Racial Inequality and Systemic Discrimination in US
Assignment Instructions on Racial Inequality and Systemic Discrimination in US Assignment 3 General Assessment Guidance This assignment constitutes the entire assessed work for the module and carries the full weight of your final grade. The expected length is 1,000–1,500 words, which is designed to encourage analytical depth while maintaining clarity. Submissions significantly below this range risk underdeveloped reasoning, whereas exceeding it often dilutes focus rather than adding insight. All work must be uploaded through Turnitin online access. Submissions via email, pen drive, or hard copy are not acceptable. Late submissions will not be marked under any circumstances. Maintain anonymity by including only your Student Reference Number (SRN). Any personal identifiers may compromise the assessment and invalidate the submission. A total of 100 marks is available, with a minimum pass mark of 50%. Harvard referencing must be applied consistently. Any uncited use of published material is treated as plagiarism. University policies on plagiarism, collusion, and the use of AI tools apply fully. AI assistance is permitted only for language review or draft proofreading, not for content generation, research interpretation, or analytical reasoning. A completed Assignment Cover Sheet is mandatory. Failure to attach this sheet may result in administrative rejection before academic evaluation begins. Assessment Brief Introduction This assessment requires an in-depth policy and social analysis report exploring racial inequality and systemic discrimination in the United States. The focus should be on institutional and structural dimensions, examining how systemic biases manifest across education, employment, housing, healthcare, and criminal justice systems. You are encouraged to consider historical context alongside contemporary developments, evaluating how entrenched practices continue to shape economic, social, and cultural outcomes for different racial groups. Your report should reflect the perspective of an informed social researcher or policy analyst, using evidence and theory to illuminate patterns of inequity. Rather than merely describing instances of discrimination, the report should analyse underlying mechanisms, consequences, and stakeholder dynamics. Aim to demonstrate critical thinking, interpretive insight, and academic rigor. Learning Outcomes LO1 – Analyse systemic racial inequalities as complex social and institutional phenomena. LO2 – Examine the intersection of historical and contemporary factors influencing discrimination. LO3 – Apply social, economic, and policy frameworks to evaluate racial inequities. LO4 – Generate evidence-informed insights that articulate the broader societal impact of systemic discrimination. Key Areas to Cover Executive Summary Introduction Challenge and issues faced by affected populations Purpose of the report Evaluation and analysis using secondary data Recommendations and conclusion Your analysis should demonstrate depth in connecting theory to real-world examples, critically engage with peer-reviewed literature, and consider both qualitative and quantitative evidence. Claims must be supported by reliable data or scholarly research, avoiding anecdotal or media-driven narratives. Business Consultancy Report Structure Cover page with SRN • Title page • Table of contents • List of figures, tables, or abbreviations (if applicable) • Executive summary • Introduction • Challenge and issues faced by affected populations • Purpose of the report • Stakeholder analysis • Evaluation and analysis with secondary data • Recommendations and conclusion • Harvard references • Appendices (if required) The word count applies only to the main body. Front matter, references, and appendices are excluded. Word Count Breakdown (Approximate) Executive Summary – 120 Introduction – 150 Challenge and issues – 250 Purpose of the report – 100 Stakeholder analysis – 200 Evaluation and analysis – 450 Recommendations and conclusion – 250 Total – approximately 1,470 words These allocations are indicative; priority should be given to the quality of analysis rather than exact word count adherence. Executive Summary Guidelines Write the executive summary after completing the report. It should condense the main findings, including the nature of systemic discrimination, key affected populations, methodological approach, and core analytical insights. High-quality summaries emphasise the significance of systemic inequities, providing an evidence-driven overview rather than merely listing sections. Strong summaries contextualize findings within social and economic frameworks. Section Guidelines Introduction Situate the report within the context of racial inequality in the U.S. Highlight the importance of studying systemic discrimination through both historical and contemporary lenses. Provide an analytical orientation, framing the problem in terms of social structures, institutions, and policy frameworks rather than personal narratives. Challenge and Issues Faced by Affected Populations Examine the specific systemic challenges that racialized communities encounter across different sectors, such as disparities in education quality, employment opportunities, housing, healthcare access, and criminal justice outcomes. Incorporate recent studies, statistics, or government reports to provide empirical grounding. Purpose of the Report Clearly articulate the academic and analytical purpose. This may include evaluating policy effectiveness, revealing structural barriers, or synthesising evidence on the societal impact of discrimination. The aim is to frame research as a contribution to understanding and addressing systemic inequities rather than advocacy. Evaluation and Analysis with Secondary Data Critically evaluate existing studies, government statistics, and policy reports. Apply relevant frameworks such as critical race theory, institutional analysis, or social stratification models. Compare perspectives and highlight methodological strengths and limitations. Discuss patterns, trends, and causal mechanisms underpinning systemic inequities. Recommendations and Conclusion Provide evidence-informed recommendations that emerge from your analysis. These may relate to policy interventions, institutional reforms, or areas warranting further scholarly research. Conclude by reflecting on broader societal implications, emphasizing analytical insight rather than prescriptive advocacy. References and Presentation Use Harvard referencing consistently. Include a wide range of academic sources, government or NGO reports, and relevant datasets. Maintain professional formatting: clear headings, numbered pages, tables or figures labelled appropriately. The strongest submissions convey nuanced understanding, linking empirical evidence to theoretical frameworks and demonstrating sophisticated analysis of systemic discrimination in the U.S. social context.