Mr. Sink’s Sociology – Unit 2: The Individual in Society, Part I (from Birth to Adolescence)
POSITION PAPER: GENDER DIFFERENCES
TASK:
In preparation for our debate, write a TWO-page position paper that answers the following
question:
What is the origin of the gender differences that exist in our society? Do these different
gender identities emerge naturally from the biological differences between the sexes, or
are we socialized (taught) by society from birth on how to be a man or a woman?
DEFINITION:
A POSITION PAPER presents an arguable opinion about an issue. The goal of a position paper is to
convince the audience that your opinion is valid and worth listening to. Your job is to take one side of the
argument and persuade your audience that you have a well-founded knowledge of the topic being
presented. It is also important to support your argument with evidence to ensure the validity of your claims,
as well as to address the counterclaims to show that you are well informed about both sides.
SAMPLE OUTLINE FOR A POSITION PAPER:
I. Introduction (1st Paragraph)
A. Provide brief background on the topic (Define the concept of gender identity and
provide some examples of gender differences that are accepted in our society.)
B. Summarize the controversy (What does each side say is the origin of these
differences between boys and girls? Why is this issue so controversial?)
C. State your thesis (What do you think is the origin of our gender differences?)
II. Counter Argument (2nd Paragraph)
A. Summarize the counterclaims (the argument of the other side)
B. Give cited evidence that may support the counterclaim.
C. Refute the counterclaims (argue against your opponents’ claims)
III. Your Argument (3rd Paragraph)
A. Provide point #1 of your claims – support it with cited evidence from source(s)
B. Provide Point #2 of your claims – support it with cited evidence from source(s)
C. Provide Point #3 of your claims – support it with cited evidence from source(s)
IV. Conclusion (4th Paragraph)
A. Restate your thesis
B. Summarize your argument
C. Provide a plan of action (What actions need to be taken by society to resolve this
debate? Why will this be beneficial to society?)
REMINDERS:
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You must argue the position selected today in class in your paper
You must CITE any information taken directly from your sources that you use in your paper
(MLA format).
Your paper must be typed (12pt.; Times New Roman; double-spaced)