Analyze the role of socio-economic class in the lives of you and your family. Discuss any structural constraints or opportunities that you or other family members have experienced because of class, as well as any cultural norms or social role expectations in your family that are
related to class. Draw on concepts discussed in class to analyze your own experience. Be sure to
explore any contradictions or counter-examples as well as parallels to ideas presented in
class. Hint: The class discussion we had identifying structural and cultural dimensions of class
in the Saints and the Roughnecks should be helpful in thinking through this paper.
Use specific examples or comparisons to illustrate your points. You may also use data/statistics
to provide a context for your discussion. Be sure that you are writing an analytical paper, not just
an autobiography. Please contact me if this is not clear.
Papers should be five pages, typed double-spaced.
Papers will be graded according to the following criteria:
• Demonstration of original thought and engagement with course material
• Correct identification and thoughtful analysis of structural factors related to class
• Correct identification and thoughtful analysis of cultural factors related to class
• Use of specific examples and/or data to support analysis
• Organization and overall writing quality
• Grammar and spelling
NOTE: Talking about social class is not something we do often in the United States. I encourage
you to think about this question. However, it is not my goal to make anyone feel unduly
uncomfortable. If you really do not want to write about yourself and your own family because of
privacy or other concerns, contact me and we can work out another assignment
