The
focus of this paper is to explore how residential patterns affect intergroup
relations. You will use research approaches such as observation and secondary
data analysis to further understand your community. You will need to choose
whether you will research your city, county, or state. Be sure to choose a
large enough geographic area to perform meaningful analysis. For example, if
you live in Hawaii, you may want to research your state. If you live in a small
town, you may want to research your county. If you live in Atlanta or another
big city, researching at the city level should be fine.
Step 1: Using Secondary Data
Use the data gathered on your chosen locality in the Week Three assignment,
“Demographic Report,” and implement any feedback from your instructor into your
paper. If more data is needed, use demographic data from the latest census
(available online using the US Census American FactFinder)
and identify the various social and economic characteristics (i.e., education,
population, housing, race, class, etc.) of this locale. You can also check
government websites for your state, county or city for data. Present your
findings in two to three pages of the paper.
Step 2: Using an Observational Study
Next, spend 30 to 60 minutes observing your community. Go to a central place in
your town such as the center of the city, a major landmark, or you can drive or
walk to different areas and observe for a few minutes. Take notes of what you
observe, including the types of people you see, the economic conditions, as
well as the businesses or other institutions that are present. Based on your
observations, what can you tell about the economic condition of the majority of
people? Is the locale integrated or segregated? In this step, consider the
information you have gathered in Step 1 regarding social and economic
characteristics, and identify whether it matches what you have recorded from
your observation. Be sure to compare the data you gathered from your
observations to what was found in the census data and make note if there are
differences. Present your findings in one to two pages of the paper.
Step 3: Analysis and Reporting of Research
Analyze your data and present your responses in two to three pages in the
paper:
·
Describe how segregated the
neighborhoods are in your locality. Be sure to consider the various social
inequality indicators: race, ethnicity, class, gender, and perhaps sexuality
for some areas.
·
Indicate if there are policies,
practices, or specific circumstances that have created and maintained these
patterns.
Here are some examples
of aspects to consider: Historically, has there always been racial segregation
or not? Was it traditionally an area of immigration from a certain ethnic
region? Is there an LGBT community? Was it an industrial area that had a strong
working class community, or is it a technology area with highly educated
citizens? Have there been efforts to desegregate or plans in the future?
·
In Chapter 1 and throughout the text,
you have explored several sociological theoretical perspectives. Indicate which
theoretical perspective best presents your analysis of your locality. Describe
why you have chosen this theoretical perspective and ensure you include detail
on which theorist’s work is most representative.
The
Research Paper:
·
Must be seven to nine double-spaced
pages in length (excluding title and reference pages), and formatted according
to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
·
Must include a title page with the
following:
o Title of paper
o Student’s name
o Course name and number
o Instructor’s name
o Date submitted
·
Must begin with an introductory
paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.
·
Must address the topic of the paper with
critical thought.
·
Must end with a conclusion that
reaffirms your thesis.
·
Must use at least five scholarly
resources, including a minimum of two from the Ashford University Library.
·
Must document all sources in APA style,
as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
·
Must include a separate reference page,
formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Carefully
review the Grading Rubric for
the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
