Briefly address an alcohol problem that has received significant public attention at some point in the past 150 years–OR that you think SHOULD be receiving significant attention, and which some have tried to call attention to, but unsuccessfully.
Discuss the social construction of the problem.
Describing the true nature of the problem, in your personal assessment (based on facts of some kind-citations are a good idea!)
Discuss the actor(s) who brought public attention to the problemwho were they and what was their stake in this? Address whether they fit Beckers moral entrepreneur model.
Describe the techniques the actor(s) used to do this and the way they emphasized the nature of the problem. Who, if anyone, is constructed to be a victim? Who, if anyone, is constructed as a villain or threat?
If there is no one easily identifiable moral entrepreneur, describe the nature of the problem as presented in popular news, public service accounts, or expressions of public concern.
If it was/is NOT a hot topic, assess whether any attempts to bring attention have been made. Why have these failed? OR consider what features of a “moral entrepreneur” might help make it a hotter topic.
Assess the social construction. (30 points) For example:
How accurate was the public concern raised, in your opinion? Or was there a lack of public concern that SHOULD have existed? If present, did the public concern accurately target the most important aspects of the problem?
Do you think the social position of the main actor(s) affect the way(s) that they understood and chose to socially construct the problem? How?
Were any people with less power targeted for social control in potentially problematic ways in either the creation of the problem or the possible solutions?
Discuss to what extent social control measures were implemented due to this public attention-raising. (30 points) For example:
What were the measures? Were they formal (eg laws and policies) or informal (eg norms)?
Who was the target of these measures?
What behaviors were targeted?
In your opinion, were the people and behaviors targeted appropriate for the true nature of the problem as you see it? Are there behaviors or individuals that would be more on point for a target?
How were the choices of targeted people/behaviors influenced by formal or informal power structures in society?
Organization, clarity, writing quality (10 points)
Rubric
Some Rubric (1)
Some Rubric (1)
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcomesocial construction of the problem.
Describe the true nature of the problem, in your personal assessment (based on facts of some kind-citations are a good idea!); discuss the actors and their stake; how was the problem constructed.
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAssess social construction
How accurate was the concern? what are the power dynamics? were people with less power targeted?
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSocial control implemented
to what degree were social controls implemented? What were the measures, who is the target? Are these targets appropriate to address the true problem as you see it?
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcomeclarity of writing
includes references as appropriate, clear and well organized.
10 pts
Total Points: 100
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