Discuss the effect of a current social problem on a particular social group.

Question

Poverty and Children in the United States. ( 1,750 to 2,450 words in length.)

Answer 1

Discuss the effect of a current social problem on a particular social group.  Poverty, of course, would be the social problem while American children would be the social group.  While taking sociology in college, I was asked to write a thesis on a very similar topic.  One of the first questions I ask myself when being faced with a question like the one you have posed, is this:  Are there cultural reasons which lead to certain socioeconomic issues?  And yes, there are in many situations.  What is considered the "norm" within some societies is considered abnormal or "taboo" in others.  While writing a thesis on this topic, I would look at what group the largest number of poverty stricken children belong to in this country.  Are they considered to be living in poverty out of cultural adherence?  For example:  While growing up I was considered to be a child in poverty.  I am registered Native Cherokee and grew up living off the land.  My neighborhood found it "taboo" to have all the seemingly unnecessary luxuries of televisions, new clothing, toys, electronics, and even running water or electricity.  By societal standards, I was considered poverty stricken, however, this was out of cultural adherence, or choice.  Not everyone "living in poverty" is struggling to change because their own personal culture sees nothing wrong with living humbly.  We are all of different ethnic backgrounds, and with ethnic differences comes differentiating cultural norms.  Please be certain to understand the differences between race and ethnicity when writing about this topic.  I would research the definition of poverty in the United States, then compare and contrast "true" unwanted poverty with the cultural choices made by many groups.  You may be surprised to see that there are many groups (children involved) who choose to live by certain "sub-standards" as considered by many, due to their own personal cultural norms.  

I hope this helps give you some ideas, while helping you see this topic both objectively and without bias! 

Answer 2

Hello Jamal from Ohio, My name is AnnMarie from Ohio:) Sociology is a very  serious and heartfelt  subject because it deals  with individual choices and problems of survival. For example, your question/discussion  addresses group of children in the United States and poverty. First , let us consider how vast the United States poverty for children, guardians, parents. Thus one question might be why can we as U. S citizens not assist all children in poverty.

    Many children are homeless, parentless and have no idea how to get out of poverty- other than what they have learned from adults. It is very sad that in the United States poverty and homelessness or lack of  assistance has made our  children so vulnerable. Additionallly,  there are many children who run away from horrid problems at home perhaps feeling that the streets of poverty are safer than their home.

Throughout our United States their are children who are addicted to drugs or worse social problems and where is the justice system for children advocacy?  Is it because no one in authority realizes they are in poverty? Is it because our "eyes are turned away from children in poverty"?  Perhaps their parents are in poverty for lack of work or overwhelming bills and have been homeless due to not being legal citizens.

    What would you and I do if we were children in poverty? What would you and I do without our  families gather together to do the best they can with what they have.  Many  children are not able to read nor write and unable to go for help with social agencies because of the rules and regulations , and  some families and children are ashamed to come forward either out of pride or undocumented.  

Your questioning  of Poverty and Children in the United States is a huge  varied painful and sad one that we all must try to help others and break down all the ugliness of poverty of children in our country. Thanks for this social problem discussion:) take care, AnnMarie from Ohio