Obituaries Announcements ASA Forum Public Sociology From theExecutive Officer Science Policy 7 6 5 3 about whotheaward winnersare. achievements, findoutmore From to lifetime dissertations Award Winners Profiles ofthe2009 on Capitol thissummer. Hill research presence hadanactive Sociologists andsocialscience ontheHill Sociologists the award? And what isthesignificance of and Frazier? Who Are Cox, Johnson, world hunger. international policiesdealingwith Fellow explores theU.S. and The ASACongressional The Politics ofHunger ...... inside ......
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2 2 Volume 37 • Number 8 • November/December 2009 harder papers the because require amuch task of editing is journal even amethods ficult it is editto any majorjournal,the that Tim didn’t realize that, however dif dispiritinglycan be Is thin? it possible though cadre the of regular contributors standards that have maintained to be even Methodology Sociological extraordinarily standards high for which aboutries how hard it is to maintain the that Yu didn’t Xie regale himwith sto Yuhe never called for Xie low the down, what he is getting into? Is it possible that inotherbe, words, that Tim doesn’t know complete information: it Could possibly classic here fallback is that Tim may lack rational nonrational. seemingly the The late condition some further that renders to salvage rational the model, to postu many the instinctive approach is to attempt irrational,seems or at least nonrational, for behaviorwe view that by accounts all even though it’s surely sink. atime available to edit andXie Tim Liao, have made themselves rather apuzzle that major scholars, like Yu of editing amajor journal. Indeed, it’s largely the undertakes who task thankless should immensely be grateful to anyone as editor. serve will Liao The discipline Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where Tim has now relocated to University the of torship of Yu Xie, A Methodology Sociological Tim Futing Liaoto Edit McKenzie’s protégé. When an untimely ill back to Ann Arbor, where he became McKenzie convinced Amos to follow him hierarchies and metropolitan dominance. impressed himwith his of theories urban from University the of Michigan, who McKenzie, arenowned visiting professor ogy. encountered Amos also Roderick and humanhim to sociology ecol where Professor James introduced Quinn returned to University the of Cincinnati Asia before discovered being and sent back. away on aJapanese freighter heading to panned for gold inOregon. He evenstowed a hobo. He rode boxcars to West the and of University the of Cincinnati for alife as Greatthe Depression where he dropped out communitythe levels. and societal complex system structures and processes at others as he provided conceptual clarity to liance was intellectually catalytic for Stately, yet always modest,his bril and of those many of his students. our discipline by his writings He left an indelible imprint on tion of human models. ecological mulation, extension, and codifica 1950sandin the his refor 60svia helped revitalize macrosociology of theorist, Amos 98.Aseminal NC, on August 31,2009,at age the Association, inChapel died Hill, A Amos Hawley: APioneer inHumanEcology by David B. Grusky, Stanford University by John D. Kasarda, University of North Why has When Tim agreed to serve? After his stintridingthe rails, Amos Born in 1910, Amos came of age during the American Sociological mos Hawley, Henry 69 University of Michigan under edi the run thesuccessful at fter a very Carolina at Chapel Hill Sociological Methodology Sociological Sociological Methodology Sociological th is justly famous, President of ------Amos Hawley - - 1910-2009 , - that last line of defense against any embar require, importantly editor the serves as papers methods that review all virtually to complete time-consuming, the careful stressed and can’t always counted be upon Methodology read?closer Indeed, because hour of research production, and (b)the hour of editing(a) every out squeezes an of puzzle, the it may is that recalled, be do we explain Tim’s decision? The crux incomplete information account, how Choice Rational Salvaging scripts, many of already them classics. oversaw production the of some 22manu Sciences Quantitative Applications in the Social was editor (until mid-2009)of the board of & Methods editorialthe board of Social Science Research Methods three-volumethe and AlanMichael Bryman Lewis-Beck awe inspiring: He has co-edited with plishments on editing the front is simply editing pieces. methods His list of accom knows morein sociology than Tim about getting into is ludicrous, as surely no one that idea the he didn’t know what he was for anyone has who followed Tim’s career, difficult to push inLiao’s Tim case. Indeed, ing it may to weave, be is exceedingly rassing mistake. even risqué behavior.even risqué short stories have elements of intrigue and steadfast and restrained, some of these us always who thought of Amos as being