Select a social problem: Choose a social problem that interests you and has significant relevance in contemporary society. Examples include crime and interpersonal violence, drug and alcohol abuse, poverty and inequality, educational inequalities, racial and ethnic inequalities, gender inequalities, housing discrimination, health and health care, environmental issues, or any other issue that is widely acknowledged as a social problem. Please, do not assume that something that interests you is necessarily a concern that could be constructed as a social problem.
Also, I recommend that you narrow your focus as much as possible. Even though there are advantages when using a broad approach, you will need to sort through a great deal of information. Narrowing the focus will help you focus your ideas and look at more specific aspects of the problem.
Research: Conduct in-depth research on your chosen social problem. Utilize academic sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and reputable online databases to gather information about the history, causes, manifestations, and impacts of the problem. Pay attention to the diverse perspectives and interpretations surrounding the issue.
3. Analytical Framework: Develop an analytical framework informed by social constructionist perspectives. Identify key elements such as stakeholders involved, dominant narratives, symbolic representations, and the social context surrounding the problem. Analyze how these elements contribute to the construction and perpetuation of the social problem.
4. Case Study or Example: Provide a case study or real-life example that illustrates the social construction of the problem. This could be a historical event, policy debate, media representation, or any other relevant context that exemplifies how the problem is constructed and understood within society.
5. Critical Reflection: Reflect critically on the implications of the social constructionist approach for understanding and addressing the social problem.
Consider how alternative constructions and perspectives might challenge dominant narratives and lead to different responses or solutions. Evaluate the potential for social change and advocacy informed by a social constructionist analysis.
Structure and format: Your assignment should follow a clear and organized structure, including an introduction, literature review, analysis, case study/example, critical reflection, and conclusion. Use appropriate headings and subheadings through your document. Ensure coherence and logical flow between sections.
Citation and Referencing: Provide accurate citations and references for all sources used in your assignment. Follow a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
Originality and Academic Integrity: Ensure that your assignment demonstrates original thought and analysis.
Avoid plagiarism by properly paraphrasing and citing sources. Adhere to principles of academic integrity and ethical research conduct.
Proofread your work carefully for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors before submission.
Your document must contain a minimum of 3,000 words and should be double-spaced. If you’re using a word processor that isn’t compatible with PC, ensure to convert your document into a PDF file before uploading it to Blackboard.
