Assessing a neighborhood and applying systems thinking- Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Psychology Assignment Homework help

Be sure that you select a neighborhood – and not a whole town. You can Google your area and find the names and boundaries of the neighborhoods near you.

You will need to spend 3-4 hours walking around the neighborhood. Before you go, do the readings and some research on the neighborhood. Plan what you are looking for based on the readings and class discussions. You can make appointments to see key officials, if you choose to; but this is not necessary. You can also talk to people in the neighborhood if they are willing to speak to you about their perceptions of the neighborhood.

The goal of this assignment is to be able to apply the concepts we have been studying this semester to an assessment of a neighborhood. In particular, you want to gather data about the structure of the community and the dynamics of inequality and well-being in that community. Read the two chapters in Kris-Ashman (Chapters 9 & 10). See the grid below to explain how you will be graded.

To demonstrate competency in your ability to use theories of human behavior and the social environment, you will apply a particular theory to analyze your description of a neighborhood. Since we have focused on systems theory in this course, I recommend that you use the concepts from systems theory to analyze your data. You can also use other theories such as conflict theory or social exchange theory. The goal is to use the concepts from the theory to explain some of the dynamics of the structural aspects of inequality that you have observed in a neighborhood. The whole paper should not be longer than 12 pages. If you can accomplish the assignment in a fewer number of pages, that is fine.

In the beginning of the paper, give a definition of a neighborhood and various ways of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the neighborhood you are studying. Use citations from the readings. Include how the authors you have read describe how a neighborhood can facilitate or impede the well-being of the residents. (1 -2 pages).

In the remaining body of the paper, present the data that you have collected to describe how inequality is structured into this particular small neighborhood. Use data from on-line public-use data sources that describe income, racial and other variables that allow you to see who is living in this small neighborhood and how inequality is part of (or not part of) this neighborhood. Your data can include U.S. Census Bureau, state and local level government reports, advocacy groups’ reports etc.; See the screen cast of Prof. Smith accessing public data). In addition, if you interviewed people during your visit you can cite their observations (but be sure to quote them and cite them). Your task is to gather information that is relevant to some of the following dimensions of community as delineated by Kirst-Ashman (2011, pp. 316-319):

1. Demographics and historical development;
2. Geography and environmental influences;
3. Beliefs and attitudes;
4. Local politics;
5. Local economy and business;
6. Income (and wealth) distribution;
7. Housing;
8. Educational facilities;
9. Health and welfare systems;
10. Social control and safety;
11. Sources of information and public opinion.

Your report should focus on areas of need in the community, but also on the strengths of the neighborhood.

Here are some general hints for writing a good paper.

• Reading carefully and following the directions for the assignment will improve the likelihood that you will produce a strong paper.

• Using citations to support your work is expected in graduate school. Learn how to correctly use APA.

• Proof reading your work is an essential task you can not overlook. Spellcheck does not know what you intended to write.