Poverty Eradication

Analysis of the Policy - Inclusivity, Diversity, Social Justice and Systemic Equity Assignment –(EPAS Comp 1, 3, 4, 5)

The Policy Analysis is an important assignment, because it allows the student to demonstrate his/her knowledge and application of course information. It is a traditional assignment in social welfare policy courses across the country.

The analysis should be developed in APA writing style with the appropriate grammar, and format; reflecting a four-year college policy research paper. The integration of course materials should be included, through citations of appropriate material, for key point illustrations. The content should show clarity of thought, relevance of the paper’s topic and analysis of the course’s policy orientation, logic of presentation, correctness, convincing argument(s), extend of independent fact-finding through the exploration of various relevant data sources to support your analysis. You should have at least 20-25 sources, including, books and journal articles. Your sources should be no older than 10-12 years. The maximum number of Internet sources is five. The length of the analysis should be no less than 20 pages.

You may choose any relevant topic of personal interest to write about it. In your analysis, emphasis how cultural groups are disproportionately affected by the policy you are analyzing. Once you have chosen your topic, please email that topic to the professor. Here are some suggested policy problem topics:

Your analysis is conducted based upon components of social policy. The structure of the paper should contain an Abstract. An Abstract is generally 6-8 sentences, providing the reader with a concise summarization of your findings regarding the social problem identified and conclusions of the author. Your introductory paragraph(s) should provide the reader with reasons why this topic is important in society. Cite those leading scholars in this paragraph, and end it with a strong thesis statement.

Section I: Historical Background of the Policy

Understanding the history of a policy is important for two reasons: (1) It explains reasons why the policy is created; and (2) The elements of history should be included in the analysis. In addition to the factors outlined by Karger and Stoesz (2018), these questions may help:

1. What historical problems led to the creation of the policy?
2. How important have these problems been historically?
3. How was the social problem previously handled?
4. What is the historical background of the policy statement?
5. When did the policy originate?
6. How was the original policy changed over time?
7. What is the legislative history of the policy?

Section II: Describe the Problem That Necessitated the Policy

In order to access the ability of a policy to remedy successfully a social problem you need to understand the parameters of the problem. This section requires the use of statistics that reflect the quantifiable dimensions of the problem:

1. What is the nature of the problem?
2. How widespread is the problem?
3. How many people, and what groups, are affected by the problem?
4. What is the disproportional ratio of those affected?
5. How will the policy help to address the problem?

Section III: Description of the Policy

This section requires a detailed explanation of the policy:

1. The way the policy is intended to work.
2. The resources or opportunities the policy is expected to provide (i.e., power, cash, economic opportunity, redistribution of resources, etc.)
3. Who will be covered by the policy and how (i.e., universal versus selective entitlement, means testing, etc.)
4. How will the policy be implemented and coordinated?
5. What are the intended short and long term goals and outcomes?
6. What are the administrative auspices under which the policy will be lodged?
7. What will be the roles of local, state, federal governments in the development and implementation of the policy?
8. What is the funding mechanism for the policy?
9. What agencies or organizations have overall responsibility for overseeing, evaluating, and coordinating the policy?
10. What criteria will be used to determine the effectiveness of the policy?
11. What is the length of time the policy is expected to be in existence?

Section IV: Policy Analysis

Policy Goals: The criteria by which we measure the intentions of the policy.

1. Are the goals of the policy legal?
2. Are the goals of the policy just and democratic?
3. Do the goals of the policy contribute to greater social equality?
4. Do the goals of the policy positively affect the redistribution of income, resources, rights, entitlements, rewards, opportunities and status?
5. Do the goals of the policy contribute to a better quality of life for the target population? Will the goals adversely affect the quality of life of the target group?
6. Does the policy contribute to positive social relations between the target population and the overall society?
7. What are the hidden ideological suppositions within the policy?
8. How is the target population viewed in the context of the policy?
9. What social vision does the policy contain?
10. Does the policy encourage the continuation of the status quo or does it represent a radical departure?
11. Who are the major beneficiaries of the policy?
12. Is the policy designed to foster any real social change? Is it ethical?

Section V: Policy Practice Skills

1. Explain thoroughly the type(s) of advocacy that should be used with the population affected by this particular policy;
2. Explain electoral advocacy activities, cause or class advocacy, administrative advocacy, client advocacy, electronic advocacy, legislative advocacy, strategies for monitoring legislation.

Section VI: Conclusions

1. End your paper outlining the present outcomes of the analyzed policy.
2. Add what may be future outcomes if the policy does not change and
3. Other suggestions derived from the analysis that you found to be contributing to improving the effectiveness of the policy.

This section is where you place your opinions. You NOW have the right to a responsible, informed opinion, because you have done your research.

Ensure that you have page numbers in your document. Proofread and/or work with a tutor to proofread your work. Cite all information that is not originally yours. Provide a cover page and references with no less than 15 sources. Do not rely on webpages. Your sources of information should be scholarly-based sources and cited according to the APA writing style.