1. This a 3-part question. (a) In your own words, is meant by the “feminization of poverty”? (b) In the U.S., describe the circumstances that have caused the feminization of poverty to develop over the past 40 years. (c) Do you think the feminzation of poverty is unique to industrial societies, or do Developing and Third World cultures also experience this phenomenon ? Explain your reasoning.

2. According to Robbins, what are major categories of status used as a basis for inequality in the world (N.B. this is not the same list of traits used to create and individual’s identity). In your own words, explain in detail both the Integrative and Exploitative theories of social stratification. Do not just re-state the words in each theory-describe in detail how each explains worldwide social hierarchy and inequality.

3. Discuss two (2) different concrete examples to demonstrate that intelligence is not inherent in our biology or genetic make-up, but is “socially constructed.” Describe in detail one (1) example from the Robbins article, and one (1) from Gladwell article. Be specific and complete in your answer. Be sure you explain how each example demonstrates that intelligence is not a biological entity.

4. This a 2-part question. First, with reference to the Martin article, describe two (2) different gendered metaphors used by scientists to describe the actions of egg and sperm during fertilization. Second, sperm and eggs don’t have personalities–so, explain why supposedly objective scientists use such subjective descriptions.

5. Read this question carefully before writing – be sure you understand what I am asking: Explain how scientific research–on either intelligence or fertilization–is used to support or rationalize a racial or gender ideology. That is, don’t again tell me that scientists are biased. In this question, explain how scientific research is used to justify an ideology about race or gender. Be very specific in your answer.

6. With reference to “Selling Crack in El Barro,” (a) describe the specific economic strategic practiced by women and men to cope with their poverty. Next, (b) explain the emic reason why drug dealing is preferred to values and practices.