. It manifests in various forms, including unsheltered living, temporary accommodations, and hidden homelessness within overcrowded institutions (Fisher & Marmot, 2017). Globally, millions suffer from homelessness, driven by factors such as economic hardship, mental health issues, substance abuse, and systemic poverty. In the United States alone, estimates suggest that over half a million people experience homelessness on any given night (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2022).

This problem qualifies as a social problem because it reflects significant societal dysfunctions that impact vulnerable populations and strain social services. According to the sociological perspective, homelessness results from structural factors like income inequality, affordable housing shortages, and inadequate social safety nets (Hodgson & Tober, 2019). Functionalist theories suggest that homelessness indicates a failure in societal institutions tasked with providing economic stability and social integration, while conflict theories emphasize the exacerbation of inequality and marginalization of impoverished populations.

The implications of homelessness are profound, both for individuals and society. On an individual level, homelessness can lead to deteriorating health, psychological distress, and barriers to employment and social participation. Data indicates that homeless individuals face higher rates of chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and mortality (Hwang et al., 2019). Socially, homelessness contributes to increased healthcare costs, strain on emergency services, and perpetuates cycles of poverty. Children experiencing homelessness often face educational disruptions, limiting their future opportunities (Bassuk et al., 2017). These implications underscore the urgency of addressing this social issue comprehensively.

Scholarly research highlights multiple perspectives on homelessness. For example, Toro et al. (2018) argue that effective solutions must address both individual needs and structural barriers. Some experts advocate for Housing First policies, which prioritize immediate access to permanent housing without preconditions, leading to better health and social outcomes (Tsemberis & Eisenberg, 2017). Methodologically sound studies support the effectiveness of such programs, demonstrating significant reductions in hospitalizations, arrests, and emergency shelter use. Conversely, critics argue that housing interventions alone are insufficient without integration of healthcare, mental health services, and employment support.

In response to homelessness, society has implemented various measures, including public policies like the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, affordable housing initiatives, and emergency shelters (U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, 2020). Less formal responses include community outreach programs, non-profit initiatives, and advocacy campaigns aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing resources. These efforts aim to provide immediate relief and prevent future homelessness.

Despite these initiatives, critiques suggest that societal responses have only partially succeeded. While emergency shelters address urgent needs, they do not resolve systemic causes such as affordable housing shortages or income inequality. The recurring nature of homelessness indicates that current strategies often lack long-term sustainability or comprehensive support systems (Kuhn & Culhane, 2020). Evaluations reveal that without substantial investment in affordable housing, employment opportunities, and healthcare integration, homelessness will likely persist.

An alternative approach involves expanding the Housing First model combined with supportive services, including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and job training. Evidence indicates that Housing First reduces homelessness more effectively and at lower costs compared to traditional shelters (Padgett et al., 2016). This program emphasizes dignity and stability, empowering individuals to regain autonomy and access social resources. Potential negative consequences include the need for sustained funding and community acceptance, which must be managed through coordinated policy efforts.

In conclusion, homelessness is a complex social problem rooted in structural inequalities and systemic failures. While existing responses have alleviated some aspects of the crisis, they often fall short of addressing underlying causes. Embracing comprehensive, evidence-based strategies like the Housing First approach offers promising pathways toward sustainable solutions. As society progresses, it is imperative to prioritize policies that promote affordable housing, social inclusion, and robust support networks to eradicate homelessness and foster equitable communities.

References

• Bassuk, E., Weinreb, L., & Webb, D. (2017). Homelessness and extreme poverty in the United States. Annual Review of Public Health, 38, 61-75.
• Fisher, M., & Marmot, M. (2017). The social determinants of health and homelessness. British Medical Journal, 356, i6833.
• Hodgson, M., & Tober, G. (2019). Structural inequalities and homelessness. Sociology Compass, 13(9), e12678.
• Hwang, S. W., et al. (2019). Health outcomes of homeless adults. American Journal of Public Health, 109(8), 1165-1170.
• Kuhn, R., & Culhane, D. (2020). Housing and health among homeless populations. Journal of Social Policy, 49(4), 677-695.
• Padgett, D. K., et al. (2016). Housing First services for individuals with mental illness and homelessness: A systematic review. Administrative Policy in Mental Health, 43(4), 567-581.
• Toro, P. A., et al. (2018). Addressing structural barriers in homelessness interventions. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 28(2), 140-153.
• Tsemberis, S., & Eisenberg, R. (2017). Pathways to housing: Housing First and its benefits. Housing Policy Debate, 27(2), 319-335.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). The 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress.
• U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. (2020). Opening doors: Federal strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.