Identify & Brainstorm

Use the list of possible topics provided by your instructor. Start brainstorming any related questions or ideas you have that could help you narrow down the topic to a more specific issue.

Note: This may require some initial, background research using your class readings, Wikipedia, SuperSearch, CQ Researcher, or the Pew Research Center.

Examples

Maternal mortality

Why is it so high in the US?
Why is it so much higher for African American women?
What are the primary causes?
- Discrimination?
- Lack of access to health care (prenatal/postpartum)?
- Income level?
- Insurance coverage?
- C-sections?

Gender pay gap

Is it “real” or a “myth”?
What are the primary causes?
- Gender stereotypes (“women’s work” vs. “men’s work”)?
- Discrimination?
- Family (“motherhood penalty”)?
- Maternity leave?
- Salary negotiation?
- Education level?

mind the gap

Image credit: London Student Feminists / CC BY-SA 3.0