Teaching Social Problems: Critical Yet Optimistic Change

• In Event: 3423 - Teaching and Learning Symposium Roundtable
  In Informal Discussion Roundtable: Table 8: Teaching Introduction to Sociology and Social Problems

Abstract

One of the most critical and often required courses in an undergraduate sociology major’s career is Social Problems. This course is often taught from an inequalities perspective and necessarily and critically so; yet this framework can result in responses from students about how disheartening, distressing, and bleak not only the social world but sociology as a field and practice can be. I discuss approaches to teaching social problems from a critical, inequalities perspective while still inspiring optimism in students for positive change in the world around them and as future sociologists. Some key approaches include (a) leading with change instead of ending with it, (b) highlighting critical work that is already being done, (c) emphasizing achievable steps toward impact, and (d) active mentorship in the social problems classroom.

Author

• Lydia J. Hou, The University of Illinois at Chicago