Paper Assignment #1: What is the Social Construction of Difference
Format: Microsoft Word, 5-7 pages, double spaced, 12 pitch font, cite references from textbook readings (author’s last name, year published, page number).
What do sociologists mean when they state that differences based on “master statuses” such as race/ethnicity, social class, gender, sexual orientation, or disability are socially constructed? What are essentialist and constructionist orientations to difference? select and cite at least six of the readings from Section 1 of the assigned book readings to answer the following, illustrating with examples.
Illustrate and discuss two of the following:
What is race or ethnicity? What is gender or sex? What is sexual orientation or preference? What is social class? What is disability?
Answer each of the following:
How do essentialist and constructionist approaches answer the above questions? Which approach do you agree with and why? What are the practical and/or political implications of taking an essentialist versus constructionist approach to these questions?
Grading Criteria:
___ (40 points) the student defines and integrates key terms from the course materials.
___ (30 points) the student develops answers and accurately comprehends the course materials.
___ (20 points) the student integrates assigned readings, demonstrating a good understanding of the materials, illustrating with examples.
___ (10 points) the essay is well written using appropriate grammar, spelling, sentence development, and citations.
