Assignment: Socially Constructed Identities

This assignment asks you to describe how race, gender, and class have developed socially constructed identities. Using the materials covered this week, explain the concept of constructed identities, and conclude with a reflection on the importance of understanding generalizations and stereotypes in society.

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper that includes or responds to the following:

• Describe how race, gender, and class are socially constructed identities. What factors contribute to their construction?

• Describe how generalizations and stereotypes can contribute to prejudice and discrimination against cultural groups.

• Identify two cultures with which you are associated. Describe the cultural norms of each group, such as language, nonverbal communication, and morals or beliefs.

• Determine if you have experienced prejudice and/or any discrimination that stemmed from the stereotyping of your cultural group. Provide examples of your discrimination experiences.

• Analyze how the discrimination you experienced made you feel. What emotions did you feel? What was your primary reaction?

• Assess if the discrimination you experienced could have been created from stereotypes portrayed in the media. What significance does the relationship between media production and media audiences have in terms of creating cultural generalizations?

• Examine how you have worked to combat and/or change the various forms of discrimination you have experienced, based on generalizations and stereotypes that have been created about your cultural group.

• Explain how understanding the creation of generalizations and stereotypes is essential to improving and diversifying cultural relations in society.

Format your assignment according to appropriate course-level APA guidelines.