Your Task: Throughout this course we have examined human behavior and the workings of society. Your task is to research and analyze a social Issue. This planned discussion is worth 5% of your final grade. A SOCIAL ISSUE IS AN ISSUE THAT AFFECTS ALARGE GROUP OF PEOPLE AND IS CONTROVERSIAL IN NATURE. THE CONTROVERSY MAY BE IN THE TOPIC ITSELE, ITS CAUSES , OR IN ITS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS. You are to examine a social issue as a sociologist and present various viewpoints as well as your own findings in a planned 5 min discussion in small groups. You must have a MINIMUM of 2 academic sources.To determine if it is academic, look at the author's credentials (they should be a professional in their field of study). You will be submitting your planned discussion notes to Turnitin.com

## Planned Discussion Notes: The Social Issue of Housing Insecurity<br /><br />**Topic:** Housing Insecurity and its Impact on Individuals and Communities<br /><br />**Time:** 5 minutes<br /><br />**Target Audience:** Small group discussion in a sociology class<br /><br />**Introduction (30 seconds)**<br /><br />* Briefly define housing insecurity: Lack of stable and affordable housing, encompassing a range of challenges from overcrowding and rent burden to homelessness. Highlight its prevalence as a significant social issue affecting diverse populations.<br />* Briefly introduce the multifaceted nature of the problem, touching upon contributing factors and consequences.<br /><br />**Body (3 minutes)**<br /><br />* **Perspective 1: Systemic Issues (1 minute):**<br /> * Discuss the role of systemic factors like stagnant wages, rising housing costs, lack of affordable housing options, and discriminatory housing practices.<br /> * Source 1: *The State of Homelessness in America* (National Alliance to End Homelessness). This source provides statistical data on homelessness and explores systemic factors contributing to the issue.<br /> * Briefly explain how these factors create and perpetuate housing insecurity, particularly for vulnerable populations (e.g., low-income families, people with disabilities, racial minorities).<br /><br />* **Perspective 2: Individual Circumstances (1 minute):**<br /> * Acknowledge the role of individual circumstances such as job loss, unexpected medical expenses, mental health challenges, and addiction in contributing to housing insecurity.<br /> * Source 2: *Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City* by Matthew Desmond. This ethnographic study provides in-depth accounts of the impact of eviction on individuals and families.<br /> * Emphasize the importance of understanding the interplay between systemic factors and individual circumstances. Avoid blaming individuals while acknowledging personal responsibility where applicable.<br /><br />* **Perspective 3: Potential Solutions (1 minute):**<br /> * Explore potential solutions to address housing insecurity, including:<br /> * Increasing the availability of affordable housing through government subsidies and incentives for developers.<br /> * Implementing policies to raise minimum wage and address income inequality.<br /> * Expanding access to supportive services such as job training, mental health care, and addiction treatment.<br /> * Promoting tenant rights and protections.<br /> * Briefly discuss the challenges and complexities associated with implementing these solutions.<br /><br />**Conclusion (1 minute)**<br /><br />* Briefly reiterate the significance of housing insecurity as a social issue with far-reaching consequences.<br />* Emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach involving government, non-profit organizations, and community involvement to effectively address this complex problem.<br />* Offer a concluding thought provoking question to stimulate further discussion within the group. For example: "What role can individuals play in advocating for policies and programs that address housing insecurity in their communities?"<br /><br /><br />**My Own Findings/Position:**<br /><br />* Based on my research, I believe that while individual circumstances can contribute to housing insecurity, the root causes are primarily systemic. Addressing systemic issues like income inequality and the lack of affordable housing is crucial for creating lasting solutions.<br />* I also believe that a combination of preventative measures (e.g., affordable housing development, living wage policies) and supportive services (e.g., job training, mental health care) is necessary to effectively combat housing insecurity.<br /><br /><br />**Note:** This is a sample plan. You should adapt and expand upon it based on your own research and chosen focus within the broad topic of housing insecurity. Remember to cite your sources properly throughout your discussion.<br />