Social Justice and FamPolicy

Questions for Final Exam

Social Justice and Family Policy

Due on 4/27 by 8pm

Instructions (Read instructions in full before answering questions):

Below are nine questions that make up the final exam. Only answer five questions of your choosing. Each question is worth four points and requires essay answers. Completed papers are to be uploaded to Canvas in a Microsoft doc or PDF. Papers should be typed in 12 point. Times New Roman or Calibri font only.

You are encouraged to study each of the questions thoroughly before choosing. And are expected to use course readings as well as other materials shared/viewed in class to answer the questions. Be sure to answer all parts of the questions. Points will be deducted for not answering all parts of the question. Lastly, and most importantly. Students are required to comprehensively answer the questions. One short paragraph per answer will not suffice as a fully comprehensive answer. Lengthy submissions are expected. We have read a lot, watched many videos. And had weekly discussion posts. Students should have the ability to write fully comprehensive and thick answers. You will be assessed on your level of critical analysis as well. Do not plagiarize your answers.

Upon writing your answers be sure to clearly outline the questions you’re choosing to answer. ( without rewriting questions in your documents ); if it’s not apparent which question you are answering. (and I have to guess, even if the guessing is easy) I will automatically deduct points. Just providing the appropriate number of the question to which you are answer is good enough.

Social Justice and Family Policy

1. How does the documentary, Prison State relate to course readings? Write a comprehensive essay answer substantiating your statements. Be sure to include at least two of the main characters (and their segments/stories) from the documentary in facilitating your answer. Additionally, be sure to cite relating course readings/materials as well.

2. What does Middlemass mean when she describes a “felony as a social disability”? Do you agree or disagree with this statement and why or why not? Be sure to rely on/ cite course materials, and films watched in class to help substantiate your claims.

3. In the case of motherhood, Roberts wrote, “Although society defines all mothers as selfless, societal concepts of race and class determine the meaning of maternal selflessness” (p. 103). In the Netflix series First and Last, episode one, we are introduced to several storylines that depict the differences of motherhood (in and out of the jail). Why is it so important to consider intersectionality when assessing motherhood particularly for women returning home from prison, or for those who may have children in prison? Be sure to rely on/cite course materials to substantiate your claims.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

4. In chapter two, Middlemass has two sections titled Living in a Cage and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. After reading these two sections, is prison (and its effects inside) potentially a public safety hazard to the outside public once prisoners are released? Specifically. Do prisons have the ability to have the opposite effect of rehabilitation. Thus creating people with additional behavioral abnormalities than before their incarceration? Be sure to rely on/cite course materials to substantiate your claims.

5. In Gurusami’s article she talks about Hypervigilant Motherwork. In the Prison State documentary, particularly Christel’s storyline, as well as in the Stick Up Kid documentary. We are presented with two examples of motherwork. Are there traces of Hypervigilant Motherwork in these stories? Compare and contrast these storylines. Be sure to rely on/cite course materials to substantiate your claims.

in-depth overview of housing

6. Middlemass’ chapter three gives an in-depth overview of housing. In what ways does the prison impede one’s access to housing? What are the politics behind this? Would you consider ex-convicts inability to access housing a continuing punishment—and. Therefore, cruel and unusual punishment. Why or why not? Be sure to rely on/cite course materials to substantiate your claims.

7. In what critical ways does Middlemass’ chapter’s four and five relate to Alonza’s reality from the Stick Up Kid documentary. Be sure to rely on/cite course materials to substantiate your claims.

8. In the Immigration Nation, Season 1 Episode 2 and Journal Article 6. (Gulbas and Zayas) we are presented with how immigration can effect families. In what ways does immigration complicate our understanding of motherhood and fatherhood? Are there examples of motherwork in the journal article and documentary? Be sure to rely on course materials to substantiate your claims.

9. In the Life on Parole documentary we are given a glimpse into both sides of Parole Supervision. Specifically, the parole officer’s role and the parolee. In what ways does Parole supervision assist in prisoner reentry? In what ways can it hinder reentry? What changes would you implement to assist those reentering society to successfully complete parole supervision. And reduce recidivism? Be sure to rely on/cite course materials to substantiate your claims.