lifestyles. To of surprise the anumber of observations over years the of academic many of incorporating them his keen he took to writing fictional short stories, his retirement afterwards, in1976.Soon scholar and graduate student mentor until UNC where he remained active ahighly becoming Kenan Professor at of Sociology prospered. Sociology together as Michigan’s Department of glue holding andleader everything social in place. Yet, as Amos effectivelyserved ingredients for adepartment blow-up were at Michigan and UNC) noted that the all Gerhard (Amos’ Lenski colleague close on what should central be to discipline. the personalities and different radically takes from instructor to professor and served him. There, Amosthrough therose ranks Michigan in1940,his protégé succeeded ness and early death took McKenzie from If we are forced, to then, the reject The foregoing account, however tempt In 1966,Amos for departed Chapel Hill
series. In series. latter the capacity, he a number of whom had strong psychologists to demographers, rangingfaculty from social Sociological Methodology Sociological It had many also distinguished Center, and Detroit Area Study. Group Population Dynamics, Research Center, Center for leading way the with its Survey during Amos’ as chair, decade Department was inits heyday 1951 to 1962. as chair of department the from and earlier served on the and earlier served reviewers are themselves Michigan’s Sociology Sage Encyclopedia of Sociological Research See Sociological Sociological Liao, ; he is on ; and he Sage page6 - - - - social organizationsocial as product the of apopu framework that explained characteristics of human ecologists into a codified theatrical prior research and field observations of cal human ecology. Amos was able to distill departure from previous work insociologi organization. In many ways, it was amajor statement of the ecological approach to social That book remainsthe most comprehensive A Theory Communityof Structure defined by earlyan book, remembered. His career academic is best though, for most be Amos which will Theoretical Innovation Amos argued that although individual illustration. 1978),is agood December History” ( “Cumulative Change and inTheory majority of Amos’ scholarly efforts. ture and its macro drivers that occupied the therefore, his understanding of system struc real power organized inthe system. It was, and individual superseded influence, with whelming influence on individualbehavior or formalsocieties organizations—had over of organizations—be communities, they rosociology. that Amos believed structure the human into firmly the ecology realm of mac work of George C.Homans, moved he also sociology. Despite drawing on the historical andbiology early the urban Chicago-School humanled away ecology from reliance on to field ties the lectual ecology,of Amos lation adapting to its environment. (202) 383-9005. e-mail [email protected] or call candidates or petition the process, have any questions about slate the of 600, Washington, 20005.If you DC Governance, 1430KStreet, NW, Suite Association,American Sociological January 31,2010.Mail petitions to: members. petitions All must arrive by signaturesporting of at least 50voting other positions must receive sup the association; petition candidates for by at least 100voting members of the must signed and be Secretary Elect, of President-Elect, Vice President- additional candidates for offices the tional candidates. Petitions supporting associationthe to nominate addi provide option the for members of Publications. Until ASA then, Bylaws Nominations, and Committee on on Committees, Committee on ofelection ASA Officers, Committee slatefull of candidates for 2010 the T Committees ASA Officers and Nominations for Seeking forthcoming. is obituary age of87.An Novemberdied the 3at President oftheASA, Alice S.Rossi, the74th It was his more than 100scholarly works, His ASA presidential address, By strengthening human ecology’s intel Association announce soon will the he American Sociological American Sociological Review, See Human Ecology: Hawley, (1950). (1950). - page10 ------2 footnotes • November/December 2009
from the executive officer “Adopt a Federal Database” . . . and Open the Data Highway for Better Research and More Informed Public Policy he many sociologists who depend on the Data.gov website in May to catalyze a governments are also being urged to open spark your ideas for the newly available Tfederal data for their research and process of increasing the visibility, access, their data warehouses; progress on this government data, many of which have been teaching should take note of the Obama and transparency sought by the President. goal is viewable at the OMB website. stored only on paper until now. Administration’s government-wide Open Data.gov is intended to be a one-stop access As increasing amounts of government As a data-dependent research com- Government Initiative. Its aim is to stimu- point for raw federal