Students will compose an 8-10 (maximum) page paper in which they demonstrate an ability to apply at least two different theoretical perspectives to a specific human behavior that has been identified as a social problem. Note that the page limit does not include the cover and reference page. It is very important to avoid focusing on intervention. Instead, explore the dynamics of the problem (why and how problems such as these come about.)
For the purpose of this paper, please focus on the drug addiction population. The instructions are thoroughly listed below
The paper should consist of:
1. A clearly articulated introduction in which the purpose of the paper is presented; an overview of the social problem (Select and identify a specific problematic micro or macro human behavior of interest (e.g., school violence, child abuse, elder abuse, prejudice, sexism, poverty, hording, human trafficking, aggressiveness, poverty, suicide, homicide, alcoholism, racial profiling, addiction (be specific), national obesity, eating disorders, etc.), including a discussion of how diverse populations may experience the social problem differently;
2. A presentation of the major ideas inherent in the selected theoretical perspectives; a demonstration of the students ability to apply the theoretical perspectives to the social problem, including a discussion of how each theory informs social work practice that advances human rights and social and economic justice;
3. An analysis of the relative strengths and weaknesses of each of the selected theoretical perspectives when applied to the social problem; a discussion of which of the selected perspectives is/are most useful in providing professional social workers with an enhanced understanding of the social problem;
4. What you learned about the human behavior problem from reviewing these theories;
5. And a conclusion.
6. Addendum (1 page; not included in 8 to 10 pages): Assess your ability to carry out specific learning activities (including learning from individuals personally affected by the social problem) that would enhance your future effectiveness as a social work practitioner. Include a discussion in which you identify any personal bias(es) that might affect your practice with individuals impacted by this social problem, along with specific strategies to manage such bias(es).
APA guidelines for formatting (e.g., title page, headers, etc.), citations, and references should be followed. Paper must reference the Hutchinson text and include a minimum of four sources, however, two must be peer-reviewed journal articles. Content from class lectures and/or readings included in the paper should be appropriately cited and referenced.
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