Reading Set: Understanding Clutter

Question:
With reference to all of the readings, write an essay in which you respond to the following question:
Do the benefits of maintaining a tidy environment outweigh the benefits of an untidy one?
It would be a good idea to do the following:
 Use ideas and facts from the reading set while also relying upon your own logic. For example,
you might agree with or disagree with an author and give your reasoning. Or, you might choose
to emphasize the importance of one idea while diminishing the importance of another, with an
explanation of why you are valuing the ideas in this way.
 Make connections between the readings. Although the authors’ approaches are different, you will
find parallels between them. For example, you could identify points of agreement and
disagreement, or you could point outthat they are reaching similar conclusions by different
methods or logic.
 Define and employ key terms that seem to be central to the arguments of your sources and,
therefore, to your argument as well. Here are some possible key terms: System of symbolic
classification; Symbolic pollution; Macro-social and micro-social; Classification/transgression of
classification; Social norm; Normative vision; Bourgeois, bourgeoisie; Cultural construct;
Danger-beliefs; Boundary work; Transgression labeling; Hoarding; Executive function; Order and
disorder.
The following is REQUIRED. Essays that don’t conform to these requirements will not be graded:
 The length of your essay must be 1,500 words or longer. This word count does NOT include the
following (which are not required): title page; abstract; bibliography/references/works cited.
 Quote and/or paraphrase and work directly with material from all four readings in this reading set.
 Attribute any material that you summarize, quote, or paraphrase to its source (using the page
numbers of the reading set).
 Your own ideas and thinking are necessary and important, and you cannot pass this evaluation
without them. However, you should base your essay on the information contained in this set of
readings, and engage with the arguments contained in the set of readings. Do not give an account of
your own life experience; do not use any outside readings (including from the internet); and do not
rely on information from courses you have taken.