Respond to 2 of the 3 following prompts in 2-3 pages. Copy-paste the question into the top of each section to identify which prompt you are responding to. Use 3 key concepts from the textbook and course lectures within your paper. Provide references (APA format) for all data/concepts provided (including the textbook).

Required prompt (everyone must answer this question):

1. Intersectionality is a perspective used to understand experiences associated with identities, including gender. What is your understanding of intersectionality? How does gender fit into an intersectional perspective? Apply intersectionality to a topic of your choosing.

Optional prompts – choose 1 of the following to respond to:

2a. Social institutions drive social behavior. Choose 1 social institution and examine how it is gendered. What are the norms and policies of the institution? Are there unequal outcomes? If so, what might be causing them? Use concepts from the textbook to explain the institution and hypothesize about outcomes.

2b. What do you think is the most significant cause of social change around gender in today’s times? Use concepts from the lecture, textbook, and your life to explain what society is changing from, and what you think society is changing to. What sociological paradigm is most useful in viewing this change? What social factors do you believe contribute to the change?

Answer preview

My understanding of intersectionality is that every individual experiences a unique sense of oppression and discrimination. Therefore, it is crucial to consider all aspects of prejudice and bias that marginalize an individual or population. Intersectionality is not limited to one’s gender, race, social class, sexual orientation, or physical disabilities. It is extensive since the discrimination in people’s encounters is distinct and unique. Gender fits into the intersectional perspective by providing a descriptive solution to the multiple features that define social identities (Shields, 2018). Also, intersectionality has allowed gender discussions to incorporate other dimensions of social structure such as race, age, and sexual orientation. Gendered intersections have played a critical role in creating gender-based inequalities that support racial

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