Element of anthropology/sociology of the family
This assignment will focus on some element of the anthropology/sociology of the family
that interests you. It is to be a formal research paper that connects an element of family
to their impacts within wider social forces, places, meanings, etc. You can choose any
topic, argument, etc., and carry it through. So long as it is in the realm of
sociology/anthropology of the family I have no preference for topic areas.
You do need a thesis statement which will help guide your research.
This assignment will focus on some element of sociology/anthropology of the family
that interests you. This paper is to be 12 to 15 pages in length. Students are required to
have used a minimum of seven (7) peer-reviewed sources (books/journal articles).
Citation style should be complete and include: author, publication title, year and place of
publication and page number. For example:
Castellano, Marlene Brant. Aboriginal family trends: extended families, nuclear families,
families of the heart (Ottawa: Vanier Institute of the Family, 2002).
Some of you are having difficulty generating a thesis statement. A good thesis statement
contains/answers these components: who, what, where and when.
Here are some additional resources for your perusal:
http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/
A few other tips:
If you are using data from other countries, do not assume that it reflects Canadian trends
(or other trends occurring in other countries). Use materials related to the region of
which you are writing.
Define your terms – this aids in clarity of your thinking and logic. This also makes clear
what you are and are not analysing and using to make your argument.
Be clear about the direction of your paper – include a thesis statement to help guide your
reader (and yourself).
Avoid generalizations (using “all” to indicate the widespread occurrence of a
phenomenon that may not be so widespread).
Don’t forget to proofread your work – just because your computer says it is correct
doesn’t make it so. Proofreading ensures that both you and your reader understand your
argument and that you can communicate it effectively.
