Assignment 5

Overview:

This week, we examined how institutions regulate behavior and how stratification produces inequality. Sociology shows us that these processes are deeply connected. Institutions do not just organize society. They sort people into unequal outcomes by distributing opportunity, monitoring behavior, and attaching value or risk to different groups.

For this assignment, you will create a visual sociological model that shows how one institution contributes to unequal life chances.

This is not an essay. Your task is to make inequality visible.

Instructions:

Step 1: Choose ONE institution

Select one institution:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Criminal Justice
• Housing
• Labor and Employment
• Media
• Government

Step 2: Create a System Snapshot (Visual)

Design a 1-page visual that shows how this institution sorts people.

Your visual must include all four of the following elements (you decide how they appear):

1. Entry Points
2. How do people enter this institution?
3. What factors shape where they start?
4. Rules and Controls
5. What rules, monitoring, or expectations shape behavior inside the institution?
6. Labels and Judgments
7. What labels are applied?
8. Who is seen as successful, risky, deserving, or deviant?
9. Unequal Outcomes
10. What different outcomes result?
11. Who gains advantages or mobility?
12. Who faces barriers, surveillance, or exclusion?

You may represent this as:

• A flowchart
• A tiered or ladder system
• An app-style interface
• A decision tree
• A premium vs basic model
• Any clear and creative format

Step 3: Short Written Explanation

Along with your visual, include a 300350 word explanation that:

• Explains how your system works
• Connects your model to at least three concepts from this week, drawing from both modules (institutions, social control, labeling, stratification, class, life chances, mobility, meritocracy)
• Uses at least two outside sources properly cited and includes one direct quote from each
• Explains why this system often feels normal or invisible
• Identifies who benefits from the system staying the same

This should read like a walkthrough, not a formal essay.

Be creative, but also sociological: explain why your choices make sense

Grading Breakdown (16 points total)

Visual Model (6 points)

• Clearly represents the institution and sorting process (3)
• Includes all four required elements (3)

Sociological Analysis (6 points)

• Accurate use of at least three sociological concepts (3)
• Clear connection between institutions and inequality (3)

Evidence and Explanation (3 points)

• Uses at least one course source with a direct quote (2)
• Explanation is clear and focused (1)

Clarity and Effort (1 point)

• Submission is complete, readable, and thoughtful

Points: 16

Due: 2/1 11:59p

Format: Visual + short written explanation

Submission: PDF, slides, infographic, or single-page visual (Canva, Google Slides, PowerPoint, etc.) Make sure I have access and it’s not private