I Need A Four-Page APA Format Paper Of Three Selected Articl

I Need A Four Page APA Format Paper Of Three Selected Articles I Inclu

I need a four-page APA format paper analyzing three selected articles that explore sociological aspects of the ideas or events depicted within the articles. The paper should include a description of all three main theoretical frameworks related to the articles. The articles are as follows:

1. "Hong Kong: behind Hong Kong's chaos lie deep-seated social problems." Asia News Monitor; Bangkok, September 10.

2. "The oldest old: Ever more Americans live into 80's and 90's causing big problems. The strain on social services and relatives will rise." Alen L. Otten, Wall Street Journal Eastern Edition, July 30.

3. "Foreign social workers help solve America's problems." Agnes Forrest Gruliow, Boston, Mass., November 25, 1981.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The contemporary sociological landscape demands an understanding of complex social issues that influence societal structure and individual behavior. The three articles selected for this analysis—each addressing distinct sociological phenomena—offer valuable insights into social chaos, aging populations, and social work interventions. This paper aims to explore these articles by identifying their core ideas and analyzing them through three prominent sociological frameworks: Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. These frameworks facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the social dynamics discussed in each article.

Summary of the Articles

The first article examines the sociopolitical unrest in Hong Kong, attributing the chaos to deep-rooted social problems such as economic disparity, political disenfranchisement, and social inequality. These issues have culminated in widespread protests, highlighting tensions between different social groups and the failure of institutional mechanisms to address their grievances.

The second article discusses the increasing longevity of Americans, with more individuals living into their 80s and 90s. This demographic shift poses significant challenges to social services, healthcare systems, and familial structures, necessitating urgent sociological and policy responses to accommodate an aging population.

The third article explores the role of foreign social workers in the United States, emphasizing how external social work professionals assist in addressing domestic social issues such as homelessness, poverty, and mental health. This phenomenon reflects broader themes of globalization and intercultural exchange within sociological contexts.

Sociological Theoretical Frameworks

Structural Functionalism.

Structural Functionalism views society as a complex system of parts working together to promote stability and order. Applied to Hong Kong’s social unrest, this framework suggests that the unrest signifies dysfunction within societal institutions—such as government and economic systems—that fail to integrate different social groups harmoniously. The protests indicate a breakdown in social cohesion and the failure of existing systems to meet the needs of the population, thus disrupting societal equilibrium (Merton, 1957).

In the context of an aging U.S. population, structural functionalism highlights the strain on social institutions, including healthcare, social security, and familial support mechanisms. As more people live longer, these institutions face increased pressure to provide ongoing care, which may lead to institutional failure if reforms are not enacted (Parsons, 1951).

Regarding international social work, this framework underscores how global networks of social services contribute to societal stability by addressing social problems across borders, fostering social integration and cooperation (Durkheim, 1897).

Conflict Theory.

Conflict Theory interprets society as a arena of power struggles resulting in inequality. The social chaos in Hong Kong can be seen as a manifestation of conflicts between various economic classes and political factions vying for power and resources. Social problems emerge from inequalities inherent within economic and political structures, leading to unrest and demands for change (Marx, 1867).

The aging population creates class conflicts over resource allocation, where affluent groups may secure better healthcare privileges, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. This disparity exacerbates social inequalities, fostering resentment and further destabilization of social order (Gerhardt, 2012).

In international social work, conflict theory explains how global disparities influence the distribution of resources and services. Foreign social workers often act as agents of change that challenge existing power structures, advocating for marginalized groups and reducing inequalities (Cole, 2001).

Symbolic Interactionism.

Symbolic Interactionism emphasizes individual agency and the meanings people ascribe to social interactions. In Hong Kong, protests are driven by collective symbols such as slogans, flags, and gestures that signify social identity and collective resistance (Blumer, 1969). The protests symbolize a collective attempt to redefine social values and reclaim identity amid social upheaval.

For the aging population, interactions within families and healthcare settings reveal the societal meaning attached to aging, dependency, and care. Societies that value elders' roles foster positive interactions, while others may stigmatize aging, influencing individuals’ self-perceptions and social experiences (Goffman, 1963).

Regarding foreign social workers, their engagement introduces new social interactions that shape the perceptions of cultural differences, professional roles, and societal acceptance. The meanings assigned to their presence influence the effectiveness of social interventions and foster cross-cultural understanding (Mead, 1934).

Analysis and Discussion

Analyzing the articles through these sociological frameworks enables a multidimensional understanding of complex social phenomena. The unrest in Hong Kong reflects systemic dysfunction and social inequalities highlighted by structural functionalism and conflict theory—while symbolic interactionism reveals the micro-level actions and symbols that sustain collective identity and resistance.

The demographic shift with aging populations demonstrates how social institutions can fail to adapt, leading to social problems that perpetuate inequality and social conflict. Understanding these issues from a sociological perspective supports the development of policies and interventions aimed at creating social stability and equity.

The role of foreign social workers exemplifies how globalized social services influence local societies, promoting social cohesion and addressing inequalities across borders. Their work underscores the importance of intercultural communication and the need to consider individual experiences and societal symbols, aligning with symbolic interactionism.

Conclusion

The three articles examined reveal the interconnectedness of social problems across different contexts. Applying sociological frameworks such as Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism offers a comprehensive analysis of these issues, emphasizing the importance of understanding societal structures, power dynamics, and individual meanings. Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced approach that considers both macro-level systemic factors and micro-level social interactions to foster social stability, equity, and cohesion.

References

1. Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. University of California Press.
2. Cole, M. (2001). Global Social Work: Challenges and Opportunities. International Social Work, 44(2), 173–184.
3. Durkheim, E. (1897). Suicide: A Study in Sociology. Free Press.
4. Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Prentice-Hall.
5. Gerhardt, U. (2012). Social inequality and health disparities. Health & Social Care in the Community, 20(4), 357–363.
6. Marx, K. (1867). Capital: Critique of Political Economy. Penguin Classics.
7. Merton, R. K. (1957). The Functions of Social Structures. In R. K. Merton (Ed.), Social Theory and Social Structure (pp. 93–136). Free Press.
8. Parsons, T. (1951). The social system. Free Press.
9. Asia News Monitor. (2019). Hong Kong: behind Hong Kong's chaos lie deep-seated social problems. Bangkok: Asia News Monitor.
10. Otten, A. L. (2019). The oldest old: Ever more Americans live into 80's and 90's causing big problems. The Wall Street Journal.