1. What are the differences between personal problems and social problems? Why is this distinction important?
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2. To illustrate the social construction of social problems, Lisa Wade (“The Social Construction of Social Problems”) illustrates the discrepancy between public outrage and the actual hazard of certain social events. What, if anything surprises you about these differences? Can you think of another example not included in the data she provides?
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3. Wilke provides Gallup Poll data indicating that Whites and non-Whites differ in their assessment as to what is America’s most important social problem ("In U.S., More Nonwhites Than Whites Say Jobs the Top Issue: Whites and nonwhites differ in perceptions of most important problems"). Why is this so and what does it indicate about how one’s social statuses/location affects their perception of the world?
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4. According to Sternheimer ("When is a Social Problem no Longer a Social Problem?"), when is a social problem no longer a social problem? Do you agree with her reasoning?
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5. According to Sternheimer ("Can Social Problems Be Solved"), some social problems can actually be solved. What would it take and how likely will it happen?
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6. Pratt-Harris argues that prime-time television sit-coms such as Good Times can contribute to our understanding of social problems ("Good Times and Social Problems"). Do you agree? If so, can you provide a current day example?
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7. Do you think that sociologists have a responsibility to take sides on social problems? Why or why not?
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8. Choose a contemporary song that highlights a social issue. Provide the lyrics and a link to a recording of it if available. What impact, if any, do you think this song has?
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9. Choose a song that played a prominent role in a social movement of the past. Provide the lyrics and a link to a recording of it if available. What impact, if any, do you think this song had?
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10. Music has always played a role in the formation and perpetuation of social movements. Songs publicize social issues, and as they spread through the culture they not only inform the public about serious social issues/problems, they also contribute to a collective identity as movement members develop shared norms, ideologies and goals. Demonstrate these points, referring to Graham’s Woody Guthrie Turns 100: The Folk Icon, His Music, and Social Movements and either (a) the music listed in the assignments under the headings labor movement, civil rights movement, anti-war movement, social justice or (b) the documentary Soundtrack for a Revolution.
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11. Herbert Gans, "More of Us Should Become Public Sociologists," and Karen Sternheimer, "The Promise and Perils of Public Sociology," discuss the notion of “public sociology.” Outline each of their arguments and discuss whether you think public sociology is something you agree with, or whether you think that sociologists should not take sides on social issues. What social factors affect the likelihood that someone would be an active participant in this new movement?