data, designed to data become available, the research possi- munity, we should invoke our sociological late government innovation by instilling provide “unprecedented openness” and free bilities could be synergistically and geo- imagination and consider how we might the principles of transpar- access to government infor- metrically enhanced, perhaps to the point “adopt” federal datasets and perhaps col- ency, participation, and mation. As more types of of catalyzing discoveries otherwise impos- laborate with other sectors to develop collaboration more firmly in data become publicly avail- sible to achieve. The potential for improved applications that tap sociologically relevant federal agencies and by mak- able in machine-readable research and data opportunities for scien- data, improve datasets, and create new ing federal data more acces- formats through Data.gov, tific and public access to unfiltered govern- approaches to integrating disparate data that sible. The Administration OMB hopes researchers and ment data stand in stark contrast to the improve scientific work. Our discipline has is encouraging research communities and others will develop innovative uses of the many threats over decades by both the leg- the expertise and an enviable track record in the general public to “adopt” a government data, build new applications, conduct analy- islative and executive branches to defund or such efforts. A new collaborative and open- database. It’s like a friendly invitation to ses, and potentially repackage the data. As weaken various data sources. Nevertheless, government climate, if sustained, should “Adopt a Highway” but without the formal an example, the new data-driven cell phone these threats are likely to continue. Federal help improve our capacity to engaged in sponsorship requirement. applications (e.g., the iPhone’s “Congress budget constraints will present very serious basic research and translate science-based Science communities whose research- in Your Pocket”) could be a harbinger of challenges for the foreseeable future to knowledge into the domains of policy and ers depend on access to federal databases myriad future applications (commercial as maintaining and improving existing federal practice. So let’s give serious thought these (e.g., Census, agricultural, economic, well as scientific), if theData.gov initiative data collection efforts and adding important opportunities and explore the possibilities. environmental, health, labor) are being has the envisioned impact on innovation. new ones. But the promise of Data.gov to Dust off your data wish-list and visitData. asked to collaborate with government to Data.gov features searchable catalogs open up the federal “data vault” is welcome. gov to see what might be there already or help improve access to more unfiltered of more than 100,000 datasets, dozens Members of the general public could what should be there. government data by exploring such data as of information tools, including links to become more acutely aware of the value it becomes available and by doing analyses sites that have data mining and extrac- of data collected by the government as it on it and conceiving new uses and packag- tion tools, and live data feeds. Sociological becomes more integrated in their daily lives ing of the data. The goal is to enhance and researchers could play a significant role (e.g., through web-based and mobile device Sally T. Hillsman is the enrich the contributions that research and in this new environment of “democratiz- software applications). Sociologists are Executive Officer of ASA. knowledge-building can make to the qual- ing information” by encouraging students already engaged in captivating public audi- She can be reached by ity of the nation’s policymaking. and colleagues to explore the usefulness of ences with our translation of dry Census data email at executive.office@ At a September 24, 2009, National Data.gov. It is intended to overcome long- into dynamic web-based applications that are asanet.org. Research Council-sponsored event standing difficulties that citizens, scientists, spectacular in their graphical capabilities and (“Scientific Data for Evidence-based and federal agencies themselves have had rate highly on the “gee whiz” factor. Policymaking”), leaders of the White House accessing data across federal agencies Some citizens, however, could become Office of Science and Technology Policy, the because the data have been housed in dif- more aware of data that they don’t believe Office of Management and Budget (OMB), ferent sites and often use unique formats. the government should be collecting or and several federal research and regula- distributing because it is deemed waste- A Challenge to Be Explored tory agencies expressed strong support ful or intrusive. Social scientists have long for processes that would help government Another aspiration of Data.gov is experience with attacks on collecting data institutions become more innovative (and