Overview: Final Paper Will Be The Culmination Of What We

Overviewthis Final Paper Will Be The Culmination Of What We Have Acco

This final paper will be the culmination of what we have accomplished in our first and second writing assignments. Now that we have identified and clarified the nature of our chosen social problem, and examined two key organizations that address this social problem, we will now give a more in-depth discussion about the scope of the social problem, a major theoretical idea that can be applied to the social problem, and our own analysis of how this social problem might be better solved. A crucial part of this paper will be in identifying one of the major theoretical perspectives we have covered this session. The three major ones include the functionalist, conflict, and symbolic interaction approaches. However, as our texts point out, there are other theoretical viewpoints we may also adopt if we choose. The key will be in thoroughly reading and understanding these theoretical viewpoints, and finding the most effective one for understanding our chosen social problem of study.

Paper For Above instruction

The social problem selected for this analysis is homelessness, a persistent and complex issue with profound social, economic, and cultural implications. Over the past 30 to 50 years, homelessness has evolved both in scope and in the underlying factors contributing to its persistence. This historical perspective is crucial to understand the severity and dynamism of this social issue. During the 1970s and 1980s, increased urbanization, economic downturns, and reductions in affordable housing contributed to rising homelessness rates in many Western countries, primarily the United States and parts of Europe (Levy & Ruiz, 2005). The subsequent decades saw fluctuations influenced by shifts in economic policy, social welfare programs, and housing markets. Notably, the 2008 financial crisis precipitated a spike in homelessness, underscoring how economic instability directly impacts vulnerable populations (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2019). More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated homelessness due to job losses and economic downturns, exposing systemic vulnerabilities and deficiencies in social safety nets (Kushel et al., 2020). These historical data highlight that homelessness is not merely a matter of individual failure but a symptom of broader structural issues involving economic trend shifts, policy decisions, and societal priorities.

Applying the conflict theory perspective offers insightful understanding into homelessness. Rooted in the works of Karl Marx, conflict theory emphasizes the role of social inequality and power disparities in shaping societal structures and individual experiences (Marx & Engels, 1970). In the context of homelessness, this perspective argues that economic disparities, class conflicts, and systemic inequities create and sustain conditions that marginalize vulnerable groups. For example, the privatization of housing, income inequality, and insufficient social welfare provisions serve the interests of wealthier classes while pushing marginalized populations into homelessness. The conflict approach also illuminates how policy decisions often serve the interests of the powerful at the expense of the less privileged, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty and homelessness (Hulchanski, 2010). Recognizing these systemic power dynamics is essential in understanding why homelessness persists despite available resources and why superficial solutions often fail to address root causes.

To improve the approach to solving homelessness, it is critical to advocate for policy reforms that address systemic inequities. This includes expanding affordable housing programs, increasing minimum wages, and implementing comprehensive social safety nets that provide essential health and social services. Additionally, fostering community-based initiatives that empower homeless individuals and integrate them into society can foster sustainable change. A multi-pronged strategy involving government intervention, private sector participation, and grassroots activism is essential for effective resolution. Furthermore, increasing public awareness about the structural causes of homelessness can reduce stigma and garner broader support for systemic reforms. Ultimately, addressing the root causes of structural inequality, rather than just managing its symptoms, holds the key to reducing homelessness significantly (Burt & Wilkins, 2012).

Incorporating concepts from our text, such as social stratification, institutional discrimination, cultural capital, and social mobility, enriches this analysis. Social stratification explains how societal hierarchies impact access to resources like housing and employment, often relegating the impoverished to homelessness (Ritzer & Goodman, 2018). Institutional discrimination manifests in policies and practices that disadvantage the homeless, such as zoning laws that restrict affordable housing development. Cultural capital, including social networks and knowledge, influences access to housing and employment opportunities, often leaving homeless populations with limited resources. Social mobility, or the lack thereof, highlights the barriers faced by those experiencing homelessness in improving their socioeconomic status. Addressing these interconnected concepts through policy and community action can facilitate pathways toward social inclusion and economic stability for vulnerable populations.

References

• Burt, M., & Wilkins, C. (2012). Strategies for ending homelessness: Frameworks for action. Journal of Social Policy, 41(3), 456-472.
• Hulchanski, J. D. (2010). The three cities within Toronto: Income polarization among Toronto's Neighbourhoods, 1970-2005. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
• Kushel, M. B., Khandor, E., & Harris, C. (2020). The impact of COVID-19 on homeless populations. American Journal of Public Health, 110(8), 1174-1177.
• Levy, D., & Ruiz, R. (2005). The evolving crisis of homelessness in America. Housing Policy Debate, 16(3), 471-494.
• Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1970). The communist manifesto. Macmillan.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2019). State of homelessness: 2019. National Alliance to End Homelessness.
• Ritzer, G., & Goodman, D. J. (2018). Sociological theory (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.