Social Conflict Theory Applying Social Conflict Theory to Policy

Social Conflict Theory Applying Social Conflict Theory to Policy
This assignment will provide you with an opportunity to apply conflict theory to address a significant problem in the criminal justice system by formulating a change in a policy or the development of a program. In this assignment, you will be expected to:
• Describe a particular gap or problem in criminal justice practices that could be filled by a change in a policy or a program.
 • Formulate a change in a policy or a program based on conflict theory. • Evaluate how your proposed change in a policy or a program could result in more equitable and effective practices.
 • Write clearly, with correct spelling, grammar, syntax, and good organization, following current APA guidelines. Organization Your assignment should consist of four sections:
1. Title and introduction. 2.  Literature review. 3. Policy or program design. 4. Discussion.
Each section except the introduction should have an appropriate bolded subheading. An abstract is not needed. Title and Introduction Start your assignment with a concise and informative title. Since that function of a title is as much to stir interest as it is to inform, it may be somewhat humorous or dramatic. However, take care that it is not spurious. Begin your paper with an introduction of the general topic to which you will be applying social conflict theory. This topic should address a particular gap that you perceive in sociological knowledge of the causes of criminal behavior that could be filled by research. Moreover, it should have implications for improvement of criminal justice policy and program assessment. For example, your topic might be conflicting approaches to capital punishment or determinate sentencing, or addressing discriminatory practices, or an evaluation of the effects of cameras on police on decreasing hostility between police and communities. As you make your topic selection, consider how the theory you choose will help you to improve the policy or program.
• Describe the significance of the problem.
 • Identify the groups that are conflicting over the problem.
• Describe briefly the arguments of the conflicting groups for and against changing the existing approach
. • Provide a rationale for reforming or for providing a new approach. In APA style, the introduction does not require a subheading because it is known to come first.
 This general introduction should include a brief overview of the topic that will be addressed by the proposed research project you are designing. In particular, specify the potential contribution this project could make to the literature by indicating the gap in knowledge or practice that it would fill. This section should be approximately 100–250 words. Literature Review Use the Capella library to research and locate at least one relevant research article from a peer-reviewed journal. You may use one or more of the articles in the unit readings. Briefly summarize the article, focusing carefully on how the article uses the theory in relation to the research project. This section should be approximately 200–300 words. Policy or Program Design Analyze an existing program or design your own by applying social conflict theory. First, briefly state the criminal justice problem that your policy or program addresses. Describe the elements of the proposed or innovative plan, policy, or program that applies any type of conflict theory. Be as precise and detailed as possible within the scope of this assignment. You will also show how the theory relates to the resolution of the problem you have identified. In other words, how did application of conflict theory help you to resolve the problem? This section should be approximately 300 words. Discussion Describe how you used social conflict theory to analyze or design a policy or program that would resolve a real problem of criminal justice. Identify at least one limitation of your own proposed project. Suggest how you would evaluate your own policy or program showing how conflict would be reduced. This section should be approximately 300 words.