Personal Health and Identity

Description

In this paper students will explore the connection between their social identities and health. Students will select two parts of their identity (choosing from gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexuality, disability, age, and/or religion) and discuss two specific health risks supported by research that are associated with the chosen aspects of their identity. Students will write a 4-6 page paper addressing the following components: (a) critical discussion of the cultural and societal influences, including instances of inequality and interactions with other sociocultural groups, that have shaped the student’s identities; (b) detailed description of specific health risks associated with the chosen identities; (c) discussion of the historical, social, political, and/or biological contexts that contribute to the associated health risks; (d) discussion of personal and social interventions, including constructive interactions between social groups, that could be taken to prevent or treat the associated health risks. The paper (4-6 pages, double spaced) should integrate and synthesize information from at least three (3) academic, peer-reviewed journals that relate to one or more components that are addressed in the assignment (e.g., social or cultural context of social identity, appropriateness of chosen intervention, personal/social actions or strategies for diminishing the health risks). Reference citations must be in the format and style recommended by the American Psychological Association (APA) manual unless otherwise specified by the course instructor. Papers will be evaluated on the following criteria: (a) content and organization, including synthesis of primary references; (b) adherence to the assignment guidelines; (c) citations, references, and format; (d) syntax, grammar, and spelling; and (e) creativity and insight expressed through the integration of all components of the assignment.
Requirements
4-6 double-spaced pages
12 pt. font
APA format for in-text citations and reference list (please visit https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html for general guidelines)
At least three different primary sources (Academic journals or Academic-oriented books)The paper must be an original work created for this class. No essays from previous classes will be accepted.
Quotations from primary sources should be kept to a minimum, and only used if absolutely necessary to support your argument.
No hard copy required
Late papers will be penalized a grade step each day (i.e. B drops to B-)
Criteria for evaluation will include: 1) content & organization; 2) Integration of relevant class concepts; 3) Writing clarity; and 4) Originality & creativitySample
Topics
Discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexuality, nationality, disability
Socioeconomic status/ethnicity and obesity
Access to safe/non-polluted spaces for physical activity
Body image issues and gender
Femininity and sexual abuse in the workplace/college campuses
Race and infant mortality
Mental health issues and academic expectations, particularly for Asian American students
Masculinity and antisocial behavior (violence, alcohol, depression, suicide)
Disability and access to education/jobsPotential
Outline

1. Introduction a. Overview of 2 identities and 2 health risks that you will discuss.i. Demographic information
   ii. Incidence rate of health risks (use actual data/numbers)
   b. Why does this topic matter in the broader social context?
   c. Define any unknown terms
   d. Layout purpose i. “This paper will discuss….”
2. Overview of identities
   a. Describe how these identities are formed, including through biological, social, political, economic, and/or historical processes
   b. How do these identities shape your life, including your stress and health, on a day-to-day basis?
   c. Cite research on background of population and demographics3.
   Overview of risk factors associated with identities
   a. Data to support association of risk
   b. Short- and long-term health consequences
   c. How prevalent or frequent?
3. Interventions and treatments
   a. Short- and long-term interventions
   b. Personal interventions (What can you do as an individual to alleviate or prevent the health issue?)i. Example: Pharmaceuticals, meditation, exercise, etc.
   c. Social interventions (What can be done collectively as a community or society to prevent/alleviate the health issue?)
   i. Example: Healthcare programs, economic development, social services, education, etc.
4. Conclusion/Discussion
   a. Summarize main points
   b. Future areas of research
   c. What did you learn

Sample Solution