that feedback and ideas to help improve on sex and sexuality and on data from therefore more effective) by adopting core government databases and government school children. Published monthly with combined issues scientific values (i.e., collaboration, exper- functions will flow from increased access Consumers, meanwhile, are spawning a in May/June, July/August, and September/ tise, openness) that have made science suc- to government data. OMB seeks public parallel culture-shifting data revolution by October. Mailed free to all ASA members. cessful in innovation and producing new, participation and collaboration in building virtue of the mass of information they gener- Subscription, $40. Single copies, $3. high-quality knowledge. Data.gov, and it welcomes suggestions for ate using new technology (e.g., cell phones, Editor: Sally T. Hillsman datasets, evaluations of current datasets, Twitter, GPS, web-based ratings); the private Associate Editor: K. Lee Herring Data.gov Unveiled and ideas for improvement. TheData.gov sector (e.g., IBM’s Center for Social Software) Managing Editor: Johanna Olexy With the President’s Executive Memo of and White House websites provide links is forging this data into futuristic data visu- Secretary: Donald Tomaskovic-Devey January 20, 2009, as a guide, OMB unveiled for submitting suggestions. State and local alization applications. Some of these might Article submissions are limited to 1,000 words and must have journalistic value (e.g., timeliness, significant impact, general science policy interest) rather than be research oriented or scholarly in nature. Submissions will be Sociologist nominated to the Bureau Journal of Quantitative Criminology. He (15.8 percent) than the Bureau’s official reviewed by the editorial board for pos- of Justice Statistics received his BA from Wesleyan University annual estimate (13.2 percent). sible publication. “ASA Forum” (including and his MA and PhD in sociology from the letters to the editor) contributions are On October 26, President Barack More from the Census Bureau University of Chicago. The mission of BJS limited to 400–600 words; “Obituaries,” Obama announced his intent to nominate 500–700 words; and “Announcements,” is to collect, analyze, publish, The Census Bureau has James P. Lynch the Director of the Bureau 200 words. All submissions should include of Justice Statistics (BJS), Department of and disseminate information launched its new 2010 Census a contact name and, if possible, an e-mail Justice. Lynch is a Distinguished Professor on crime, criminal offenders, website at www.2010.census. address. ASA reserves the right to edit all in the Department of Criminal Justice at victims of crime, and the opera- gov. The site is a useful resource material published for style and length. John Jay College, City University of New tion of justice systems at all for social science or research The deadline for all material is the first of York. He was previously a professor in the levels of government. These data organizations. The 2010 website the month preceding publication (e.g., February 1 for March issue). Department of Justice, Law, and Society at are critical to federal, state, and seeks to serve as “the platform on American University from 1986 to 2005 and local policymakers in combating crime and which we can build a national dialogue about Send communications on material, sub- chair of the Department from 2003 to 2005. ensuring that justice is both efficient and how each person’s participation helps paint a scriptions, and advertising to: American Lynch is currently the Vice President-elect evenhanded. new ‘Portrait of America.’” The multimedia Sociological Association, 1430 K Street, website shares peoples’ stories about how the Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005; (202) of the American Society of Criminology Census Bureau releases alternative census is easy, safe, and important. It features 383-9005; fax (202) 638-0882; email foot- (ASC). He has served on the Committee on U.S. poverty estimate [email protected];
they can be fed, than shipping wheat or growth, public spending for farming con- Dealing with World Hunger beans grown in Canada or Western Europe. stitutes only 4 percent of total government In fact, a 2007 study by the Government spending. In 2008, the United States spent by Sada Aksartova, and feed hungry minds.” Dennis Blair, the Accountability Office (where I currently have close to $3 billion on food aid and less ASA Congressional Fellow Director of National Intelligence, linked a placement as ASA’s congressional fellow) than $500 million on agricultural assis- food insecurity and political instability to found that the United States spends 65 cents tance to developing countries. The Obama ecent spikes in oil and food prices, potential threats to the United States in his of every food aid dollar on logistics, distribu- administration has pledged to double U.S. Rcompounded by the global economic February 2009 testimony