Sociology_Assignment_on_Homelessness

Week 3 Homelessness Assignment Resources Works Cited McMorrow-Hernandez, J. (2007, October 04). Sociological Perspectives on Homelessness. Retrieved from www.associatdcontent.com. T.Schaefer, R. (2009). Sociology A BRIEF INTRODUCTION. McGraw Hill. Unknown. (n.d.). Conflict Theory. Retrieved from www.criminology.wikia.com. Unknown. (n.d.). Groupthink. Retrieved from www.wikipedia.com. Week 3 Homelessness Assignment Social Problem of Homelessness Defined Homelessness is an ongoing problem for our society. Every day we come to terms with the effects of it, but what about the causes' By definition, homeless people are without a home. Society is viewed as subjective and social status and inequality are demonstrated through status symbols. The relationship between the individual and society is that the individual and society are both co-dependent. This perspective approaches the homeless through symbols. These symbols can be anything. The clothes they wear, the way they act and the foods they eat all represent symbols. Explanation of the Problem using Functionalist Theory The homeless populations actually can and do sustain themselves and, in most cases, are able to survive the rigors of daily life---even if living less than a meager existence. Hunkering down in a cardboard box when tired, eating discarded food from a trash can, bathing or washing clothes in rain-filled ditches are all simply beholden to the ways that some in humanity take care of themselves, Homelessness however is a burden upon the greater whole of society, it is important to bring all members of society up to a minimal standard of living so that all individuals in society can play a greater, more productive role in contributing to turning the gears of the machine called society. (McMorrow-Hernandez, 2007) Hypothesis Consistent with Functionalist Theory If people within a society cannot afford housing or obtain a job they may become homeless within said society. Research Design using Observation & Existing Sources To help prove this, I would focus on a small area where homelessness is a problem based on public date on homeless rate and demographics in my area. I would then seek volunteers from the local homeless crowd, I feel many of them will have given up on society as a whole and hope they will be willing to provide me with plenty of reason why they are in the situation that they are in and also help me to understand how society makes them feel. Conclusion Homelessness is a problem and does create some problems within a society. In a functionalist perspective it is viewed as an inevitable part of society. It is viewed as just another class of society that works with the other classes to maintain society’s functional stability (T.Schaefer, 2009). I would also like you to consider this thought: when you see a business man passing by a homeless man, without even a glance, without so much as a thought as to why this man became homeless, as to why he essentially gave up on the American Dream, and the business man keeps on walking to attend to his busy business life, without so much as trying to help or assist this homeless man, you know why conflict can arise. Ignorance of our people and ignorance of those around us is not going to make the homeless go away, but acknowledging their presence, their existence and trying to figure out what happened will help (Unknown)