Break Up with a Social Norm: A Playful Writing Exercise on Socialization and Norms in Family and Romantic Life

Abstract

In this creative writing assignment, students reflect on the power of social norms by writing a “break-up letter” to a social norm that influences family, dating, or romantic relationships. Using humor, drama, and their sociological imaginations, students confront a norm that they have internalized or witnessed and say goodbye to it. This activity is...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Family, Sex and Gender, Sexualities, Socialization

Resource Type(s):

Class Activity

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

Some students may choose norms that are too broad or struggle to make them sociological. Circulate during writing time and prompt students to clarify or narrow their focus. Additionally, ff students resist the playful tone, remind them this is a chance to explore how power and norms work in everyday life using their own voice, including slang and...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. 1. Students will be able to engage in critical reflection on the norms shaping romantic and family life.
2. 2. Students will be able to apply sociological concepts through expressive and relatable writing for a peer audience.
3. 3. Students will be able to make sociological reflection fun and accessible through humor and creativity.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. 1. Whether students can identify at least one dominant social norm related to romance or family life, analyze its origins and implications using sociological theories or concepts, and offer thoughtful critique through personal reflection on how this norm has shaped individual or group behaviors.
2. 2. Whether students can accurately integrate and explain at least one key sociological concept in their expressive writing in a way that is clear, personal, and meaningful to a general peer audience.
3. 3. Whether students can demonstrate their ability to use humor, satire, or creative writing like parody or metaphor to illuminate sociological insight about romance or family in a way that is engaging, imaginative, and accessible to their peers in and outside of the course.