1 Social Constructions Questions
Joyce Baptist and Elizabeth B. Pearce
As you read this chapter, consider the following questions:
- Reflect on the concept of social construction. Can you identify a current example—such as gender roles, beauty standards, or family norms—that illustrates how society shapes our understanding of reality?
- Consider how the social construction of difference builds on the idea of social construction. How do socially defined categories like race, gender, or class contribute to systemic inequities in your community or society at large?
- If you could add a third image to Figure 1.3, which television family today best represents the diversity of American families? Why does this representation matter, and what does it say about changing family norms?
- Explore the differences between equity, equality, and fairness. How do these concepts show up in current debates about education, healthcare, or housing, and what do they mean to you personally?
- Reflect on the major demographic trends shaping American families today. How do shifts in marriage, fertility, multigenerational living, and kinship structures affect your understanding of what a family is?
- Think about your own social identity. How would you describe yourself through your roles, characteristics, and group memberships, and how do these shape your experiences in today’s social landscape?
- Consider how intersectionality relates to equity. How do overlapping identities—such as race, gender, class, and ability—affect access to resources, representation, and opportunities in your life or community?
- Reflect on how government policies influence family structures and kinship. How have recent changes in reproductive rights, immigration laws, or tax benefits shaped the way families live and function today?
