Argument Paper

  
In the US, common discourse about issues of inequality purport that we have a largely equitable nation; that all citizens are equal and have the opportunity to succeed and achieve the American Dream. These claims assert that as a society we have progressed beyond most inequality (Dawson and Bobo 2009; Gallagher 2003; Mantsios 1998; Mantsios 2006; Scott and Leonhardt 2005). Such that, we are post-racial, post-gender, all people are relatively equal in class position, homophobia and heterosexism are no longer predominant positons (especially with the passing of marriage inequality) etc… These common assumptions and proclamations do not accurately portray pervasive inequality and experiences of discrimination that many Americans face (Bonilla-Silva 2001; Bobo and Tuan 2006; DeNavas-Walt et al. 2007; Gallagher 2004; Lewis 2003; U.S. Census Bureau 2006). Utilizing class readings and additional academic research, pick an area of inequality (Race, Class, Gender, Sexual Orientation, etc…), a more focused topic within that area of inequality (ex. gender discrimination in the workplace) and interrogate these equity claims. Your argument should utilize research literature to debunk the commonly held misconceptions about the realities of inequality (in the area you choice to explore) and provide information that exposes a more accurate picture of inequality in the US.
Here are the parameters for your paper; the primary purpose of this assignment is to evaluate your ability to construct an interesting, compelling, and important knowledge claim. I will be evaluating your essays based on these criteria. 
• Your paper must be at least 1,500 words.
• Your paper must make an argument. To clarify, an argument is composed of two parts: a statement the arguer believes (called the conclusion) and evidence, or reasons, supporting the statement (called the premises). In short, an argument is a knowledge claim and reason to believe that knowledge claim.
The conclusion of an argument paper is most commonly referred to as the thesis of the paper.
• Your argument must be cogent. A cogent argument is, simply, one in which the evidence offered actually gives good reason to believe the conclusion.
• Your paper must use at least five substantial sources, which relate, in a credible way, to the topic and thesis. The cited sources should advance the argument, not merely give background information.
• Your paper must take an informed position on a contestable issue or topic. To clarify, your thesis should be a statement that some reasonable people might disagree with. In the course of the paper, you should state what those reasonable people might say, and why you think their responses to your argument are misguided.
• Your paper must take your audience’s needs into account—i.e. the thesis is clear and presented very early, the argument follows logical sequence, transitions are used to guide reader, tone is measured and reasonable, prose is clear and even elegant etc.

MY TOPIC: GENDER PAY GAP INEQUALITY. 
ATTACHED: MY SOURCES TO USE.