Assignment Overview
For your final paper, you will design your own economic system using sociological theories and course concepts. This assignment asks you to move beyond analysis and into application, combining critical thinking with creativity.
You will construct an economy that reflects your values and addresses key issues in social stratification such as inequality, mobility, and access to resources. Your design must be grounded in sociological theory and course materialsthis is NOT a purely opinion-based paper.
Paper Requirements
Length & Format
- Minimum 67 full pages (not including references)
- Double-spaced
- 12-point Times New Roman
- 1-inch margins
- Page numbers included
- Submit as PDF or Word document only
Sources & Citations (ASA Format Required)
- Minimum 6 sources from the course
- Minimum 6 in-text citations
- ASA-style References page required (in addition to 6-7 page count)
INSTRUCTIONS
Design an economic system that addresses inequality and social stratification.
Your paper should clearly explain how your system works and justify your decisions using sociological theory.
Your Paper Should Address
- The core values of your economy (e.g., equality, efficiency, freedom, sustainability)
- How and why wealth and resources are distributed (e.g. is money freely given or do you work for it, or a combo)
- The role of government vs. markets
- How your system addresses:
- Social inequality
- Poverty
- Mobility and opportunity
- The role of institutions (education, labor market, healthcare, etc.)
- Which groups benefit and whether any inequalities remain (how does your economy manage inequalities in a practical way?)
- How your system compares (explicitly or implicitly) to existing systems (capitalism, socialism, mixed economies)
Required Use of Theory
You must apply at least 23 sociological theories or frameworks, such as:
- Marx (class conflict, capitalism)
- Weber (class, status, power)
- Functionalism
- Conflict theory
- Intersectionality
- Neoliberalism / political economy perspectives
Suggested Structure
I. Introduction
- Introduce your economic system
- Present a clear thesis outlining its goals and approach
II. Core Design of Your Economy
- Key values and structure
- Distribution of wealth/resources
- Role of government and markets
III. Application of Sociological Theory
- Explain how your 2-3 theories inform your system
- Justify your design choices
IV. Addressing Inequality & Stratification
- How your system reduces (or manages) inequality
- Impacts on mobility, poverty, and opportunity
V. Institutional Impact
- Education, labor, healthcare, etc.
- How these systems function within your model
VI. Strengths, Limitations, and Trade-offs
- What works well
- What challenges or inequalities might still exist
VII. Conclusion
- Summarize your vision and its broader implications
Grading Rubric (80 Points Total)
| Criteria | Excellent (1614 pts) | Proficient (1311 pts) | Developing (107 pts) | Limited (60 pts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis & Economic Design (16 pts) | Clear, original, well-developed economic system with strong thesis | Clear system but partially developed or lacking clarity | Basic idea but underdeveloped or inconsistent | Unclear or missing design |
| Application of Theory (16 pts) | Strong, accurate, and integrated use of multiple sociological theories | Theory present but not fully integrated | Limited or partially inaccurate use of theory | No meaningful theory application |
| Analysis of Inequality (16 pts) | Deep, critical analysis of stratification, mobility, and inequality | Some analysis but partially descriptive | Mostly descriptive with limited analysis | No meaningful analysis |
| Use of Sources & ASA Format (16 pts) | 6+ sources; strong integration; correct ASA formatting | Minor citation/formatting errors | Fewer than 6 sources or repeated errors | Missing references or major issues |
| Organization & Writing Quality (16 pts) | Clear structure, strong flow, academic tone, minimal errors | Generally clear with minor issues | Disorganized or frequent writing errors | Difficult to follow; significant issues |
Academic Integrity
All work must be original. Plagiarism or submitting AI-generated papers will result in disciplinary action per university policy.
AI tools may be used for brainstorming or outlining only. Your writing, analysis, and citations must be your own.
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