The Inequality Assignment
Description of Assignment
This assignment consists of a 7-paragraph paper, with specific formatting requirements, wherein you demonstrate your ability to apply what you’ve learned about the conflict and functionalist theoretical perspectives in this course to data (in the form of Tables) from the Central Texas Sustainability Project (CTSIP).
Objectives
Your objectives in this paper are to identify patterns in the CTSIP numerical data (presented as 3 Tables) and then apply each of the theoretical perspectives to explain why you think these patterns exist.
HELPFUL TIPS:
| Functionalist Perspective | Conflict Perspective | Other Tips |
| A5 for definition | A2 for definition | May want to include information from pp. 274-279, “How is America Stratified? |
| 28-29 Durkheim | 33-34 Conflict | |
| 32-33 Parsons | 34-35 Feminist Theory | |
| 202-209 Functionalist Approaches to Deviance and Social Control | 25-27 Marx | May want to incorporate a discussion of the different forms of rhetoric of equality (ontological, condition, outcome, opportunity) |
| NOTE: There is much, much more about the conflict and functionalist perspectives in Conley’s You May Ask Yourself. These suggestions and tips are intended to get you started thinking about how to analyze the Tables from the CTSIP. | ||
| If I were writing this paper, I would give the paper the title: Who Can Afford Health Insurance? | ||
Inequality: A Sociological Analysis
Assignment Overview:
The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate your ability to synthesize numerical data and sociological perspectives. Throughout the semester, we have been developing our understanding of the Conflict and Functionalist perspectives. In this exercise, you will use the data attached from the Central Texas Sustainability project (CTSIP), a comprehensive evaluation of sustainability indicators in Central Texas, to identify patterns in numerical data and then apply each of the perspectives in explaining why these patterns exist.
Below is a suggested outline to help guide your development of the paper. Please pay particular attention to the rubric given on the following page, as it provides specific information on where your points will come from and what I will be looking for.
| Paragraph 1 | Introduction | State the issue and concept of what you will be presenting. |
| Paragraph 2 | Data | State patterns in the data (below) and extrapolate possible social connections focusing on health disparities and inequality. |
| Paragraph 3-6 | Theory/Data | Give a brief review of each theory (Conflict and Functionalism). Apply each theory as it relates to the data given by the CTSIP. |
| Paragraph 7 | Conclusion
|
Synthesize conclusion of material focusing on the social implications present from the data. Elaborate on how these patterns relate to the larger society. |
Suggested Outline:
Formatting Requirements:
The assignment must adhere to the following formatting requirements:
- The paper must be at least 2 pages (no more than 5 pages)
- The paper must be submitted in PDF format
- The paper must be written in 12 point Times New Roman font
- The paper must be double spaced
- All page margins must be 1 inch
- Any text or other sources that paraphrased, quoted, or used for general guidance must be cited appropriately, using any conventional citation method you are familiar with (e.g., APA, MLA, ASA, etc.).
Assignment Rubric:
| Element of Paper | Maximum
point value |
What I am looking for |
| Critical Thinking | ||
| Introduction states issue | 4 | A paper with a clear introduction that identifies the issue |
| Presentation of information | 4 | A paper that examines the evidence and its relevance |
| Consideration of context and perspectives | 4 | A paper that recognizes the context and multiple perspectives |
| Logical progression of argument | 4 | A paper that logically presents perspectives with use of data |
| Conclusion with implications | 4 | A paper with a clear conclusion that addresses the implications of the data |
| Communication Skills | ||
| Addresses all elements | 4 | A paper that shows awareness of perceptions and assumptions |
| Level of organization
|
4 | A paper that is organized and cohesive |
| Demonstrates awareness of concepts | 4 | A paper that demonstrates awareness of multiple perspectives |
| Use of relevant content | 4 | A paper that utilizes relevant data in an appropriate manner |
| Clearly delivers material and thoughts | 4 | A paper that presents a clear transmission of meaning and thought |
| Empirical/Quantitative Skills | ||
| Identifies numerical facts | 4 | A paper that identifies appropriate numerical data |
| Synthesizes numerical data | 4 | A paper that synthesizes numerical facts into perspectives |
| Analyzes numerical data | 4 | A paper that analyzes numerical data and its implications
|
| Social Responsibility | ||
| Acknowledges other perspectives | 4 | A paper that acknowledges multiple perspectives |
| Applies other perspectives | 4 | A paper that applies multiple perspectives to the concept |
| Acknowledges relation of perspective to community
|
4 | A paper that acknowledges how perspectives relate to society |
| Applies analysis to community | 4 | A paper that applies, in detail, the perspectives to society |
| Total Points | 68 |
