INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many sociological crises for our society as well as for other societies. The virus, our society’s attempts to contain the virus, and the ramifications of those attempts will affect us for many years. In this term paper, you will discuss at least one of the controversies regarding different approaches to deal with the pandemic within our society. Some examples of possible topics include the following: The Controversy about Wearing Masks, the Interplay of Medical Needs Versus the Need to Keep the Economy Strong (i.e., closing down society as a health response versus opening up society as an economic response), the controversy about requiring proof of immunization before citizens will be permitted to participate in classrooms, theater, public transportation, etc. In the discussion of the issue(s), you may wish to consider some of the sociological issues (e.g. gender inequality, differential health delivery by class, poverty, issues of the public good versus individual rights, work and employment, the family, etc.)
Your paper should cover ALL the following topics, although you do not need to cover them in the order presented.
Talk about 4 Theoretical Framworks of society (I have attatched my notes from class about these 4 frameworks– as well as the textbook for reference)
A. Describe the responses to the controversy from sub-groups in American society using the terms and concepts discussed in class and in your readings. What are some of the institutions that have been affected? How would the four Theoretical Frameworks of Sociology discussed in class and in your text (pages 19-23) view this issue?
B. Put the controversy into a historical and sociological context and explain both sides of the controversy.
C. If you were a sociologist advising the political leaders of the country, how would you suggest they deal with the issue?
D. Differentiate between the American response to the pandemic and the response of at least one other country. Why do you think our response was different?
