GGC Demographic Trends in Social Institutions and Social Change Discussion

According to the conflict perspective, social institutions promote social inequality and the status quo for the benefit of certain populations and conversely, for the disadvantage of others. Demographic trends refer to patterns of change that pertain to populations within society which may reflect systems of inequality perpetuated by social institutions. 

Task

For this discussion, identify demographic trends that reflect inequality or disadvantage in education, religion, or family. 

Using GALILEO, search for academic, credible sources that include statistical data to support structural inequalities and provide examples of social policies for social change or corrective action.

Using the statistical data, interpret the impact of demographic trends on disadvantaged populations and reflect on the social institutions of education, religion, or family.

• Answer the following discussion prompts for only ONE of the social institutions with a minimum of 250 words:
• Education: How do demographic trends shape educational outcomes?
• How does race, gender, or social class influence achievement scores, dropout rates, or graduation rates?

Based on demographics, which populations have lower educational outcomes? Why?

How does the educational institution perpetuate social inequality or disadvantage for these populations?

What are some examples of social policies (e.g., grassroots movements, institutional policy, legislative action) that can enact social change?

• Ask your classmates a question to stimulate discussion.
• Religion: How do demographic trends shape religious hate crimes?
• How does race, gender, or social class influence religious hate crimes?
• Based on demographics, which populations experience higher rates of a religious hate crime? Why?
• How does the religious institution perpetuate social inequality or disadvantage for these populations?

What are some examples of social policies (e.g., grassroots movements, institutional policy, legislative action) that can enact social change?

Ask your classmates a question to stimulate discussion.

• Family: How do demographic trends shape marriage and divorce rates, and rates of intimate partner violence (IPV)?
• How does race, gender, or social class influence divorce rates or rates of IPV?
• Based on demographics, which populations have higher rates of female-headed households? How does this affect social class and poverty?
• Based on demographics, which populations have higher rates of marriage? Of divorce or IPV? Why?
• How does the family institution perpetuate social inequality or disadvantage for these populations?

What are some examples of social policies (e.g., grassroots movements, institutional policy, legislative action) that can enact social change?

Ask your classmates a question to stimulate discussion.

• .    You will be assessed on:
• Successfully answering the discussion prompt with originality and accuracy, and following directions.
• Accurately including and applying important terminology from the textbook and course content.
• Citing and referencing all materials consulted using  ASA, or APA.
• Participation, timeliness, and quality of posts and replies.
• Grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, and sentence structure of posts and replies.