Poverty, Welfare and Sociology Poverty: Term Paper

" (Barron et. al. 1994) third sociological explanation of individualist precepts is found in social learning theory:

Social learning theory tells us that people adopt others (particularly influential persons) as models for their own behavior. Widespread corruption and lawbreaking by society's leaders may therefore have a profound disinhibiting effect on the rest of the population. According to this thesis, the prevalence of crime and corruption leads to further crime and corruption. Thus, crime is, according to such an explanation, not merely related to antecedent conditions, such as poverty and general disadvantage, but can gather its own momentum. (Gabor, 1990)

Evaluate 2 of the sociological explanations:

The concept that all one needs to stop poverty is "rational self-interest and self-maximizing behavior" is ignorant of the real world at best and cruel beyond words at worst.

Social learning theory, it seems on reflection, would excuse almost any behavior on the grounds that somebody important had done "whatever" previously. However it does seem to be in line with what is seen in society today that crime has indeed, "gathered its own momenetum."

Give a description of at least 4 studies of the sociology of welfare and poverty representing this perspective:

Reconceptualising Social Exclusion: A Critical Response to the Neoliberal Welfare Reform Agenda and the Underclass Thesis by Sonia Martin contests many of the foundational ideas that are shaping welfare policies in many industrialized nations.

The Documentary Construction of Female Mismanagement by Sylvia Hale seems as though it wants to stand up for women.

A evaluate two of the sociological studies

Give a description of 4 main constraints which affect the work of the sociologist in their study of welfare and poverty. e.g, time; money, source of funding, political constraints, ideological, social characteristic of researcher, accessibility.

Conclusion: summary of main points

References

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