Please construct a coherent, cogent, critical analysis by exercising your sociological imagination.

What is a “social problem?” How do sociologists define a “social problem?” Select one topic: 1) race relations; 2) addiction; 3) violence in society; and 4) war

Identify how these conditions are social problems. What are the differences between personal problems and social problems?

As a sociologist studying the topic you’ve chosen to examine (race relations; addiction; violence in society; or war), what research design would you choose? Sociology can not answer questions of ‘morality. Do you believe sociologists have a responsibility to “take sides” on an issue? How do we tease out these “everyday situations” or “human conditions” from our own personal opinions to a more sociological understanding?

If need be, please incorporate the various paradigms we’ve discussed in class (structural functionalism, social conflict, symbolic interaction, essentialism, social construction, assimilation, internal colonialism, etc.) Also, don’t forget to integrate the sociological imagination into your overall analysis.