In order to help you better understand social inequality and how it affects our everyday lives, you are being asked to reflect on the social class layer in which you grew up. Think about the advantages and opportunities you possessed, as well as, the challenges you faced and obstacles you had to overcome as a result of your social class layer. This assignment will require a serious examination of how the social class layer you belonged to, or still belong to, has impacted your life. Directions are as follows:
1.) 15 points: The format for your assignment will include a 3 to 5 page paper- typed (12pt font), double spaced, and in essay format. You can go over the page limit if needed; there will be no deduction of points for this. However, your paper must be at least three full pages long. Be sure to proofread for grammatical and sentence structure errors. I have provided a Sample Writing Assignment so you can see the expected format for this assignment; it also provides additional guidance regarding what to include in your paper. The link is included below.
2.) 5 points: Define social stratification. Use the definition from your textbook or from your class notes.
3.) 30 points: Which system of stratification did you grow up with? What layer of this system- specifically, what social class layer- would you say you grew up in (choose one of the specific layers listed above) and how has this impacted your life? What benefits and obstacles have you experienced due to your placement in this layer? *NOTE: Your answers should include a thoughtful reflection of your experiences. Specific examples and a sufficient number of details will be required to explain your experiences adequately. It’s okay if your layer changed while growing up due to a parent getting a promotion/losing a job, or parents experiencing a divorce/getting remarried. This just gives you more to talk about.
4.) 30 points: Interview someone who grew up in a different social class layer than your own to learn how your experiences were similar and different while growing up. Include your analysis of this in your writing assignment; essay format should be used to do this. Be sure to identify the social class layer your interviewee grew up in (choose one of the specific layers listed above). *NOTE: Your analysis should include a thoughtful reflection. Specific examples and a sufficient number of details will be required to adequately compare and contrast your experiences with the experiences of your interviewee.
5.) 20 points: You will incorporate sociological terms (at least 4 from CH7/lecture notes) into your analysis of growing up in your particular social class layer and/or when comparing and contrasting your experiences with the person you interviewed. Be sure to use the terms where relevant and in proper context (i.e. use the terms where they fit and make sense). *NOTE: Social stratification, the social class layer you grew up in, and the social class layer of the person you interview are not counted toward your four sociological terms.
*NOTE: Use Figure 7.1 in Ch.7 (pg. 189 and also shown above) to answer the question dealing with what social class layer you were born into, as well as, what social class layer the person you interviewed was born into. If you need additional assistance determining which layer is appropriate read the accompanying paragraphs in your textbook. It is okay to interview your parents, grandparents, friends, etc. as long as they grew up in a different layer than you did.
How To Submit Your Assignment:
When you are ready to turn in your assignment, click on the “Submit Assignment” button at the top of the page. You can either type your paper directly into the text box or you can type your paper into, for example a Word Document, and then copy and paste your paper into the text box. Your last option for submitting an assignment is to upload the file. Be sure to use one of the approved files as discussed in your syllabus which includes doc, docx or pdf. Not using an approved file, one that won’t open in CANVAS, will result in a zero (0) grade on the assignment.
Grading:
Content will be used as the primary basis for grading; however, not using the requested format and poorly written papers will result in lower grades. Before submitting your assignment ask yourself the following questions. If you can answer yes to all of the questions, your paper is ready to be submitted.
1.) Did you provide a definition for social stratification?
2.) Did you identify which stratification system you grew up with? Did you identify which social class layer you were born into within this stratification system, using Figure 7.1?
3.) Did you discuss, in detail, the benefits as well as obstacles experienced due to your social class layer?
4.) Did you interview someone from a different social class layer than your own and did you identify their layer, using Figure 7.1? Did you provide a thoughtful and detailed analysis of similarities and differences in your experiences due to social class placement?
5.) Did you use at least four sociological terms in your analysis? Were these terms used correctly and in proper context?
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