to Congress. On tion, and transportation and only 35 cents agricultural assistance beginning in 2010. recession, have increased the already large her second day at the State Department, on actual commodities. It is safe to surmise And in July 2009, at the first ever G-8 number of chronically hungry people glob- Hillary Clinton addressed a UN summit that, compared to food aid from Canada summit devoted to farming, the leaders of ally by more than 150 million. As a result, on hunger and has since taken a lead in and Western Europe, U.S. food aid is more the world’s major economies promised to the Food and Agriculture Organization crafting a new U.S. policy to reduce global deeply entangled in domestic agricultural raise $20 billion over the next three years of the United Nations estimates that there food insecurity, which is expected to be and shipping interests. Put another way, U.S. for food and agricultural aid to the world’s are now over one billion undernourished announced later this year. Judging by the food aid presents a familiar domestic politics most impoverished countries. people worldwide. And according to U.S. pledges at the G-20 and G-8 summits, problem: Those few who benefit from and Although policymakers in the legisla- the International Food Policy Research the Obama administration will likely focus are committed to it exert stong influence on tive branch have also embraced the idea Institute, in 2007 and 2008 food protests on increasing assistance—from the United the Senate and House agricultural commit- that an increase in agricultural assistance is and riots occurred in more than 50 coun- States, multilaterals, and other bilateral tees, which control food aid authorizations. critical to reducing global hunger, they are tries, with some countries experiencing donors—for agricultural development and concerned with the U.S. government’s abil- Focusing on Agricultural Development multiple occurrences and a high degree of de-emphasizing food aid. ity to effectively implement food security violence, including the overthrow of Haiti’s Food aid has, for several decades, been It is therefore unlikely that the U.S. food programs. Hence, Senator Richard Lugar prime minister. These events created new the donor countries’ principal tool for deal- aid policy will soon undergo a dramatic (R-IN) and Representative Betty McCollum urgency in domestic and international ing with global food insecurity. Food aid, change. Instead, both the executive and the (D-MN) introduced bills that call for an efforts to deal with global hunger (or food or donations in the form of food or cash legislative branches of the U.S. government increase in funding for agricultural develop- insecurity in policy parlance). to purchase food, is primarily provided to are shifting focus from feeding people in ment as well as for a more effective coor- On the international front, the United people suffering from hunger and starvation emergencies to addressing deeper causes dination of multiple and fragmented U.S. Nations (UN) convened several high-level in emergencies, either natural (the South of hunger, such as the ability of the poor hunger-related activities around the world. meetings to mobilize the wealthy countries Asian tsunami) or man-made (Zimbabwe). and the hungry to grow food. This shift is Their concerns are well-founded. More than to aid the world’s hungry and to help reach The UN World Food Programme, the main taking place in the context of the newly 10 different departments and agencies of the the first Millennium Development Goal international food aid agency, reaches about found international consensus that agri- U.S. government fund global food security of halving global hunger by 2015. Hunger 100 million annually. The United States, the cultural development in countries most programs broadly defined, including the featured prominently on the agenda of the largest bilateral donor of food aid, reaches afflicted with food insecurity has long U.S. Agency for International Development, G-20 summit in April and the G-8 summit another 50 million. been neglected both by donors and host Departments of State, Agriculture, Defense, in July 2009. What sets the United States apart is its governments. The consensus arrived with the Treasury, the Millennium Challenge insistence on providing U.S.-grown com- the 2008 World Development Report titled Corporation, Peace Corps, and others. A Policy Priority modities and shipping them on U.S.-flag Agriculture for Development. Its authors Crafting a meaningful new policy to reduce In the United States, policymakers at vessels. By contrast, most other donors have, found that despite 75 percent of the world’s global hunger will require focusing on the the highest levels of government have in recent years, switched to providing cash poor living in rural areas, a mere 4 percent U.S. government’s ability to implement it. made global hunger a priority. In his inau- on the grounds that the cost and delivery of of official development assistance goes to These are certainly interesting times for gural address, President Barack Obama food grown closer to where hunger crises agriculture in developing countries, and those following the twin issues of develop- pledged to work alongside the people of occur is more effective, in terms of how that even in sub-Saharan Africa, a region ment and global hunger. For the first time poor nations “to nourish starved bodies many people can be fed and how quickly heavily reliant on agriculture for overall See Hunger, page 4
