MIDTERM PAPER: Theory to Policy Proposal
Length: 4–6 pages (double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman)
Overview
This assignment bridges sociological theory and public policy. You will select a pressing social issue and design a policy proposal, justifying it through the lens of sociological theory.
Directions
- Pick a social issue
- Examples: racial inequality in housing, mass incarceration, wage inequality, student debt, climate justice, reproductive rights.(this is the one i want to write about)
- Identify a theoretical lens
- Choose 1–2 theories that help explain the problem (e.g., Marx on class inequality, Du Bois on race, Foucault on power/surveillance, Feminist theory on gender inequality).
- Develop your proposal
- What specific policy should be implemented? (e.g. universal basic income, police reform, paid family leave).
- Be concrete: who enacts it, who benefits, what mechanisms ensure fairness?
- Connect theory to policy
- How does your chosen theory support your policy recommendation?
- Why would this policy help address the root cause of the problem (not just symptoms)?
- Anticipate criticisms and respond to them.
- Conclude with significance
- What broader impact would this policy have on society?
- How does theory show us why this matters?
Requirements
- At least 4 scholarly sources (outside of course readings)
- Strong connection between theory and proposed policy.
- Structured argument: introduction, problem statement, theoretical framing, proposal, conclusion.
- Proper citations (ASA)
Evaluation Criteria
- Relevance and clarity of policy proposal.
- Strength of theoretical justification.
- Critical engagement with possible limitations.
- Writing quality and proper citations.