First, pick which two social perspectives you’re going to select. I personally think that feminism and postmodernism would be a really interesting juxtaposition, but obviously, pick whichever two you can write the most confidently about – and whichever two you have some articles leaning in that direction! So I’d see what material you’ve got, what can you write strongly about, and go from there.

1. Introduction: I tend to do this last, because the introduction should say what you’re going to tell them ... and sometimes you don’t know what that will be, until you’ve written it!

2. Roadmap: what is the issue, why is it important, why is it a hot topic at the moment.

3. Analysis 1: you’ll need three points (or two, if it’s a short word limit).

a. Example one of how the issue is represented, which highlights point one. Eg: if you’re looking at postmodernism, you could discuss briefly the issue of objective truth, in a gay -v- straight or male -v- female question... what is sexuality/gender etc ... subjective -v- objective, etc ... maybe pop in a Heidegger reference?

b. Example two, highlighting point two. Eg: the issue of absolute truth, categories, etc ... maybe look at Foucault, and suggest what he might say about it?

4. Analysis 2: repeat, with the other sociological perspective – and obviously, if it could mirror the first one a little, all the better, because it will make it easier for you to draw a conclusion

5. Conclusion: what overall view does Analysis 1 and Analysis 2 suggest that those two social theories have to say about same sex marriage?

6. Add something: if you can add in one or two sentences an original idea which furthers the debate, then do

7. Go back to the introduction, and tell the reader what you’re going to tell them ...

Done!