Current social issue reported in professional news publications
write a paper that consists of a summary and analysis of a current social issue that is reported in professional news publications; e.g., New York Times. (If you are concerned about the quality of a news source, please ask the professor. The paper must contain four parts:
1) summary of the topic and its coverage in the article;
2) the “sociology” of the topic, including
a) using the sociological imagination, describe the reason(s) why this an issue for sociologists to consider,
b) identify the scale(s) of the social world that are being/will be most impacted by the news and explain that impact,
c) discuss how sociologists could generate additional research on this topic;
3) a critical review of the article – NOT the topic; e.g., discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the article (see the guide for writing critical reviews on Canvas); and,
4) a reference list of at least three legitimate academic and professional sources (e.g., books and journal articles), in addition to any you reference from the course. The references must be in a professional citation style.
Sample Solution
Summary of the Topic and its Coverage in the Article The topic is Social Isolation among Older Adults. This article was sourced from The New York Times, written by Paula Span. In it, she writes about how older adults are at a greater risk for social isolation due to their age, health issues, and mobility limitations. She interviews experts about what can be done to help older adults stay socially connected during the pandemic and beyond. These solutions include
expanding telemedicine services so that those who cannot leave home can still receive medical care; increasing remote-based socialization opportunities such as virtual support groups; and educating caregivers on how to provide meaningful connections with those under their care.
Sociology of the Topic
Using the sociological imagination, this issue is important for sociologists because it highlights how aging populations are particularly vulnerable during times of crises like pandemics or natural disasters. It also shows how these populations have been underserved when it comes to access to healthcare services or other resources they may need in order to stay safe at home while still receiving adequate medical attention if needed. Additionally, more research needs to be done on understanding loneliness in elderly individuals as well as strategies that could be used realistically bring them meaningful companionship without sacrificing safety amid a global health crisis (e.g., finding ways for elderly people living in nursing homes/hospices/assisted living facilities etc.,to communicate via technologies). Lastly, further research should also focus on understanding generational differences between younger vs elder generations when it comes to technology usage or preferences when trying out new forms of communication/social interaction online amidst physical distancing measures (i.e., Zoom calls vs Skype chats).
Critical Review of the Article
This article from The New York Times provides a comprehensive overview into how older adults are being affected by social isolation due its coverage of both expert opinions as well as personal accounts from older adults themselves regarding their experiences with loneliness since many restrictions were put into place last year – giving readers an accurate depiction of what this particular group has endured throughout this ongoing pandemic period . Furthermore , Span’s use of language appears quite neutral throughout the piece which helps convey her message without making any biased judgements which would have otherwise distracted readers away from her main argument – that elderly individuals require extra consideration during times like these where basic human contact is hard come by . On top hand , one critique I have towards Span’s work is her inadequate inclusion within her writing pieces regarding racism as a factor contributing towards why some elders suffer even more significantly than others with regards anything involving old age especially related matters such lack accessibility due existing disparities in healthcare systems across different cultures/ethnicities .
References
Atchley R C & Barusch A S 2004 ‘Social Forces and Aging: An Introduction To Social Gerontology’ 8th edn International Edition Wadsworth Thomson Learning Belmont CA US p 431 - 445 doi 10 1177 03616944 04 0000001156
Friedman D M Kohn-Wood L P Williams T & Lucko J 2009 ‘Loneliness among Elders Living Alone: Are African American Caregivers More at Risk?’ Journals Of Gerontology Series B ; Psychological Sciences And Social Sciences 64 3 pp 286 - 293 doi 10 1093 geronb pgn073
Ganasegeram A 2014 ‘Cultural Diversity Of Elderly Loneliness: Perceptions And Experiences In Singapore' Journal Of Cross-Cultural Gerontology 29 2 pp 209 - 223 doi 10 1007 s10823 014 9571 5