NSF Interdisciplinary Workshop on Sociological Approaches to Studying Morality
by Steven Hitlin and Chad Michael feeling, and action. Scarce attention is ers in other disciplines. Because dialogue aspects of morality. McPherson, University of Iowa paid to how people handle the existence across disciplines can be difficult, the The second day began with breakout of conflicting moral perspectives evoked workshop attempted to breech some of sessions intended to foster smaller-group targeted set of interdisciplinary scholars through their multiple social positions and these barriers, discuss focal areas ripe discussions about areas of agreement and Ainterested in research on morality— across valued social roles and member- for collaboration, and bridge perceived disagreement across the social sciences representing psychology, anthropology, ships, the ways that moral claims motivate differences (where possible) that restrict in terms of understandings of morality neurology, philosophy, economics, reli- political and social movements, or the collaborative projects and the building at micro- and macro-levels. The panels gion, and legal studies—joined a cross- importance of the moral dimen- of models across disciplines. were entitled “Big Questions, Gaps, and section of sociologists for a workshop on sion for understanding the self. Things We Still Need to Know.” Graduate The Workshop “The Sociology of Morality” funded by the Sociologists have much to offer student participants then reported on the National Science Foundation and held in academic and public conversa- The first day of the two-day themes that emerged from each group’s Arlington, VA, June 15-16. tions about morality, but they workshop was informational. study. The latter part of the second day The purpose of the workshop, which also have much to gain from Workshop participants presented involved the entire group discussing how was organized and co-chaired by Steven other disciplines. Thus, popular brief overviews of their particular interdisciplinary work might benefit both Hitlin of the University of Iowa and Jan interest, coupled with revitalized research interests and theories about academic and public understandings of Stets, NSF Sociology Program Director academic attention, warrants interdis- moral processes. Non-sociological human morality. and Professor at UC-Riverside, was to ciplinary dialogue on morality in hopes of presentations ranged from neurologi- Participants prepared short topical catalyze sociology’s participation in the contributing to present and future socio- cal work on brain functioning in moral overviews (available at
by Roberta Spalter-Roth and Nicole Van Future Educational Plans? Vooren, ASA Research and Development Most students enter graduate programs Department in sociology because of their interest in the field. More than three-quarters (78 percent) n the current recession, potential master’s cited this as one of their reasons for getting Istudents are being cautioned not to incur a master’s degree in sociology. Beyond additional debt unless the program is help- this common interest, students enter the ful for a specific career (Taylor 2009). The program for different reasons with differ- National Academy of Sciences (2008) rec- ent outcome expectations. These expecta- ommends programs that prepare science tions vary by gender, race, and ethnicity students (including social science students) (see Table 1). About 43 percent of survey for business, non-profit, and government respondents do not expect to pursue a PhD agency careers. In their view, success- or other graduate school training in the ful programs should couple disciplinary foreseeable future, while 49 percent report education with practical skills training to intending to pursue a PhD in sociology. better meet employer needs by providing The remaining 8 percent expect to pursue strong disciplinary foundations along with a PhD in another field such as psychology, internships and research experiences. education, or social work. However, within In 2008, more than 428,000 students the first 12 months after obtaining their were enrolled in graduate schools, with 85 master’s degree, 54 percent of respondents Table 1. Racial and Ethnic Representation Among Those Pursuing PhD percent enrolled in programs leading to a do not plan to go on for additional graduate Race/Ethnic Category Percent Pursuing PhD master’s degree, according to