OVERVIEW The objective of this assignment is to analyze how social stratification and social inequa ...
OVERVIEW The objective of this assignment is to analyze how social stratification and social inequality based on socioeconomic status, gender, race, and other factors are portrayed in different media sources. Choose two different media sources (i.e., TV shows, movies, news articles, advertisements, blog posts, etc.) that depict a distinct portrayal of the chosen factor (socioeconomic status, gender, race, etc.). You will explore how these representations shape public perceptions, reinforce/challenge stereotypes, and discuss the impacts and consequences of these portrayals on social stratification and inequality in society. LEARNING OUTCOMES Examine the determinants and consequences of social stratification and inequality based on class, gender, race, and other factors. Identify various agents of socialization, demonstrating an understanding of how family, education, peers, media, and other institutions shape individuals' attitudes, values, and behaviors. Differentiate industrial and pre-industrial societies and describe the role of social institutions in shaping societal organization and behavior. Explain social stratification and inequality and classify types of stratification, illustrating their impacts on individual opportunities and societal structures. Outline the aspects of stratification, such as social class, race, gender, and education. Analyze how stratification affects social mobility and its impact on individual opportunities and societal structures. Explain the role of gender and socialization in perpetuating inequalities, examine social stratification based on gender, and discuss the goals and impact of feminism as a movement for societal change. Define and differentiate between prejudice, discrimination, and racism, describing their manifestations, impacts, and intersections within social contexts. TASK The assignment will include the following elements by way of a 750-1000 word, double-spaced essay. Please use this chart to help you organize your assignment: Step 1: Selection of media sources Select two media sources. You may choose to focus on a single factor, such as gender, across both media sources OR compare different factors, such as race and gender, across the two media sources. Acceptable media sources include TV shows, movies, news articles, advertisements, podcasts, blogs, or documentary films. Unacceptable sources include sources from unverifiable sources, memes, user-generated content, and any content that is intended for satirical/comedic purposes which may be offensive. Content that includes unprofessional language, unprofessional/disrespectful tone, or violence is not acceptable. Step 2: Writing the Essay (Introduction) Introduction of media content. Introduce the two media sources you have chosen. Specify the factor(s) of social stratification and inequality you are focusing on (e.g., socioeconomic status, gender, race). Thesis statement. Provide a clear thesis statement that states the main points you will discuss in your essay. Example thesis: This essay will examine representations of gender and femininity as comparatively portrayed in a classic and modern instance of Barbie movies to explore how media depictions of gender play a salient role in not only reflecting the norms and values of a society at that particular moment in time, but also in reinforcing and challenging stereotypes and social inequalities. Step 3: Writing the Essay (Media Analysis) For each media source, provide a thorough analysis of how your chosen factor (e.g., socioeconomic status, gender, race) is portrayed. Consider specific elements depicted in your chosen sources such as character representation, dialogue, setting, and imagery. Compare and contrast the portrayals in the two media sources. Discuss how these elements contribute to the overall portrayal of social stratification and social inequality. For example, you might discuss how a TV show’s depiction of worker dynamics highlights issues of gender inequality in the workplace, or how an article’s framing of racial dynamics reinforces certain stereotypes. Step 4: Writing the Essay (Broader Societal Implications) Examine the broader societal implications of the media portrayals you have discussed in Step 3. Consider the following questions: How do these portrayals shape or reflect societal values and norms? How might these portrayals influence the way people think about or react to societal issues around socioeconomic status, gender, race, or other factors? Step 5: Writing the Essay (Conclusion) Synthesis and reflection. Summarize your analysis and reflect on how media portrayals can impact public perceptions of social stratification and inequality. REQUIREMENTS Length: Approximately 750-1000 words, double-spaced, excluding your title page and reference page (The paper should be at least 750-1000 words double-spaced pages of analysis). Formatting: Adhere to APA formatting guidelines, including a title page, in-text citations, and a reference page. Structure: The paper should have clear headings for each section outlined in the table above (e.g., Introduction, Media Analysis, Broader Societal Implications, Conclusion) RESOURCES Make sure to review these helpful resources associated with this assignment: Assignment Rubric: Please refer to the "Assignment Rubric: " Media Portrayals of Social Stratification and Inequality in Society” for detailed grading criteria. Example Assignment: Marriage and Social Forces: An Examination of Gender Representation in Barbie. Textbook: Introduction to Sociology 3e by OpenStax APA Guide: Please refer to the Purdue OWL APA Guide for formatting assistance. Top Tip for Success: To succeed in this assignment, ensure that you draw clear connections between the factors identified (e.g., socioeconomic status, race, gender, etc.) in your media sources and how they shape public perception and social stratification/inequality in society. Incorporate sociological concepts from the textbook (e.g., values, norms, Conflict theory, meritocracy, status) to explicitly support these connections. EXAMPLE ASSIGNMENT: AN EXAMINATION OF GENDER REPRESENTATION IN BARBIE Jane Smith Sociology 101, Straighterline Dr. Jones August 14, 2024 Introduction The iconic character of Barbie was first introduced to American society in 1959 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon not only for her eclectic display of fashion and accessories that corresponded to various personas, but also for how she represents gender roles and femininity (Weissman, 1999). The earliest portrayal of Barbie reflected the gender norms of that time, when women