Sociology Assignment: Poverty, Media, and Sociological Analysis

This sociology assignment delves into the multifaceted issue of poverty, examining its impact on schools, particularly through the lens of free and reduced lunch programs. Students are tasked with applying sociological theories, such as conflict, functionalism, or symbolic interactionism, to analyze the effects of these programs and the broader implications for society. The assignment also explores the student's personal perspectives on prestigious occupations, requiring them to justify their choices using sociological reasoning. Furthermore, students investigate the EndPoverty2015.org initiative, analyzing global citizen action networks and their potential to reduce poverty. Finally, the assignment challenges students to address common stereotypes about poverty, providing evidence-based counterarguments rooted in sociological principles.

SOCIOLOGY IN THE MEDIA
“More Schools Hit Poverty Threshold.” by Christian Armario The Boston Globe; May 28, 2010
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/05/28/more_schools_hit_poverty_threshold/
The US Department of Education found that the percent of high poverty schools rose from 12 percent to
17 percent between the 1999-2000 and 2007-2008 school years. The number of schools with at least
three quarters of their children eligible for free or reduced lunch has hit an all time high. This is an
example of relative poverty and as well as a poverty line and indicator.
1. Choose one of the theories listed in your book (conflict, functional, symbolic interactionism, or
feminist) and briefly describe the major tenets of the theory. Then answer questions 2-3 through
the lens of your chosen theory.
2. How do reduced and free lunches impact schools?
3. What does this say about society?
APPLYING SOCIOLOGY TO YOUR LIFE
List the three occupations that you consider the most prestigious. What factors make these the most
prestige (some examples may be power, income, respect, etc)? Which theoretical perspective best
supports the reasoning behind your ranking? Why?
INTERNET ACTIVITY
EndPoverty2015.org is a Nongovernmental Organization dedicated to meeting the millennium goals of
reducing poverty. Communities throughout the world are involved in poverty reduction through Standup.
Go to the website and track some of the global citizen action networks addressing poverty. How do these
groups change how you see poverty and citizen action? Will they be effective in achieving poverty
reduction? Why or why not? What sociological theory best supports your stance?
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
There is a stereotype that Americans who are poor just aren’t working hard enough. As you know from
the reading, sociological evidence shows that this is merely a stereotype and not true in most cases.
What would you say to someone who believes this stereotype? Be sure to use ample sociological
evidence which you can find in your textbook.