Discussion Topic #1
Give an example of stereotyping that you see in everyday life. Explain what would need to happen for this to be eliminated.
Discussion Topic #2
Why do sociologists find it important to differentiate between sex and gender? What importance does the differentiation have in modern society?
Discussion Topic #3
How is children's play influenced by gender roles? Think back to your childhood. How "gendered" were the toys and activities available to you? Do you remember gender expectations being conveyed through the approval or disapproval of your playtime choices?
Discussion Topic #4
A challenge frequently cited in the press facing elderly citizens today is how to pay for medications. For many, the high costs of medication (not covered by Medicare) and the recent stock market losses that cut retirement incomes for many of them, make it necessary to return to work after retirement or to delay retirement five or more years. What does this mean for the lives of older adults? What could this mean for the greater society, who must provide employment opportunities to incoming members of society? Should pharmaceutical companies control drug prices to and from the Canadian or Mexican borders so that elderly cannot travel or log on to buy their medications more cheaply?