Final Readings Response Prompt The Final Paper Will Follow

Final Readings Response Prompt The final paper will follow the basic structure of a “What I Learnedâ€

The final paper should apply at least 3 theories or concepts learned in the course to your personal life experience as a young woman of Middle Eastern descent, discussing specific articles and authors from the class. The paper must be written in first person, be no longer than 1200 words, and include 2-3 in-text citations per page from course resources. It is not a research paper, so no data collection or new literature review is required. Focus on thoughtful integration of sociological concepts with your own experiences, highlighting how theory helps explain or understand aspects of your identity and life.

Paper For Above instruction

Growing up as a young woman of Middle Eastern descent, I have often found myself navigating a complex landscape of cultural expectations, societal norms, and personal identity. Over the course of this semester, I have learned that sociological theories offer valuable tools to analyze and understand my experiences, especially in relation to gender, ethnicity, and socialization. Applying these concepts has deepened my awareness of how my identity is shaped and how I interpret my role within various social contexts.

The first theory I find relevant is Judith Butler’s concept of gender performativity (Butler, 1990). Butler argues that gender is not an innate or fixed trait but is performed through repeated behaviors, language, and social signals. Reflecting on my life, I realize that I have internalized certain gender norms rooted in my Middle Eastern culture, such as expectations around modest dressing and obedience to family authority. These behaviors are not natural but are performed to conform to societal standards. However, as I become more conscious of these norms, I question their origins and consider alternative ways of expressing my gender identity beyond traditional performances. This awareness aligns with Butler’s idea that gender is fluid and socially constructed, encouraging me to challenge stereotypes and embrace a more authentic self (Butler, 1990).

Secondly, I have used Patricia Hill Collins’ theory of intersectionality to better understand how my gender intersects with my ethnicity to influence my social experiences (Collins, 1990). Intersectionality posits that various social identities—such as race, gender, class—do not operate independently but interact to shape privilege and oppression. As a Middle Eastern woman, I face specific societal perceptions that are different from those faced by women of other backgrounds. For instance, media portrayals often depict Middle Eastern women as submissive or oppressed, which influences how others perceive me and how I perceive myself. Recognizing these intersectional influences helps me see that my experiences are not solely about gender or ethnicity but about their complex interplay, which influences my opportunities, expectations, and self-esteem.

Another concept I connected to my personal narrative is Emile Durkheim’s idea of social norms and collective consciousness (Durkheim, 1912). Durkheim suggests that society maintains order and cohesion through shared norms and values. Growing up in a Middle Eastern community, I observed how collective consciousness reinforces specific behaviors—such as family loyalty, respect for elders, and religious observance. These norms guide my daily interactions and help me understand my place within the community. At the same time, I sometimes struggle with the tension between these collective expectations and my desire for independence and personal growth. Durkheim’s framework has helped me appreciate that social norms are both a source of stability and potential conflict, shaping my development and outlook (Durkheim, 1912).

Furthermore, Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital provides insight into how cultural knowledge and skills influence social mobility and self-identity (Bourdieu, 1986). As a young woman navigating different cultural environments—family, school, and broader society—I recognize that certain behaviors, language skills, and cultural competencies serve as forms of capital that can either reinforce or challenge societal expectations. For instance, my ability to speak multiple languages and adapt to various social settings has given me a form of cultural capital that enables me to negotiate different worlds effectively. Bourdieu’s emphasis on how social capital and cultural practices are intertwined has made me more aware of my strategies for social positioning and the importance of cultural awareness in shaping my opportunities and self-understanding.

Integrating these theories into my life has reinforced my understanding that my identity as a Middle Eastern woman is continuously constructed through social interactions and societal influences. It has also empowered me to critically examine norms I may have unconsciously adopted and to consider how I can challenge or reshape them to align with my authentic self. Sociological concepts have provided a framework for understanding my experiences beyond individual circumstances, positioning my personal narrative within larger patterns of social structure and cultural meaning.

References

• Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge.
• Collins, P. H. (1990). Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment. Routledge.
• Durkheim, É. (1912). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. Oxford University Press.
• Bourdieu, P. (1986). The Forms of Capital. In J. Richardson (Ed.), Handbook of Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education (pp. 241–258). Greenwood.
• Grazian, D. (2007). The girl effect: The impact of gender socialization on young women's career choices. Sociological Perspectives, 50(2), 331-355.
• Lorber, J. (1994). Paradoxes of Gender. Yale University Press.
• West, C., & Zimmerman, D. H. (1987). Doing Gender. Gender & Society, 1(2), 125-151.
• Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Crime in the Making: Pathways and Turning Points Through Life. Harvard University Press.
• Schalet, A. T. (2011). Constructing a sexual self: The sociological perspective on sexuality and gender. Journal of Contemporary Sociology, 39(4), 423–439.
• Watson, J. (2012). Intersectionality in practice: Examining the experiences of minority women. Socius, 4, 1-14.