These theories provide different frameworks for looking at and understanding social justice issues, including crime more generally. In the final paper for the course, you are being asked to write an essay that demonstrates both your critical thinking skills, and your understanding of (at least) one of the theoretical perspective from the class. Your task is to select both a theory and a larger social issue/problem, to explain both of these, and then to explain the role your chosen theory specifically plays in understanding/addressing the social issue you have chosen. So, for instance, you could pick anomie or strain theory and use this to explain the current rise in crime rates. You could explain how conflict theory helps to understand voter suppression, wealth inequality, or even climate change. Or, you could use control theory to explain why early childhood development is so important and argue for nationalized child-care. The theory you select and the problem/issue you examine is up to you.
Your paper should do the following:
Elaborate/summarize the main tenets/points of the theoretical perspective you have chosen.
Discuss the larger social issue/problem you have identified.
Explain why the theory you have chosen helps explain/understand/address the social issue/problem you have identified.
From a social policy/criminal justice/societal perspective, discuss at least TWO ways in which this issue/problem can be dealt with and how your chosen theory does or does not contribute to (or does/does not inform) the solution.
Your essay must be 1,500 – 2,000 words in length(approximately 5-8 pages double spaced) , double spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font, using one-inch margins, and appropriate citations included using the ASA or APA citation style.
