Step 1:
Carefully read Chapter 1 of our REVEL book: The Sociological Approach to Social Problems. Write down two theories, concepts, or takeaways from Chapter 1 that help explain how social problems can be approached sociologically.
Step 2:
After reading Chapter 1, watch this short video: Coronavirus Pandemic with sociologist Dr. Rashawn Ray. Dr. Ray is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland and expert on the sociology of racism.
Step 3:
Next, read: “The Privilege of Social DistancingLinks to an external site.” by sociologist Kimberly Higuera
Step 4:
Spend 10 minutes explore the COVID Racial TrackerLinks to an external site..
Step 5:
Write a thoughtful, in-depth, post to the discussion forum in light of the questions below. Parts 1 and 2 should be a minimum of 150 words (you can always write more). I suggest you write out your posts first in Word, so you can edit it for grammar, spelling, etc.
First part of post – Reflecting on your reading of Chapter 1 of the REVEL Social Problems book, I want you to think about the role of racism and inequality in the disparate COVD-19 impact on communities of color. How is racism a social problem, and how did it impact the way the pandemic impacted communities of color. What concept(s) from Chapter 1 can be used to help us understand the the connection between race, class and COVID-19?
Be sure to reference at least two of your own specific examples that you identified in the readings and film clips to support your argument. The key here is to NOT think solely on an individual level, but instead to challenge yourself to develop your own sociological analysis to frame the discussion which ideally will discuss the intersections of social structure (racism, types of jobs such as “essential workers”, lack of access to health care, etc.) impact individual exposure to COVID-19 (e.g. Mills’ distinction of troubles vs. issues).
Other questions to consider: How do social problems such as racism and class inequality impact other problems, such as the COVID-19 pandemic? What does the data tracker demonstrate and what sociological explanations can help explain why white communities have lower death rates than communities of color? Be specific and draw on the data.
Second part of post – I want you to think deeply about the how social structure impacts life chances. For this part of your post, I want you to reflect on what you took away from these resources.
You should thoughtfully engage at least two of your peers’ posts. Your goal should be to create dialogue. Dialogue is more than simply stating “I agree” or “Good point.” Be specific, and put in an effort to build dialogue and conversation.
Each of your two peer responses must be at least 3-4 sentences and address a specific part of their post.
