Your Final Paper Should Include A Problem Statement ✓ Solved

Final Paperyour 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

Writing the Final Paper

The Final Paper:

• Must be five double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center
• Must include a title page with the following: a. Title of paper b. Student’s name c. Course name and number d. Instructor’s name e. Date submitted
• Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement
• Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought
• Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis
• Must use at least five scholarly resources, including a minimum of three from the Ashford Online Library
• Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center
• Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Title: Addressing Homelessness in Urban Areas: Social Problems and Policy Responses

Introduction

Homelessness in urban areas represents a complex social problem rooted in economic inequality, housing shortages, and systemic failures in social services. This paper analyzes the scope and impact of homelessness, examines societal responses, and proposes alternative solutions grounded in sociological theory and research.

Describing the Social Problem

Homelessness refers to individuals or families lacking stable, adequate shelter. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD, 2021), on any given night, over half a million people experience homelessness in the United States. The problem is particularly acute in urban centers, where economic disparities and housing costs are most pronounced.

Why Homelessness Qualifies as a Social Problem

Homelessness qualifies as a social problem due to its widespread impact on individuals’ health, safety, and well-being, as well as its societal costs. It reflects underlying structural issues, such as income inequality and insufficient affordable housing, and disproportionately affects marginalized groups (Phelan, 2019). The problem violates societal norms of stability and security, necessitating social intervention.

Sociological Theories Explaining Homelessness

Structural functionalism attributes homelessness to disruptions in social institutions like housing markets and social welfare systems (Durkheim, 1897). Conflict theory emphasizes economic inequality and power disparities that perpetuate homelessness (Marx, 1867). Symbolic interactionism explores how social labels and perceptions influence the experiences of homeless individuals and societal responses (Blumer, 1969).

Implications of Homelessness

On an individual level, homelessness leads to health deterioration, mental illness, and social marginalization. Societally, it strains emergency services, healthcare, and social welfare programs (Fitzpatrick et al., 2017). The marginalization of homeless populations also perpetuates cycles of poverty and social exclusion, affecting community cohesion and economic productivity (Lee et al., 2010).

Expert Perspectives

Research by Baggett et al. (2013) highlights the importance of stable housing in improving health outcomes. Scholars agree that comprehensive approaches combining housing with supportive services are most effective (Tsemberis, 2010). Methodologically sound studies consistently recommend evidence-based policies tailored to community needs.

Societal Responses

Public policies such as the Continuum of Care Program and Housing First initiatives aim to address homelessness by increasing affordable housing and support services (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2020). Less formal responses include nonprofit outreach programs and community-based shelters.

Effectiveness of Current Efforts

While some programs like Housing First have demonstrated success in reducing chronic homelessness (Tsemberis, 2010), overall progress remains inconsistent. Challenges include inadequate funding, bureaucratic barriers, and community resistance. Many individuals cycle through temporary housing without achieving long-term stability.

Proposed Alternative

An effective alternative involves integrating affordable housing expansion with comprehensive support services, including mental health, employment, and addiction treatment. Policy initiatives should prioritize long-term solutions over temporary fixes to break the cycle of homelessness.

Why the Alternative Is Effective

Evidence indicates that stable housing combined with tailored support leads to better health outcomes and social integration (Fitzpatrick et al., 2017). It reduces the burden on emergency services and healthcare systems, resulting in cost savings and improved community well-being. Negative consequences, such as increased public expenditure upfront, can be mitigated by long-term savings.

Reflections

Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach rooted in sociological understanding and community involvement. Societies must recognize housing as a fundamental human right and adopt policies that address root causes rather than symptoms. The challenge lies in balancing resource allocation with sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations.

References

• Baggett, T. P., O’Connell, J. J., Singer, D. E., & Rigotti, N. A. (2013). The unmet health care needs of homeless adults: A systematic review. American Journal of Public Health, 103(S2), e44-e52.
• Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic interactionism: Perspective and method. University of California Press.
• Durkheim, E. (1897). Suicide. Free Press.
• Fitzpatrick, S., Lewandowski, R., & Watts, B. (2017). The social impacts of homelessness: Evidence from England. Social Policy & Society, 16(2), 231-246.
• Lee, B. A., Tyler, K. A., & Wright, J. D. (2010). The new homelessness research: The social integration of homeless people. In C. L. W. (Ed.), The Handbook of Homelessness (pp. 127-147). Sage Publications.
• Marx, K. (1867). Capital: A critique of political economy. Penguin Classics.
• Phelan, J. E. (2019). Structural factors contributing to homelessness. Journal of Social Issue, 75(2), 323-339.
• Tsemberis, S. (2010). Housing first: The pathways model to end homelessness for people with mental illness and addiction issues. Hazelden Publishing.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2020). The 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. HUD.
• Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2021). The 2021 Point-in-Time Count of Homelessness. HUD.