Need a topic for my social science research class ..?

Question

PLEASE give me ideas. In my research class we will be working on this topic for three years, we started the end of my freshmen year, but I don't like where my topic is going so far. I picked poverty as my topic, I'm looking for other good social issues .. maybe with some links back to history? But it really doesn't matter, I just need good ideas !!

Answer 1

I'm not sure that poverty is such a bad subject. I'll explain briefly.

It is a very appropriate subject that can be looked at from two viewpoints.

1) What are the causes of poverty?   What the negative effects of it?  Homelessness? Alcoholism? Drug use? Some of these effects could even lead to prostitution? Aids?

2) From the brighter side why can't we look at programs that help people come out of poverty? Programs that might deal with the above issues. Homelessness? Alcoholism? Drug use? Programs that provide shelter might be able to help someone to get off the streets. Or a program to help someone get their GED and to go on to gain a vocational education? A program to help someone to get a job by providing used clothing that is suitable for the business environment? A program to help men and/ or women learn the life skills needed to be able to raise a family?

As you can see poverty can lead down a certain road and release from poverty can lead up a new more happy place.

Is this helpful?

Answer 2

You could do a broad topic, like the role of women in a particular U.S. social movement.  Or you could choose something (like you did with poverty) and then research all the different aspects involved with that topic.

Personally, I would choose something to do with rights... either women's rights or animal rights.  Or something to do with social attitudes over time... such as social attitudes towards drug use in the 20th century or the changes in expectations for women's beauty have changed.

Answer 3

How about the effect technology has had on our understanding of moral, legal and ethical standards?  When Roe v Wade was heard, life was not considered viable before the third trimester of a pregnancy, today that is no longer the case.  How do we define human life.  Is it only human after birth or not?  Is a clone an individual, or part of the original?  Does our ability to prove individuality extend to the unborn, or should there be statutes which allow a murder charge when an unborn is killed during the commission of a crime?  Technology has caught up to a point where new definitions must be formulated for the law and ethics must have a firmer application than "as the situation warrants."  There will certainly be hundreds, if not thousands of questions raised and definitions rephrased, and each will impact all of us at some point.