Macro-Level Sociology Assignment
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT
In this written assignment (3-5page paper) including references, you will explore a Baltimore-
based organization that addresses some form(s) of social inequality/social problems. You may
choose whatever organization (non-profit, grassroots, business, co-op, etc.) is most interesting
to you and/or related to your academic or career interests. Please choose an organization that
has a website/online presence.
For this paper, you will look at data on the social problem in Baltimore and explore an
organization that seeks to address the social problem. You will define and consider macrolevel
sociological theories, including conflict theory and functionalism. (Note, you can also choose
offshoots of these theories, like feminism, critical race theory, queer theory, structural strain
theory, or neo-functionalism.) You will use these theories to sociologically assess the social
problem/inequality and organization. Ultimately, you will decide what the theory can and can’t
do when assessing the social problem and organization.
HOW TO COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT
Step 1: For this assignment, please choose a Baltimore-based organization that addresses social
problems and issues related to social class inequality, racial inequality, ethnic inequality, gender
inequality, sexuality inequality, age inequality, or ability inequality. The organization can be a
nonprofit, business, co-op, grassroots, etc. However, the organization must have a
website/online presence. Be sure you understand the sociological definition of social inequality
before finding an organization.
Step 2: Explore the website of the organization and other materials, like articles on the
organization. In your paper, you will describe the organization and cite sources found on the
organization using APA.
Step 3: Explore data on the social inequality in Baltimore using Census Fact Finder and Pew
Research. In your paper, you will include relevant information about the social problem from
articles and reports from Pew Research and US Census. Here are some quick links that might be
helpful for your search. (Note, it may be difficult to find data specific to Baltimore from Pew
Research, and that is okay. If you are exploring the topic of homelessness in Baltimore, you
might search homelessness in general on Pew and then explore economic data specific to
Baltimore from the Census Fact Finder.) In your paper, you will include at least one piece of
data found from the Pew cite and one piece of data from the Census. You will need to cite
these sources using APA in your paper.
Pew Research:
https://www.pewresearch.org/search/
Census:
Quick facts Baltimore City:
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/baltimorecitymar…
Quick facts Baltimore County:
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/baltimorecountym…
Quick facts Maryland:
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/MD
Step Four: Define and apply sociological theory.
For this paper, you will define sociological theories that have macrolevel components, including
conflict theory and functionalism. (Note, you can also choose offshoots of these theories, like
feminism, critical race theory, queer theory, structural strain theory, or neo-functionalism.)
After you have defined the theories, you will engage in a sociological analysis of the
organization you chose using these two theories. For example, you may choose functionalism
and feminism, be sure to write both about 1) how a feminist would understand the
organization and what questions they would ask of the organization and 2) how a functionalist
would understand the organization and what questions they would ask of the organization.
Information about the theories can be found: 1) in your textbook and corresponding
powerpoints/videos, and 2) in the Open Source Sociology Dictionary:
Step Five: Now that you have assessed the organization using the macrolevel sociological
theories, what questions or concerns do you still have about the organization or social
problem? In the paper, you will discuss where the theories falls short in analyzing the social
problem/inequality and organization. Do you have any ideas of what other theories or
resources might help address these gaps (either from inside or outside of sociology)?
PAPER STRUCTURE SAMPLE
Paper Structure: Below is a sample of the paper structure you might follow. You may choose
another structure but be sure to include all elements of the paper.
Introduction. One paragraph introduction that introduces your topic and defines social
inequality. This is a thesis paper; remember to include a thesis statement as the last sentence
of the introductory paragraph. A thesis statement is a one sentence statement that tells the
reader exactly what the paper is about. An example of a thesis statement is, “Macrolevel
sociological theories, conflict and functionalism, help shed light on Baltimore’s Healthcare for
the Homeless, which is an organization that addresses the social problem of homelessness.” (1
paragraph)
Social Problem Description: Choose a social inequality/social problem in Baltimore and
describe it. Use Pew Research and Census Fact Finder to provide data on the social problem.
Use in-text APA citations. (1-2 paragraphs)
Baltimore Organization Description: Choose an organization in Baltimore that addresses this
social problem/inequality and describe the organization. Include information from the
organization’s website. Use in-text APA citations. (1-2 paragraphs)
Macrosociology Description: Explain the value of using macrosociology to assess social
inequality/social problems and organizations that address them (in general). Define the two
sociological theories. Cite the textbook/related materials or Sociology Dictionary for all
definitions using APA citations.
Assess the social problem/organization using theory 1: Analyze the social problem and
organization you chose using the first macrosociological theory (ie. conflict theory). What
questions does the theory help address? How does the theory help you understand the social
problem and organization? (1-3 paragraphs)
Assess the social problem/organization using theory 2: Analyze the social problem and
organization you chose using the second macrosociological theory (ie. functionalism). What
questions does the theory help address? How does the theory help you understand the socialproblem and organization? (1-3 paragraphs)
Critique the theory: Explain where the two theories fall short and if there are other theories or
ideas from inside or outside of sociology that may help you explain the social
problem/inequality and organization. (1-2 paragraphs)
Conclusion paragraph: Summarize your paper and share any additionally thoughts, ideas,
opinions or future ideas of research/practice related to this topic.
Reference page. Please see the CCBC Library Website for help with APA citations:
https://libraryguides.ccbcmd.edu/Citations/apa7
The reference page should include:
Textbook/related materials and/or Sociology Dictionary
Pew Research Cite
Census Fact Finder Cite
Organization website
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