For 4/17: Observing socially constructed identities (required blog post)

This week we are concluding our discussion of social and historical construction of identities. Last week's blog involved you taking an IAT test that provided a good starting point to discuss the process of social construction and how we have been affected by various socializing agents. This week I would like you to participate in one of two different observation exercises looking at the construction of various identities existing in real world contexts. You will write up your findings in a 2 page paper and turn it in to class on Thursday 4/17. You SHOULD NOT post this blog post online.

Option 1: Spend at least 30 minutes in a public place (student center, public park, mall, etc...) observing the people around you and taking notes. Pay particular attention to how you identify the others around you. Do you think if they were observing you they would accurately identify you (the same way you identify yourself)? What did you observe about the social dynamics of the people you observed? What did you notice about the homogeneity/diversity of the people you witnessed? Did you hear anything that was notable about the diversity/identities of the people you observed? How did the setting matter?

Option 2: Immediately after spending at least 60 minutes with a group of your choosing (Friends, family, etc.) take some time to write down all that you remember about the interactions that you just had. You should not inform the others that this is part of a project (at least until after writing it) and you should not use any real names in your reporting. Why do you feel more comfortable with these people relative to others? Does it have anything to do with any identities or personal characteristics? What topics were discussed? How were they discussed? Were any topics discussed that were would likely have been talked about differently in different contexts? In what ways? Are these relationships similar or different to others that you have? Why do you think this is the case? How did the setting matter?

Please write up a 2 page double spaced proofread reflection following either option 1 or 2 and bring it to class on Thursday April 17. We will discuss our experiences and you will turn in your required paper for blog credit then.