Using "The House I Live In" to Understand Structural Strain Theory

Abstract

This assignment uses the documentary "The House I Live In" to help students understand the strain faced by impoverished communities of color. Students are encouraged to think critically about the War on Drugs and its role in the growth of mass incarceration. The assignment includes two parts: a handout of questions that the students are to answer during...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Introduction to Sociology/Social Problems

Resource Type(s):

Assignment

Class Level(s):

College 100

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

This assignment is meant to be used after the social deviance and social control chapter of an introductory sociology course. Particularly, it should be given after a lecture on Merton's structural strain theory. The instructor will need a copy of the documentary "The House I Live In." The assignment will take two class periods to complete. See attachment...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Demonstrate understanding of structural strain theory, specifically "innovation,"as well as racial and class inequalities by using statistics and stories from the documentary.
2. Use critical thought to articulate how the War on Drugs has served to perpetuate race and class inequalities.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students will answer a series of questions to assess their understanding of the role racial and class inequalities have in the decision to become an innovator.
2. Students will submit a short critical response using examples and statistics from the documentary