Overview
Topic 1: Structural Theory of Gender
Overview: Risman (2004) argues that gender is embedded in all social institutions. In this paper you will analyze an institution that you belong to using Risman’s characteristics of a structure.
Requirements:
- Minimum 2,000 words
- Cite at least three of our course materials in-text in ASA style
- One can be Risman (2004)
- Only one source can be a mini-lecture video
- Do not use any outside sources
Note on Choosing an Institution:
- Any institution/organization is open to analyze EXCEPT your family or marriage
- You must choose an institution or organization that you know a lot about that enables you to answer all of the questions related to Risman’s characteristics of a structure as it relates to gender.
- If you do not want to use the real name of the institution (if it is your job, for example), feel free to make up a name.
- Please contact me if you are unsure if your institution would be a good one to analyze for this paper.
Paper Sections:
- Background: (10%)
- Describe the institution
- What is your relationship to the institution?
- Why did you choose this institution to analyze?
- Describe the institution
- Analyze the institution using Risman’s characteristics of a structure: (70%)
* This section is where you should cite the three course materials.
- Constituted by Individuals
- Distinct Social Practices (Rules, Norms)
- Constrains and Facilitates Behavior
- Includes a Legitimating Ideology
- Internalized as Identities and Selves
- Organized and Permeated with Power
- Subject to Change
Note: Each of the aspects above should be analyzed explicitly in relation to gender. For example, an institution may have a variety of underlying ideologies, but in your opinion, what ideologies exist in the institution as it relates to gender specifically?
3. Personal Reaction/Conclusion: (10%)
- What was it like analyzing the institution in this way?
- Did you learn anything new or feel any differently about the institution after analyzing it?
- Did analyzing the institution cause you to think something new about the institution that you hadn’t considered before?
4. Word Count (2.5%)
5. Style/Grammar (2.5%)
6. Cite course materials in-text in ASA style (5%)
More Course material- https://www.buzzfeed.com/alanavalko/obgyns-offerin...