SocPol - April 13 2020 Assignment #1: Sociology and Law Enforcement

This document presents a solution to a sociology assignment (SocPol - April 13 2020 Assignment #1) focusing on the introduction to sociology and theoretical perspectives, particularly in relation to law enforcement and social problems. The assignment analyzes a news article about an abandoned baby, examining whether it constitutes a social problem, the role of law enforcement, and why the mother was not charged. The solution argues that the situation is a social problem due to system failures and the need for anonymity and safety for vulnerable parents and babies. It discusses the police's role in ensuring the baby's safety and raising awareness. The assignment also includes a reflection on Erin Gruwell's Ted Talk, 'Becoming a Catalyst for Change,' and its relevance to sociology, emphasizing the importance of education and empowerment in addressing social issues. The solution incorporates references to sociological concepts and research, providing a comprehensive analysis of the given scenarios and theoretical frameworks. The assignment underscores the importance of awareness and education in addressing social issues and fostering positive change within society. The student's analysis connects the Ted Talk's message to the broader context of societal challenges, such as drug abuse, violence, and teen parenthood.

SocPol - April 13 2020
Assignment #1
Introduction to Sociology and theoretical perspectives
The CBC https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/police-don-t-think-they-ll-charge-the-mother-of-
allegedly-abandoned-baby-1.3763249 article to discuss the following questions:
 Is it a social problem? Explain.
Yes it is a social problem as it identifies the lapse in the system for providing a secure system for
parents in vulnerable situations. The need for ensuring the safety of the baby and preserving
anonymity of the parents is a prerequisite for civilized society (Leon-Guerrero, 2018).
 Discuss why and to what extent the law enforcement such as the police officer would be
involved? What would be their primary role in the situation?
The law enforcement and police officer needs to be involved in ensuring that the abandoned
baby is unharmed. In Canada, it is not illegal to abandon a baby till it is unharmed. But most
people are ignorant of this fact which can lead people to be charged in case any harm is induced
to the baby. It is important that law enforcement and police officers play an active role in
spreading awareness along with vigilance by police to avoid people taking such drastic steps. It
is also required that steps are taken for providing access to vulnerable parents to channels which
will help in protecting the anonymity of the parents and provide safety for babies.
 Why is the mother not being charged?
The mother is not being charged since it is not illegal to abandon a baby in Canada till the baby
is unharmed. Moreover there is a perceived gap in the child welfare system and it is required to
keep in mind the vulnerable situations of hue mother.
Activity 5: Student views the ted talk, “becoming a catalyst for change” and reflects on
how the concept presented conjunct to sociology or social problems.

The concept presented in the Ted Talk video by Erin Gruwell focuses on bringing about changes
in the life of people, especially children who are in need. It is important to provide children an
opportunity to decide a better future for them and provide them with an atmosphere to nurture
their dreams and have courage to attain their dreams. This can be conjugated with the social
problems as awareness and education will help the students to undertake activities which will
help in building a better society. It will teach them to bring the changes themselves they wish to
see in the society and take charge of their lives (Wexler, 2017). The positive changes can help
the students to build a society in which social problems related to drug abuse, physical abuse,
gang wars, violence, and teen mother and so will cease to exist.
References

Leon-Guerrero, A. (2018). Social problems: Community, policy, and social action. Sage
publications.
Wexler, P. (2017). Social analysis of education: After the new sociology (Vol. 57). Routledge.