Instructions: Write a 2-3 page paper that addresses each of the sections below. In terms of how to structure your paper, it will be useful to write a separate paragraph for each question you are addressing. However, you do not need to number each paragraph. Your paper should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced and 12 pt. font and it is due on Friday (5/3) by 11:59 pm. To submit your paper, upload it to Canvas, under the Assignments link and under the link called “Writing Assignment #2”. Be sure to address each of the sections below:
1) Describe two inequalities or barriers outside of the school that students encounter within their neighborhood in East St. Louis, Illinois in the Kozol reading Savage Inequalities.
2) Then, describe two inequalities or barriers inside the school that the students encounter.
3) Next, you are now mayor of East St. Louis for a year, choose one of these inequalities (either inside or outside of the school) and discuss how you would address the problem. Be sure to go beyond simply saying ‘I’ll give them money’. Specify what the money will be used for and how you as Mayor would go about getting it.
4) Lastly, analyze the following scenario using either the concept of social capital or cultural capital:
Numerous neighborhoods and cities across the country unfortunately have similar socioeconomic characteristics as East St. Louis. In terms of education, many high school students in these areas often attend schools that are drastically under resourced (for example, overworked academic counselors often managing 200-300 students per counselor, so important information regarding SAT’s, college financial aid deadlines, and the process for applying to college often are distributed slowly to students if at all). In addition, many of the students live in neighborhoods where although their parents work very hard (for instance, in manufacturing jobs as well as the service sector) the parents as well as their close friends and family have not been through the college application process largely because their current jobs did not require it. So, as many of the students approach senior year in high school, the thought of college has crossed their mind,but they are very unsure about how to proceed.
From a sociological perspective, which concept would you argue is impacting these students’ educational experience the most: social capital or cultural capital? Be sure to explain why you chose that specific concept. (Note: while addressing this question it will likely be useful to incorporate into your answer some of the important aspects of the definition of the concept you are using.)