the Council training, suggesting a substantial portion of Graduate Schools (Bell 2009). The largest White 67.0 % of master’s candidates intend to go directly Black 9.3 number were enrolled in career-oriented into the labor force. Asian/Pacific Islander 8.3 education and business programs, followed Although women comprise about 70 by health sciences and engineering. The percent of survey respondents, they are Latino 4.5 number of master’s degrees awarded in the significantly less likely than men to expect Multi-racial 8.1 sciences (including social science) more to pursue a PhD in sociology (46 percent Other 2.8 than doubled between 1970 and 2006, yet compared to 59 percent of men). In con- Total 100.0 % over the course of these years, the number trast, members of racial and ethnic groups Source: ASA Research Development Department, 2009. What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Sociology? of master’s degrees awarded in sociology intending to pursue PhDs are in relative declined by about 13 percent, according proportion to their representation in the to the National Center for Educational The survey found that students who a PhD are either very satisfied or satisfied population of respondents, with whites expect to obtain a PhD are most satisfied with their programs. But master’s students Statistics. Sociology appears to be less suc- slightly over-represented and blacks and cessful than other science disciplines in with their ability to see faculty members who want better jobs as a result of obtain- Latinos slightly underrepresented. These outside of class. They are more satisfied ing this degree have less satisfaction. growing its master’s degree. Is this because differences are not significant, however. the master’s degree in sociology is viewed as with their ability to do so than those who Although they are job-orientated, only 12 We expected to find that students plan- expect to obtain a master’s degree (60 percent of the master’s-only candidates a stepping stone to the PhD? Until now, the ning to pursue a PhD would have parents discipline knew very little about the expec- percent versus 44 percent). Those expect- are satisfied with the career counseling with more education, however, as with our ing to obtain a PhD are also more likely to that they received. This is a clear area for tations of sociology graduate students and earlier baccalaureate study (see May/June their satisfaction with graduate programs. report having an easier time getting core improvement if sociology departments 2008 Footnotes, p.1), this was not the case. courses, and being very satisfied with the want to grow their master’s programs. To determine students’ expectations and In both studies, parents’ education did not their satisfaction, in spring 2009, the first quality of teaching (39 percent versus 34 Teaching students about job searching seem to influence who went on to pursue percent). skills and the local and national labor wave of a longitudinal master’s survey was post graduate degrees. conducted under the auspices of the ASA There are only other small differences in markets as well as encouraging internships Research and Development Department Satisfaction with Master’s Program satisfaction with program characteristics. may be important parts of the curriculum Career counseling is the program charac- for these students. and the ASA Task Force on the Master’s Given the financial and other invest- teristic with the smallest percentage of very References Degree in Sociology. After sending sur- ments of graduate students, how satisfied satisfied respondents (14 percent of future Bell, Nathan. 2009. Graduate Enrollment and veys to about 1,600 master’s students, are they with their programs? Overall, 30 we achieved a 55-percent response rate PhDs and 12 percent of terminal mas- Degrees: 1988 to 2009. Washington, DC: Council percent of respondents were very satisfied ter’s students). Those expecting terminal of Graduate Schools. (N=872). We examined what proportion of National Academy of Sciences, National Research with the characteristics of their program master’s degrees are significantly more dis- these students anticipated pursuing a PhD and 56 percent were satisfied; 14 percent Council, Committee on Enhancing the satisfied than those who expect to pursue Master’s Degree in the Natural Sciences. 2008. after completing their master’s degree and were dissatisfied (see Figure 1). Except for what proportion expected to complete their a PhD (34 percent versus 27 percent). This Science Professionals: Master’s Education for dissatisfaction with career services, there a Competitive World. Washington, DC: The education with a master’s degree (at least difference is especially problematic for are no significant differences between master’s students who intend to move into National Academies Press. in the foreseeable future). Does expected Taylor, Mark C. 2009. What’s a Master’s Degree those pursuing a master’s degree in order the job market upon graduation. terminal degree affect student satisfaction to obtain a PhD in sociology and those Worth? New York Times. June 30. Retrieved with their master’s program? The majority of students seeking a from http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes. pursuing a terminal master’s. terminal master’s or expecting to pursue com/2009/06/what-is-a-masters-degree-worth/. Recent ASA Research Briefs Hunger from page 3
