Social Stratification & Mobility

OVERVIEW

In this assignment, you will examine how your social identity, made up of categories (statuses) such as race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, and social class, shapes your social position in society. You will explore how these categories influence your access to privilege, power, and opportunity, as well as your potential for social mobility (moving upward or downward in the social hierarchy).

Youll also reflect on how likely you think it is for you or people like you to move up or down the social ladder within your society. Finally, you will apply concepts and sociological theories of inequality from Module 4 to explain how social categories shape peoples life chances and opportunities within the social stratification system.

DIRECTIONS

Map Your Social Position

Plan a Social Identity Map that identifies the main social categories (at least ten) that define who you are. For each category, indicate whether it represents a source of privilege or a potential disadvantage, and specify whether that category is ascribed (something you are born with, such as ethnicity or sex) or acquired (something gained or chosen later in life, such as education or occupation). Use these suggested categories as a guide: race (skin color), ethnicity, sex/gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality or immigration status, class, age, disability and language, marital status, etc.

Design and draw a visual diagram that represents these categories. You may choose your own layout but be sure to clearly distinguish between privilege and disadvantage. For example: Circle categories that represent privilege and use rectangles for disadvantage. Or use different colors or shading to separate the two. Alternatively, place them in upward and downward arrow boxes to symbolize social advantage or disadvantage.

Your map must be hand-drawn using paper and pencil, then scanned or photographed and placed at the beginning of your submission.

Explain Your Social Position (~500 words)

After completing your map, write a reflection analyzing what your diagram reveals about your position in society. Address the following questions:

• Which aspects of your identity have provided you with advantages or opportunities?
• Which have created barriers or disadvantages?
• Which of these categories do you think have the greatest influence on your life chances or challenges? Are these ascribed or acquired statuses?
• What does your map suggest about how your social position is shaped by broader systems of inequality in society?
• Does the society you live in have a caste or class system of stratification?
• Do you believe you can move upward in the social hierarchy during your lifetime? What about the next generation?
• To what extent do your personal choices and actions influence your social mobility, compared to structural factors?

Compare Social Positions

Identify someone you know personallya relative, friend, classmate, or community member, who has experienced noticeable social mobility (either upward or downward). Create a Social Identity Map for this person. This map must also be hand-drawn using paper and pencil, then scanned or photographed and placed in your submission. After completing the map, write a reflection (~200 words) that addresses the following questions:

• How do your respective social positions differ in terms of privilege, or disadvantage?
• Explain the main factors that you believe contributed to their mobility.
• Reflect on what this comparison reveals about social mobility and inequality in your society.

GUIDELINES

To ensure your assignment is clear, professional, and meets academic standards, please follow these guidelines:

• Use of AI-generated content is not permitted.
• All submissions must adhere to academic honesty and integrity standards.
• Approximately 700 words.
• Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman or Calibri font.
• Include a title page and section headings.
• Save and submit as a PDF to the Brightspace (D2L) dropbox by the posted deadline. The system will not accept any other format.
• Use clear section headings that correspond to each step of the assignment.
• Write in complete, well-organized paragraphs with smooth transitions.
• Hand-draw both social identity maps (yours and the comparison individuals) using paper and pencil.
• Scan or photograph each map clearly and insert them directly into your assignment.
• The course textbook is the only permitted source. Do not use or cite outside sources
• Use APA in-text citations when referencing concepts, definitions, or theories.
• Include a Reference page listing the textbook in APA format.
• Maintain a formal, academic tone (avoid slang, emojis, or overly casual language).
• Proofread carefully for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and clarity.
• You are encouraged to book an appointment with the instructor to discuss ideas or clarify expectations.
• The college library offers support with writing, APA referencing, and formattingstudents are strongly encouraged to use these resources.
• This assignment may involve personal or sensitive reflection. If you find any part emotionally difficult, please refer to the course offering information for counselling and wellness services.
• A 5% deduction per calendar day (including weekends) will apply to late submissions.
• Assignments submitted more than seven (7) days late without prior approval will receive a grade of zero (0).
• If unforeseen circumstances arise, request an extension in advance, ideally before the due date. Extension requests must be emailed with a brief explanation.

Evaluation Criteria

Social Identity Map (20%)

• Includes at least ten identity categories.
• Clearly distinguishes privilege vs. disadvantage.
• Correctly identifies ascribed vs. acquired statuses.
• Hand-drawn, clear, organized, and properly inserted into the submission.
• Visual layout meaningfully represents social position.

Reflection on Social Position (25%)

• Provides a thoughtful, well-developed ~500-word analysis.
• Explains which identity categories provide advantages or barriers.
• Identifies which categories most strongly influence life chances (ascribed vs. acquired).
• Connects personal identity to broader systems of inequality.
• Discusses social mobility (self and next generation) with depth.
• Effectively distinguishes structural forces from individual choices.

Comparison of Social Positions (25%)

• Second hand-drawn social identity map is complete and clearly represented.
• Compares privilege and disadvantage between individuals effectively.
• Clearly explains factors that contributed to the other persons upward or downward mobility.
• Demonstrates insight into patterns of inequality and mobility in society.
• Reflection (~200 words) is focused, analytical, and well supported.

Application of Sociological Theories & Concepts (20%)

• Accurately applies Module 4 theories of inequality and stratification.
• Uses textbook concepts correctly (e.g., ascribed status, life chances, class/caste, social mobility, structural barriers).
• Shows a solid understanding of how social categories operate within stratification systems.
• Provides proper APA in-text citations when referencing the textbook.

Organization, Format, and Writing (10%)

• Follows all formatting requirements (title page, headings, 12-pt font, double-spacing).
• Writing is clear, formal, and academically appropriate.
• Paragraphs are well-organized with logical flow and smooth transitions.
• Maps are clearly scanned/photographed and properly inserted.
• APA reference page is correctly formatted (textbook only).
• Proofreading evident; grammar and punctuation are strong.