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Think of a problem that impacts you personally (e.g., the high cost of tuition, unemployment, or divorce), and explain how you would make sense of it differently if you viewed it as (a) only a personal problem or (b) influenced by a public issue. How do possible solutions to the problem differ depending on how you view it?

Think of a subculture to which you belong. What are the norms, values, and material artifacts that distinguish members of your subculture from those who do not belong to it?

How do schools “reproduce and perpetuate social stratification”? If you had the power and desire to use the school system to reduce inequality, what policies would you implement? What do you think the chances are of your policies actually being put into place? Why?

Paper For Above instruction

The interconnectedness between individual problems and broader societal issues is central to understanding social dynamics and developing effective solutions. This essay explores the personal problem of rising college tuition costs, examining it from an individual perspective and then through the lens of a public issue. Additionally, it delves into the role of subcultures in shaping social identity and norms, and critically analyzes how the education system perpetuates social stratification while proposing policies to mitigate inequality.

Understanding Personal vs. Public Perspectives on High Tuition Costs

The high cost of tuition is a significant concern for many individuals, particularly students and their families. When viewed solely as a personal problem, it is often seen as an unfortunate but isolated circumstance—an individual's financial hardship stemming from poor planning, limited income, or personal debt. From this perspective, solutions tend to focus on individual actions such as working multiple jobs, applying for scholarships, or taking out loans. The emphasis is on personal responsibility and resourcefulness.

However, framing this issue as a public problem shifts attention to systemic factors such as the rising costs of higher education funding, neoliberal policies influencing university pricing, and economic inequality. This broader view recognizes that tuition inflation is deeply embedded in economic policies, government funding cuts, and the commodification of education. Recognizing it as a public issue underlines the need for systemic reforms, such as increased public funding for higher education, regulation of tuition increases, and economic policies aimed at reducing income inequality.

The solutions differ significantly depending on this perspective. Personal-focused solutions may involve individual financial strategies, while systemic solutions necessitate policy changes at governmental and institutional levels to make college more affordable and accessible for all.

The Role of Subcultures in Shaping Social Norms and Identities

Subcultures are groups within larger societies that share distinct norms, values, and material artifacts, which serve to differentiate members from outsiders. For example, as a member of the gaming subculture, I observe that our norms emphasize strategic thinking, technological engagement, and recreational bonding around shared interests. Values such as innovation, community, and competitiveness are central, reinforced through artifacts like gaming consoles, specialized apparel, and online communication platforms.

These norms and artifacts foster a sense of identity and belonging among members, creating a community with unique language, rituals, and social expectations. For instance, within this subculture, engaging in online tournaments or collecting rare gaming items embodies participation and status, reinforcing shared values and distinguishments from mainstream society.

This differentiation influences behavior by establishing a shared identity that promotes cooperation, innovation, and mutual understanding among members, while often creating boundaries with non-members who do not share these norms and artifacts.

How Schools Reproduce and Perpetuate Social Stratification & Policy Implications

Educational institutions play a pivotal role in reproducing social stratification by reinforcing existing inequalities. They often provide different quality levels and resources depending on socioeconomic status, geographic location, and cultural background. Schools in affluent areas tend to have better facilities, more experienced teachers, and greater extracurricular opportunities, which translate into higher achievement and social mobility for their students. Conversely, schools serving marginalized communities face underfunding, inadequate resources, and lower academic expectations, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limited access to higher education and well-paying careers.

To address these disparities, policies should focus on equitable resource distribution, such as increased funding for schools in underserved communities, implementing universal pre-kindergarten education, and promoting inclusive curricula that reflect diverse histories and cultures. Additionally, policy initiatives could include Scholarship programs, college prep support, and anti-discrimination measures to foster equal opportunities.

However, the implementation of these policies faces challenges such as political resistance, budget limitations, and differing societal priorities. The likelihood of successfully enacting such reforms depends on political will, societal awareness, and the mobilization of advocacy groups. Given entrenched interests and structural inequalities, meaningful change requires persistent effort and broad-based support, making policy implementation a complex process.

In conclusion, understanding the layered nature of social issues—from individual challenges to systemic structures—enables more comprehensive approaches to solving problems like educational inequality and social stratification. Recognizing the influence of public issues broadens the scope of solutions beyond personal responsibility, fostering societal change that benefits all members.

References

• Bourdieu, P. (1986). The Forms of Capital. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education (pp. 241-258). Greenwood.
• Williams, R. (1977). Marxism and Literature. Oxford University Press.
• Wu, L. (2017). Education and Social Inequality: Strategies for Reform. Sage Publications.