were not only expected to physically look a particular way, but also expected to be subservient, nurturing, passive, and modest. In the span of sixty years, the depiction of Barbie’s character in the 2023 film, Barbie reflects an adapted version of the character – one who exhibits more agency and influence in how she views herself and who she wants to be in her world. This essay will examine representations of gender and femininity as comparatively portrayed in a classic and modern instance of Barbie movies to explore how media depictions of gender play a salient role in not only reflecting the norms and values of a society at that particular moment in time, but also in reinforcing and challenging stereotypes and social inequalities. Media Analysis In Barbie as Rapunzel (2002), Barbie’s portrayal of Rapunzel reinforces several stereotypes that mirror the gender inequalities that we see in our society. Physically, she is depicted as a young girl wearing ball gowns, whose defining characteristic is her floor-length blonde hair. This portrayal of Barbie reflects prevalent Western beauty standards and prescriptive stereotypes, where thin, blue-eyed, and blonde is typically associated with what is considered ideal and beautiful (Conerly et al., 2023). The imagery of Barbie also reveals gendered associations of pink, with Barbie consistently outfitted in in this color, reinforcing the narrow view that while pink is for girls, blue is for boys, and anything that deviates from these associations can be stigmatized and viewed as socially unacceptable (Conerly et al., 2023). As Barbie navigates her outside world in Barbie as Rapunzel (2002), she encounters a magical hairbrush which becomes her saving force, enabling her to paint outside portals. Using the lens of the symbolic interactionist perspective, the hairbrush symbolizes the societal expectations that women need to prioritize beauty and vanity, and that their worth as individuals is critically dependent on their physical appearance (Conerly et al., 2023). In contrast with Barbie’s character, Stefan, the male lead in Barbie as Rapunzel (2002) represents the traditional masculine archetype – the strong, and dominant savior who plays a key role in Barbie’s escape from the wicked Gothel. The gendered dynamics between Barbie and Stefan reinforce traditional gender roles surrounding male-breadwinner culture where these norms define the expectations for men to be the leaders and heroes, whereas women are thought of as vulnerable individuals who need saving (Conerly et al., 2023). In contrast to Barbie as Rapunzel (2002), the film Barbie (2023) portrays an evolved, modernized depiction of Barbie’s character as a woman who exhibits more agency and empowerment to redefine feminism and defy traditional gender norms. In this modern version, Barbie chooses to leave Barbieland and explores the outside world to choose her own path and understand what that world can offer. Rather than constricting herself in a world where she is “supposed” to be, Barbie relies on her volition to create her own identity as a woman. In one scene, Barbie enters the board room at the Mattel headquarters where her presence is juxtaposed by the male board members who serve on the Mattel’s executive leadership team – confronted by this, Barbie asks the board members, “Where are the women?” This scene aims to actively criticize the gender gaps and glass ceiling effects in corporate America, where women are often underrepresented in leadership roles despite having the skillsets and qualifications for a role (Conerly et al., 2023). In the board room, the patriarchal structure of society is symbolically reflected when the dozen male board members, uniformly dressed in black suits, stand in opposition to Barbie, dressed in her usual hot pink. In the same scene, the board members ask Barbie to step into the packaging box labeled as “stereotypical Barbie.” As Barbie proceeds to step in, the box ties start to physically bound her, but before they tighten, Barbie quickly jumps out and runs away. Conflict theorists and feminists would interpret this scene as symbolic of the struggle between the dominant group (men) and the subordinate group (women), and Barbie’s attempt to overcome patriarchal structures (Conerly et al., 2023). Broader Societal Implications While Barbie as Rapunzel (2002) portrays Barbie to reflect traditional feminine roles associated with subordination and adherence to narrow beauty standards, Barbie (2023) depicts an evolved version of the character who chooses to chart her own path and uses her own voice to find her place not only in Barbieland but in the outside world. This contrast reflects shifting norms in society; while genderstratification continues to persist, norms and beauty standards have evolved historically to be more inclusive and diverse (Conerly et al., 2024). These portrayals of femininity and what it means to identify as a woman inevitably shape perceptions by both reinforcing and challenging gender stereotypes. In Barbie as Rapunzel (2002), the depiction of Barbie as a damsel in distress perpetuates stereotypes, particularly for young female audiences who may internalize and normalize this role given the media’s influence as an agent of socialization (Conerly et al., 2023). Conversely, Barbie’s character in Barbie (2023) refuses to conform to conventional gender roles, using her agency to stand up against patriarchal structures to define her own identity. This message critiques and highlights the existing gender inequalities that still exist in society while encouraging viewers to feel empowered to resist narrow beauty standards and the stringent norms that dictate femininity and what it means to be a woman. Conclusion Media is a powerful agent of socialization that allows individuals to learn about nonmaterial culture(Conerly et al. 2023). Classic and modern versions of Barbie films undoubtedly shape public perceptions by supporting gender stereotypes and norms while simultaneously critiquing the patriarchy to underscore the gender stratification and social inequality that continues to be a hallmark of our current society. References Hurley, O. (Director). (2002). Barbie as Rapunzel[Film]. Family Home Entertainment, Mainframe Entertainment, & Mattel Entertainment. OpenStax. (2023). Introduction to Sociology 3e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/introduction-sociology-3e/pages/1-1-what-is-sociology Robbie, M. (Producer), & Gerwig, G. (Director). (2023). Barbie [Film]. Warner Bros. Pictures. Weissman, K. N. (1999). Barbie: The Icon, the Image, the Ideal: an Analytical Interpretation of the Barbie Doll in Popular Culture. United States: Universal Publishers.
