Sociology

Analysis Paper

In essay format, analyze a life (either your own or that of another individual you know personally) from a sociological perspective. Provide a description of the person and his or her life up until the present day. Factors you should consider during your analysis includes, but is not limited to, the following: age; race and ethnicity; gender; place of birth; educational level; economic status; religious beliefs; occupation; career goals; marital status; number of children, if any; and childhood background (social class of parents, etc.). You should also include any additional information that you consider relevant in explaining this person's behavior.

The sociologist seeks to go beyond opinion and common sense. As such, the question that should guide you throughout this paper is simply: "Why?" Anyone can observe an individual's outward behavior; explaining how it was influenced by the person's social environment and interpersonal relationships is more difficult (and rewarding!). When discussing your subject's attitudes, values, and beliefs be sure to focus on the social factors that you believe shaped them. In other words, you must examine the context of the person's socialization experiences. In what ways has the social world shaped this person into who he/she is today?

Some social content to keep in mind include the cultural expectations that shaped your subject's life. Factors such as social expectations for marriage, childbearing, divorce, education, employment, race relations, gender relations, religious beliefs, and sexual activity are some you might decide to explore. Remember, these expectations are very different depending on where and when the person lives (or lived).

After discussing the main reasons you believe this person is "how they are", offer your educated prediction for what the future holds. What, if anything, do you think this person would change about his/her socialization process? What, if anything, do you believe have been the social advantages this person has enjoyed? Will the coming years be better, worse, or more of the same? Very important: back up your prediction with facts from the person's life that lead you to believe as you do.

Please use a fictional name for the subject of your profile. In addition to depth and quality of analysis, students will also be graded on grammar, formatting, and length of paper. Consult the section VII A. of the syllabus for specific details on formatting and paper length. See the Course Calendar of your syllabus for the due date. The instructor is more than happy to accept "early" papers and encourages students to not wait until the last minute. Technical difficulties are NOT excused, so PLEASE give yourself ample time to get the paper in early and/or contact me in advance if you having problems.