SOC 203

SOCIAL PROBLEMS
Winter, 2022
Assigned Reading #2
January 14

A. Textbook Readings

1. What are the post-modernism and post-structuralism approaches in Sociology? (Post-

Modernism and Post-Structuralism section; page 19).
Post-modernism: style of thinking in the social sciences and humanities that denies the
validity of the universal, sweeping statements about the world or groups of people within
the world and analyzes the motives behind such statements and the consequences of
people believing them.
Uses method of deconstruction to reveal hidden assumptions and ideologies in analysis
of social situations.

Post-structuralism: is a related concept that takes analytical deconstruction even further.

Can help us think of new ways to solve old problems, makes finding the truth seem
impossible.
Might help sociologists recognize biases and perspectives reflected in their work

Both r very similar if not identical

2. Differentiate between individual and collective solutions (Solutions to Social Problems

section; 21-23)
Individual solutions:
 One way to address exclusion is to begin to think about yourself differently. People
learn to rethink their collective standing, to understand how their oppression and
marginalization came about and was maintained. Help spread awareness to others.
 Social networks can help people overcome exclusion and poverty. Getting to know
people who themselves have extensive networks (sociometric stars). E.g., Priest,
Collective solutions:
 Chief actors in modern society are groups (ethnic communities, religious groups,
professional associations and organizations, multinational corporations, political
parties, and labour unions, etc.) It's from people working together that satisfactory
solutions to inequality must come. individual action can only provide a band aid
solution.
 Legislation is one remedy for exclusion and requires joint political effort by
communities of people in different regions of different ethnic groups, classes, and
genders.

SOC 203- Assigned Reading #2 January 14, 2022

  Another widely used remedy is to form political parties, unions, or lobby groups
within one such community. however, this strategy may increase misunderstanding,
injustice, and conflict Between isolated groups. therefore, it is important that these
organizations establish and maintain lines of communication and shared activities
with other groups.
 Social education and re-education are ideal vehicles for mobilizing a social group,
Schools in mass media are excellent channels for effecting such change.

3. Discuss the development and limitations of foodbanks in Canada (Collective Solutions

section; page 23-24).
Emerged as a response to the inadequate support provided by unemployment insurance
and funds from the provinces that didn't enable people to put enough food on the tables
during the economic recession in the 1980s

Many argue that they're merely a temporary solution that doesn't address larger issues.
Create a public perception that hunger is a matter of charity, especially when corporate
sponsors step in to provide funds or food donations to a food bank. many use the
expression “de-politicization of hunger” to suggest that governments are increasingly able
to turn a blind eye to meeting basic needs of their citizens.

The demand for food usually exceeds the donations of food bank receives. Don't meet the
nutritional needs of their clients. Make no contribution to solving the problem of poverty,
which is the cause of widespread hunger.

B. Article/Document Readings

Review Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms

-posted as PDF in eclass, in 'Assigned Readings' folder

What are the protections (i.e., legal and equality rights) afforded to Canadians under the
Charter at:

Section 7 Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be
deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.
Section 8 Everyone has the right to be secure against unreasonable search or seizure
Section 9 Everyone has the right not to be arbitrarily detained or imprisoned.
Section 10 Everyone has the right on arrest or detention
(a) to be informed promptly of the reasons therefor
(b) to retain and instruct counsel without delay and to be informed of that right; and
(c) to have the validity of the detention determined by way of habeas corpus and to be released
if the detention is not lawful.
Section 11(b and d only) Any persons charged with an offence has the right
(b) to be tried within a reasonable time

SOC 203- Assigned Reading #2 January 14, 2022

 (d) to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a fair and public hearing by
an independent and impartial tribunal
Section 12 Everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or
punishment
Section 15 (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal
protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without
discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or
physical disability.

NOTE: RE: Article 10: Habeus Corpus refers to a court petition which calls for a person
being detained to be brought before a judge for a hearing to determine whether their
detention is lawful

SOC 203- Assigned Reading #2 January 14, 2022