University Social Policy Analysis

Instructions
This paper asks you to move beyond describing a social welfare issue to analyzing it critically — examining how it came to be defined as a problem, whose values shape that definition, how existing policy responds to it, and what role social work plays (or should play) in addressing it. This kind of analysis is foundational to informed, effective social work practice and advocacy.

Assignment Requirements
Length: 6–8 typed, double-spaced pages (excluding title page and references)
Topic: A social welfare issue presented in class via PowerPoint or assigned readings, or a closely related topic (confirm with instructor if unsure whether a topic qualifies)
Research: Must include outside research and sources beyond course materials
Format: APA formatting throughout, including in-text citations and a full reference list
Sources: Use current, up-to-date citations; avoid relying on outdated data or sources
Required Content
Your paper should address the following areas. You do not need to use these as literal section headers, but your paper should read as a cohesive analysis that covers each of them:

1. Defining the Problem

Identify the social problem and explain how it has been defined — you must cite who defined it this way (a scholar, agency, advocacy group, etc.)
Identify the causes commonly attributed to the problem, with in-text citations supporting each cause
2. Social and Historical Context

What values and beliefs underlie why this issue is defined as a social problem?
Why is this concern being raised as a problem at this point in history — and not, for example, decades earlier?
Is this a "new" problem, or a longstanding one that has resurfaced or been reframed?
What ideologies, theories, or paradigms within the social welfare system help explain this issue, and why are they relevant?
Who is currently defining this as a social problem, and how does that differ from who defined it (or whether it was defined as a problem at all) in the past?
What conditions or aspects of society have changed to bring the issue to this point?
3. Power, Policy, and Impact

Who holds power in relation to this issue?
What social welfare policies and programs currently address this problem?
Describe the impact of the issue and its extent/effect on society.
4. Relevance to Social Work

Is there a role for social work in addressing this issue? If so, what is that role?
Are current social welfare policies and programs adequately addressing the problem?
Should more — or less — be done, and why?
5. Future Action

What are your own suggested changes, approaches, or policy directions for addressing this problem going forward?


Guidelines
6–8 double-spaced pages, standard font/margins (e.g., 12 pt Times New Roman, 1" margins)
APA title page
In-text citations for all cited claims, especially problem definitions and causes
APA-formatted reference list on a separate final page
Current, credible outside sources beyond assigned course materials


Social Welfare Policy Analysis (1)
Criteria Ratings Points
Define the Policy

Excellent
(90-100% credit) The problem is defined in a way that is easily evaluated and can be quanitified
25 pts

Good
(76- 89% Credit) The problem statement is adequate.
20 pts

Fair
(75% credit or less)The problem statement contains many errors of assertion and/or has been omitted altogether. The solution has been defined in the problem.
15 pts
/25 pts
Policy Development & Implementation

Excellent
Excellent discussion of laws and public policy issues relevant to the topic. An answer at this level provides clear statements of the thoughts being asserted in a logical order that builds to the final conclusion. Each thought is accompanied by sufficient reasonable evidence to support it.
25 pts

Good
Adequate discussion of laws and public policy issues relevant to the topic. An answer at this level provides few arguments, but the ones that are presented are reasonable. There is evidence offered for each thought, although the paper may be overlooking some of the more minor supporting assertions
20 pts

Fair
Poor discussion of laws and public policy issues relevant to the topic. No evidence is given or the evidence is incorrect or unrelated to the assertion
15 pts
/25 pts
Construct Alternatives

Excellent
Each thought also considers and counters reasonable arguments against it.
25 pts

Good
Several of the more obvious counter - arguements are raised and refuted.
20 pts

Fair
No attempt or a weak attempt is made to introduce or refute counter-arguments
15 pts
/25 pts
Technical Style & APA Format

Excellent
The thoughts proposed in the policy analysis are clear, stand together and are internally consistent with one another. Adequate number of citations from peer reviewed and or other respected sources. Correct citation style as defined by the APA manua
25 pts

Good
The order of presentation is adequate. Transitions between thoughts are adequate. Minor amount of grammer and punctuation errors; some minor problems with APA format use.
20 pts

Fair
The order of presentation is confusing, and is not logical or convincing. Lots of grammer and punctuation problems, paper does not follow APA format. .
15 pts
/25 pts