Instructions
Intersectionality in Public Life – Race, Gender, and Media Representation
This assignment invites you to synthesize material from Chapters 11 and 12 through the lens of a real-world case study. You will analyze the public experiences of a prominent figure whose treatment in the media or professional sphere has sparked national conversations about race, gender, and systemic bias. These cases offer powerful examples of how race and gender intersect to shape individual experiences and social narratives.
Case Study Options (Choose One):
- Serena Williams – Tennis legend whose public challenges with sports officials and media highlight the intersection of racism, sexism, and double standards in professional sports.
- Naomi Osaka – Tennis star of Haitian and Japanese descent, whose withdrawal from major tournaments due to mental health drew global attention to expectations placed on women of color in the spotlight.
- Meghan Markle – Former actress and Duchess of Sussex, whose experiences with the British royal family and media scrutiny reflect racialized and gendered narratives in elite institutions.
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – U.S. Congresswoman who has faced both racialized and gendered attacks in political and media circles.
- Simone Biles – Olympic gymnast who stepped back from competition citing mental health, prompting discussions about race, resilience, and public pressure.
- Lizzo – Music artist whose body positivity activism and treatment in the entertainment industry raise questions about race, gender, and societal beauty norms.
- Suggest an alternative (must be approved by instructor)
Assignment Instructions
Write a 2–3 page double-spaced paper (approximately 600–900 words) that uses sociological theories and concepts from Chapters 11 and 12 to analyze your selected case. Use key terms from the chapters and apply at least one major sociological perspective (conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, or functionalism).
Your paper should include the following sections:
- Social Construction and Intersectionality
- How are race and gender socially constructed in the context of this case?
- In what ways do the subject’s experiences reveal the intersectionality of racial and gender bias?
- How does media representation reflect broader societal beliefs about race, gender, and identity?
- Discrimination and Public Reaction
- What forms of prejudice or discrimination does the subject face, both formally (e.g., penalties, institutional response) and informally (e.g., media coverage, social media discourse)?
- How do these responses mirror larger patterns of institutional racism or sexism discussed in the textbook?
- Theoretical Application and Reflection
- Apply one sociological theory (conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, or functionalism) to explain the societal response.
- What broader insights about race, gender, and power can be drawn from this case?
- In your view, what steps could help reduce double standards and implicit biases in public life?
Formatting and Submission Guidelines
- Length: 2–3 pages (600–900 words)
- Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced
- Citation: Use APA or MLA style for any sources
- Submission: Upload your paper by the due date on the course site
- Conerly, T. R., Holmes, K., & Tamang, A. L. (2021). Introduction to Sociology 3e.
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- View A Class Divided Documentary
Disussion post:
A Class Divided
The discussion board is a forum whereby students will address the course material in a reflective and meaningful manner. The purpose of the discussion board is an opportunity for students to engage in an examination and interpretation of the lectures and/or readings and apply them to current events or criminal cases. Some of the material may be controversial and I expect that all students treat each other with respect and value each other’s position (it’s not what your position is, but how you present and support it).
- Participation Requirements: Make one original post (by Wednesday, 11:59 PM) and two reply posts (by Sunday, 11:59 PM) per discussion board.
- Schedule: Boards open Mondays and close Sundays at 11:59 PM.
- Timing: Complete original posts by Wednesday deadline; do not wait until the last minute or you'll receive a zero.
- Length: Original posts should be 2-3 paragraphs; replies should be 1-2 paragraphs.
- Quality: All posts must use complete sentences, proper grammar, and meaningful content. Replies must provide substantive feedback beyond simple agreement/disagreement.
- Grading: Posts evaluated on argument quality, evidence, clarity, timeliness, and grammar. Each discussion is worth 20 points total: 10pts for original posts; 5 points for each reply.
- Late Policy: No credit for posts after closing dates. Boards will not be reopened except for instructor error.
Your active participation creates a dynamic learning environment for everyone.
Overview
In this week’s discussion, we’ll explore how race and ethnicity are socially constructed and how prejudice and discrimination are taught and reinforced. To guide our conversation, you’ll watch the PBS Frontline documentary *A Class Divided*, which documents an experiment conducted by teacher Jane Elliott in an Iowa elementary school. Her 'blue eyes vs. brown eyes' activity dramatically illustrates how quickly children internalize social categories and exhibit prejudice when power and privilege are unequally distributed.
Watch the Video:
PBS Frontline – *A Class Divided*
Available via YouTube or PBS streaming platforms (approx. 53 minutes)
Discussion Prompt
After watching the documentary and reading Chapter 11, respond to the following questions in your initial post (250–300 words):
- What does the experiment demonstrate about the social construction of race and the power of labeling?
- How do the children's responses mirror real-world patterns of privilege and discrimination?
- How does this experiment help us understand the emotional and behavioral impact of racial inequality?
- Which sociological theory (e.g., conflict theory, symbolic interactionism) best explains the outcomes of the exercise? Why?
Instructions
- Post your initial response by Friday at 11:59 PM (minimum 250 words).
- Respond to at least one classmate by Sunday with a thoughtful follow-up or question.
- Be respectful and evidence-based in your responses; you are encouraged to reference course material or personal insights.