Articles

1. Ridgeway, C. L., & Correll, S. J. (2004). Unpacking the gender system: A theoretical perspective on gender beliefs and social relations. Gender and Society, 18(4), 510-531. Retrieved from the JSTOR database.
   • A discussion of gender theory, gender bias, and gender inequality. This article examines how gender bias can be cumulative through life, and can result in gender inequality.
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2010-2012). Thesis statements. The Writing Center. Retrieved from http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/
   • This article describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can discover or refine one for your draft.

Discussions

To participate in the following discussions, go to this week’s Discussion link in the left navigation.

1. Alternative Gender Roles

   According to the textbook, gender is the social construct that is assigned and learned based on cultural concepts about the nature of sex differences and their place in social life. In your forum response, pick one of the alternative genders discussed in the textbook, and explain how these gender roles function within their society.

   Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.The Ashford Writing Center (AWC) has two kinds of tutoring available to you.

   • Live Chat – If you have writing-related questions about a topic before you draft a discussion post or submit a written assignment, you will now be able to chat live with a tutor for a short (up to 20 minute) conversation. Live Chat will be available Monday through Friday from 10:00-11:00 am and 4:00-5:00 pm (PST).AWC Live Chat
   • Email Paper Review – If you have a draft, partial draft, or even if you’re having trouble getting started, you can complete a submission form and email your paper to the AWC for review.
     • Writing Tutors will do their best to return your paper with their comments within 48 hours, not including Saturdays and Sundays. Please plan accordingly if you would like to receive feedback before an assignment due date. AWC Email Paper Review
2. Rites of Passage

   A rite of passage is a ritual that helps mark a person’s transition from one status to another. All cultures have rites of passage to mark these important transitions. With that in mind, choose a rite of passage either from the textbook or from your own research. What is the function of this rite within the particular society?

   Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7. In your responses to your peers, compare their example to other rites of passage in your own culture.