Written Analysis- Structural Racism and Inequities in Healthcare

1. Topics:

· Black mother's dying during child birth at a higher rate than white mother's

· Healthcare worker's implicit bias

· Blood sugar (diabetes) and food disparities for marginalized individuals

· Racism in nursing

· Economic costs of health disparities due to race for African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino

· Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic and Sexual Minority Boys and Men

· COVID and inequities in poor and minority communities

· Mental health and racial inequities 

· You may select another topic, however be sure to email Dr. Street for approval

Choosing a Data Source 

Once you have identified your topic, you must choose one of the methods listed below that will be most appropriate for writing your analysis. 

Textual Analysis. You can choose to analyze a set of written or visual texts (books, newspaper articles, journals, images, films, court documents, government proceedings, etc.). You must choose at least three text to analyze and may need to choose several texts depending on the type of texts you are analyzing. Next, write a 500 word sociological analysis (including relevant theories) on racial disparities in the health care system. Consider the following as you write, what are examples of institutional racism manifested in your research?; what factors are contributing to structural racism and inequities?

*And, alternative to the written textual analysis is to record a 7-10 minute Podcast providing a thorough analysis of your chosen topic. 

In-depth interviews. You must conduct 2-3 in-depths interviews (lasting 10-15 minutes) with individuals on the topic that you selected. Complete the analysis by posing 10-15 questions and then write a 500 word sociological analysis (including relevant theories) discussing the answers and reflecting on the interview. Some questions to consider asking your participants, how would you describe racial disparities in the United States health care system?; why is it important to address structural racism in the health care system?; what do you think your interview tells us about the contemporary U.S. health care system?

Participant Observation: Spend 1 hour observing social interaction at a relevant location. Then using field notes, write a 500 word written sociological (including relevant theories) analysis of your observation. Reflecting on your observation, what do you think your observations tell us about the contemporary U.S. health care system?; describe in detail what you observed (clothes, race, gender, etc.); how has your previous knowledge prepared you for what you observed?

Given this is a sociology course it is pertient that your analysis includes a comprehensive discussion on any of the following sociological theories: structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionsim, intersection of race, institutional context, cultural competence, etc. A rubric is attached to assist with analysis development. 

***Regardless of topic choice abide by all laws and legal mandates for social distancing and mask.***

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