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In middle school, your students begin to discover their place in society. From social media to community resources to economic inequality, sociological issues affect them and their families every day.
Through a sociological perspective, give your students the opportunity to discuss and learn more about the most relevant social issues. Whether you are planning a five-minute bell ringtone or a long-term research task, these eighth-grade sociology questions will surely get them to talk and write.
10 Sociological Questions to Use as Tips for Journal Writing
Classes began and a collection of high school journal writing tips related to sociology topics were collected. These social studies courses, language arts or specialized sociology courses are perfect for these eighth grade sociology problems, and even your most reluctant writer will attract people’s interest.
- Is there a connection between an individual’s self-esteem and their status in society?
- What is the difference between law and social norms?
- Why does culture develop stereotypes? Do you think this is fair?
- What is the greatest source of inequality in the world today?
- What are your values? Do you feel that your values are represented in society?
- Should citizens be required to volunteer in the community?
- How does society in the 21st century view mental health? Do you think this is enough?
- One thing you will change about American society?
- Do you think what is more important in society is: the needs of the group or the needs of the individual?
- What groups do you think you are? How do they contribute to your sense of identity?
10 Sociological Issues Discussed in Classroom
Do your middle school students have problems during class? If so, having classroom discussions or debates about sociology issues in grade 8 is a great way to satisfy their interests and develop critical thinking skills. Try the following discussion questions in class to express their opinions.
- What is the bigger problem in society: economic inequality or educational inequality?
- Should students have the same rights and privileges in school as adults in society?
- What are the examples of nonverbal communication we use in American culture?
- What is the relationship between average teenagers and technology? How does it affect their relationship?
- Is crime good for society? Why or why not?
- What is an example of cultural norms in the United States? Do you agree?
- Why is sports valuable in society?
- What is a teenager problem that doesn’t get enough attention in the media?
- Should strong people keep the same standards as everyone else in the community? If so, are there any exceptions?
- What should society pay more attention to: art or science? Why?
Sociological Issues in 13 Eighth Grade Research Papers
Whether you are planning the final sociological allocation or looking for socially relevant argumentation topics, the sociological questions of the eighth grade research project introduce students’ skills in writing social studies that are consistent with CCSS in the ELA. Let them choose a topic that interests them, or choose one of the research questions for them to hone important research skills.
- What is the most important social movement in the past 100 years?
- Is social media ultimately good or bad for society?
- How does education affect the personal experience of society?
- What is the role of music and performing arts in society?
- How do ads today affect teenagers?
- What is the biggest moral problem facing American society today?
- How does urbanization affect rural society?
- Will the structure of a family unit affect other parts of society?
- Is religion as important to American society now as it was 50 years ago?
- How does rapid population growth change social dynamics?
- What impact does social media have on politics today?
- How does age discrimination occur in society?
- What are the effects of lower graduation rates in the community?
Important sociological themes in middle schools
Looking for other ways to bring sociology topics into middle school social studies courses? According to the National High School Sociology Standards, American students should understand and be able to discuss these important topics:
- Population growth and change
- Family and relationships
- Cultural norms and values
- Query method
- Conflict theory
- Social institutions
- Subculture and counterculture
- Social movement
- Gender and Sex
- Class inequality, privilege and power
By introducing some of these topics to your eighth graders, they will be ready to have more in-depth discussions on them in high school.
Connect your courses to the community
Sociology is the method we use to understand the social world around us. Isn’t that what our adolescent students have to do every day? This is why eighth-grade sociology resources are an excellent way to build connections between social studies courses and class communities. Once they know why society works the way they do, students can start working hard to make a difference in it.
