Assuming the Role of Social Advocate

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Week 6 – Final Paper

Assuming the Role of Social Advocate

[WLO: 2] [CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Prior to beginning work on this assignment, read Chapter 14 of the course textbook, read the articles The Commercialization and Digitization of Social Movement Society, How to Build a Successful Movement in 4 Steps (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., Social Movements for Good (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., and watch the video Non-violence and Peace Movements (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

Applying concepts is a great way to get a sense of what working within the discipline of public sociology would be like. In this course, you have learned about the theoretical foundation of sociological practice by gaining an understanding of the sociological perspective, how to use the sociological imagination, as well as how to gather the information needed in order to influence social change. By learning about the tools of applied sociology, you have learned what aspects to consider when seeking to create social change. Now it is time to practice putting those tools to work. Your final assignment is an academic research paper which plans out the development of a social movement of your choice, which you will provide leadership for. The purpose of this assignment is to ensure that you know how to view society through a sociological lens, recognize societal needs, perform research to support your ideas through evidence, as well as highlight possible solutions, and enact the “6 Steps of Social Movement Success” as discussed in Chapter 14 of the course textbook. Also, through your research you will highlight the key social groups affected by the social need you have chosen: indicating aspects of culture and belief systems, identity, social class, and any external issues which may influence causality, such as the effects of public policy, social systems, discriminatory practices, and even global effects such as climate change. The key focus is to synthesize your advanced knowledge of social theory, research, and social problems to create a social action.

For this Final Paper, complete the following elements:

  • Introduction (about 2 pages): present the following information to provide the context of your social movement:
  • Explain social movements, the various types, and why they exist;
  • Describe how sociological theory can explain how social movements work;
  • Examine the purpose of social movements and social advocates for social change in society.
  • Body (about 4 pages): present the following information to provide the process and potential experience of your social movement:
  • Apply the “Six Steps of Social Movement Success”
    1. Justify your reasons for wanting to be an advocate for social change by identifying a social issue that you are interested in supporting through your social movement. Support your choice with research evidence as to why it is a social issue that needs to be addressed in society;
    2. Identify your constituents to form a group, specifically presenting the unique identity or cultural affiliation groups represented, as well as external constituents who may support and further your cause;
    3. Interpret if there is a challenge to forming a group. Is there a potential for marginalized members by identity or cross-cultural issues, etc.
    4. Create a strategy of social action for your social movement. What actions will you take, with whom, and where will you apply them? Support your choices with research evidence of what has worked for other social movements.
    5. Compile a list of resources you have to support your social movement. Specifically consider who holds the power to enact change for your social movement. How will you mobilize your resources and connect with those in power?
    6. Organize your social action, by pulling these steps together and launching your social movement. Present how you will lead, influence and inspire.
  • Conclusion (about 2 pages): present the following information for your conclusion regarding your efforts to lead a social movement:
  • Briefly summarize your social issue, the steps taken to support your social movement and your conclusions of potential success through gaining power or influencing those with power, as well as reflection upon areas that could experience failure;
  • Supports the impact of the social movement by determining if it benefitted a social group, a social issue, social policy, theoretical knowledge, or all of these.
  • Describe your personal, academic, and potential professional development in researching the social issue and considering the process for creating social change.

The Final Paper