Compare and contrast top-down and bottom-up solutions to social problems

What will be an ideal response?


Feedback: An examination of U.S. history reveals many examples of the federal government acting boldly and with public support to overcome serious social problems. In effect, progressive change occurred from the top down.The problem with top-down solutions is that they rely on the powerful to give up some of their power, and they allow people to be relatively passive, waiting for a leader to inspire and lead. The chapter argues that a more positive solution lies with an active citizenry pushing for change from the bottom up. There are many examples of times when oppressed and aroused Americans organized to change the system with success, most notably the women's suffrage movement, various labor struggles and strikes that resulted in major advances for workers in safety, wages, and benefits, and the civil rights movement that brought positive changes for racial/ethnic minorities, women, and gays. Today, a bottom-up change would require (1) social unrest, (2) massive public outrage over the unjust system, and (3) a precipitating event that brings people together in a social movement.

Sociology

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Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Sociology

What is the best strategy to employ if you see an answer on a multiple-choice question that you know is correct?

A. Mark it correct and move on. B. Circle it and go back later to double check. C. Before marking it, make sure "all of the above" isn't an answer choice. D. Take a couple of minutes for brainstorming before marking it.

Sociology

Power based on a belief in the sanctity of long-standing traditions and the legitimate right of rulers to exercise authority in accordance with these traditions is known as ______.

A. ruling class B. traditional authority C. interest groups D. political rule

Sociology

One key feature of current consumer technologies is that they

A. are increasingly manufactured in Canada. B. last a lot longer. C. require more frequent updating. D. are less accessible to the middle class.

Sociology