How to Write an Essay as a Socio-Autobiography Using Sociological Concepts
- 1). Understand sociological concepts to include in your paper. Your teacher might provide you a list of concepts that she wants you to consider when writing. If not, make sure you are familiar with some of the major sociological concepts, like how sociologists define "sociology," "community," "culture" and "customs." Because conflict is what shapes all stories, also review sociologists explanations helpful and harmful consequences of conflict.
- 2). Reflect on the concepts listed in step one, considering how they might have affected your personal development. For example, consider whether racial tension in your society shaped how you view people who are different from you or whether a community value of hard work in your neighborhood helped shape your attitude toward academia. Write these reflections, without worrying about spelling, grammar and if they really make sense on a blank word processing document or in a journal.
- 3). Re-read your reflections and decide which you would like to include in your paper. Create a timeline that maps your story out from the beginning to end. Place each of these events along the timeline. Re-read the timeline and determine if there are any unnecessary details you need to remove, or if there are events you need to include to make your story make sense. Add or cross out events on the timeline.
- 4). Using the timeline, write your essay with a beginning, middle and end. At the end of the essay, include in your conclusion some reflection about how you view society as shaping or not shaping you as a person. Re-read your essay, and include sociological terms when necessary and relevant to meet class requirements.
