Inequality in American society Instructions, guidelines, and rubric From chapters 8 to 11 of the course, you have become acquainted with various forms of stratification and inequality in society. You will be required to choose a form of inequality in society, and conduct some research on a form of inequality in American society. Focus on one form of inequality. Choose from race, gender, and class inequality, or you could choose to focus on educational inequality, or poverty. Besides your textbook, you are expected to site at least 2 academic sources (peer-reviewed journal articles, or academically published books), and you can also cite 2 online, Newspaper, or Mainstream Trade publications (TIME Magazine, NEWSWEEK, etc.). Hence, this paper will ask you to engage in some research. My class textbook is free and accessible online, it will need to be used as a source in the essay:) chapters 8-10 URL for textbook: https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-2e/pages/1-introduction-to-sociology Font: size 12, double-spacing Points guidelines (200 points total) Introduction (10 points) Explain your choice: why does this topic interest you? Define stratification and inequality. What is it important to understand stratification? Why study inequality? Foreground your analysis. Approximately ½ to ¾ page. The past: prior to 2005 (25 points) What is the history of that form of inequality? What were some turning points? Who were the “architects” of that particular form of inequality? Was that form of inequality formalized and institutionalized in America? How so? Discuss the “founders” or “pioneers” who fought against this form of inequality. Highlight the independent research you have done. Cite your sources. Expected length: 1 to pages. The present: 2010-2019 (25 points) What is the status quo now? How have things changed? What accounts for the present day status quo? What are some present day manifestations of the past? What is the legacy of that form of inequality? Has there been progress from past to present? What has changed in terms of public opinion or the legal framework? Is there still institutional discrimination? If not, are there other forms? Highlight your independent research. Cite sources. Cite statistics. Expected length: 1 to pages. The future (25 points) What is the future? Where is it heading? Is the nation becoming more divided or less divided over this issue? Provide some statistics and backing from sources outside the textbook. Propose some solutions to this problem of inequality. What will be the consequences to the group? How will this change society? Expected length: 1 to pages. Conclusion (15 points) Contrast the functionalist and conflict perspective approach to inequality as it applies to your topic. Which perspective do you find more useful? What does your topic say about inequality in America as a more general phenomenon? As Christians, why is important to pay attention to inequality? Discuss what has affected you personally in the process of doing this paper, particularly as it relates to your Christian faith. Approximately 1 page in length.
