Soc 4, Kreider
Soc 4 Midterm #1 Take-home Exam (200 points)
Due 10/8 for MW class and 10/9 for Th Night class
For your take-home midterm you will answer two of the four essay questions below. Each essay is worth 60
points. Each essay should fully explain the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of the question. In other words - don’t just tell me
something, explain it to me. Define all concepts highlighted in BOLD. You are allowed to use all class material
on this exam, but you should not use any resources outside of class.
You are required to participate in a discussion of the exam in class the day it is due for 50 points. Come to class
prepared to discuss your answers.
Each essay must adhere to the following format and criteria:
 be between 2-3 pages in length (4-6 pages total)
 typed in 12 point font, double-spaced, and one inch margins
 proofread for grammatical and spelling errors
*You must study for and write this exam on your own. You are not allowed to study with other classmates or
individuals. Any evidence of academic dishonesty (such as exams that prove to have a high level of similarity)
will result in an F (zero points) for the exam and possible administrative intervention.
*All exams are due during the first 10 minutes of class. ABSOLUTELY no late exams will be accepted, even in
emergency situations.
Essay Questions - pick only TWO of the following below:
1. Using examples from the readings by Suzanne Kessler - “The Medical Construction of Gender” and
Judith Lorber “Night to His Day’: The Social Construction of Gender” explain how gender is socially
constructed and therefore a process that humans create. Next explain (and provide examples of) how
our culture is built around the sexual/gender dichotomy. Do you think we should challenge this
dichotomy? Explain why or why not?
2. Using examples from the films “Paris is Burning” or “Southern Comfort” explain how gender is created
through social interaction using the concept of doing gender. Explain how the ways in which we “do
gender” creates a stratification system in which the status positions and roles that are most valued, and
rewarded, as well as given the highest prestige in our society are defined as masculine, yet gender
neutral at the same time. Based on the concept of doing gender do you think that transgender
individuals challenge the idea of the gender dichotomy or uphold the idea? Explain.
3. Explain the process of gender socialization and how we learn to become men and women in society.
As young children the family and school play a primary role in our socialization. How are children are
socialized into the gender dichotomy in school? As we grow older the mass media plays a central role
in our gender socialization. Using examples from the film “Killing us Softly” explain the role of popular
culture in our ongoing gender socialization. What are some ways you think we can socialize our children
into a more gender equal/neutral society? Explain
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