Homelessness and US Veterans: A Tragic Story
Students will select a macro or micro social problem currently or historically relevant to military and/or veteran populations. Some examples of macro-level issues include integration of minority groups into the military, economic hardship, geographic mobility, reintegration into the civilian workforce. Some examples of micro-level issues include, substance use disorders, conflict-specific injury, family dysfunction [note: you may not select PTSD unless pre-approved by instructor].
Papers will include:
1) Background information regarding the presentation and historical development of the selected macro or micro problem. For instance, did the problem arise from a particular military conflict, or was an existing social problem exacerbated by the conflict? Relevant background data will depend on how you frame your paper. You may choose a problem, such as substance misuse, and examine its relationship to a specific conflict (e.g. the Vietnam War). Or, you might choose to examine a problem such as depression, and how it has been related to a several conflicts over time. This section should contain properly cited epidemiological data.
2) A discussion of the social response to the problem. What policy initiatives were undertaken toward addressing the problem? Relevant policies may include federal, state, and local laws, as well as policies implemented by governmental organizations or changes in standards of practice for particular professional entities. Were novel micro or macro interventions developed in response to the problem?
3) Discuss the current state of the problem. Were intervention efforts successful? To what extent? Cite relevant research findings to support your arguments.
4) Describe the limitations of our current knowledge of the issue. What important information is unavailable at this time? What is the impact of these knowledge deficits on society’s ability to ameliorate the problem?