n important purpose of the ASA reported by other associations. Idealists v. Careerists: Graduate there is a president in the White House AResearch and Development Paying Attention to the Master’s School Choices of Sociology Majors who has personal knowledge of and Department is to develop informa- Degree in Sociology From among the 35% of sociology emotional bonds to developing coun- tion on sociology as a profession and Find out about the experiences majors who go on to graduate school, tries. Hillary Clinton, the Secretary of a discipline through primary data among master’s students and their find out who pursues sociology, who State, is a long-time advocate for women and secondary analysis. Below is a different reasons for entering, and applies their sociology training in and children (who are disproportion- brief description of some of our latest expectations of, a masters program in other fields, and what shapes their ately affected by hunger in the United research briefs. These briefs can be sociology. decisions. States and in poor countries) and has found on the research page of the What’s Happening in Your What’s Happening in Your stated her interest in putting develop- ASA website at
American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org footnotes • November/December 2009 5
thankful to be a professor where the craft of Reflections from a Sociologist of Popular Culture writing still matters deeply. As for where DJing falls into all of this, by Oliver Wang, California State University- the world, has admitted, “I don’t doubt and efficiency in my prose. In a time where most obviously, my dissertation (now a Long Beach that my academic position undermined academic publishers are stressing “read- book-in-progress for Duke University my credibility as a rock critic and that my ability,” these skills have obvious utility. Press) is focused on the Filipino American n the mid-1990s, I embarked on three journalism undermined my status as an The influence flows in the other direc- disc jockey community in the San Francisco Idistinct paths that continue to this day. In academic.” Indeed, my pursuit of popular tion as well. I first learned interview-based, Bay Area. This was a topic I originally came 1993, still a sociology undergraduate at the culture scholarship can, at times, be met qualitative research methods as an under- upon as a journalist but having been a DJ University of California-Berkeley, I started with polite condescension; my favorite graduate and these skills enhanced my gave me informal insights—as a participant disc jockeying—notably, following in the example comes from an old classmate: interviewing acumen as an arts journalist observer—into understanding the pull and footsteps of several graduate students who “you wrote your dissertation on disc (which then fed back into my graduate rewards of the craft. moonlighted as DJs. When I graduated in jockeys? I should have gone to graduate interests in ethnography and oral his- Ideally, I would have liked to end this 1994, I began writing professionally as a school!” Likewise, I have found that when tory). Equally important, the kind of rigor article with some clever metaphor of how I music journalist and critic; that has since cultural criticism is described as “socio- demanded in academia pushes my journal- approach scholarship “as a DJ,” deconstruct- blossomed into a rewarding freelance logical,” it’s usually a backhanded way to ist work to value comprehension over speed. ing and reconstructing ideas and concepts career with various outlets, especially NPR. suggest a writer is overly invested in social Most of all, I embrace the idea of my writing in the same way I mix different records. In And in 1996, I entered Berkeley’s Ethnic questions and neglecting aesthetics. being sociological insofar as I am interested reality though, if there is any osmosis of skills Studies PhD program; currently, I am in not just in aesthetics, but in the relationship from DJing into academia, it is certainly Role Integration my fourth year as an assistant professor of of those aesthetic objects and auteurs to not done consciously. What I can say is that sociology at CSU-Long Beach, specializing Despite this, I find that working as society and vice versa. (Discovering Howard DJing offers a tactile way to engage a passion in issues of race/ethnicity and popular writer and scholar enriches both endeav- Becker’s Art Worlds was especially transfor- for music that undergirds all my juggled culture. ors. As a critic, the pressures to stay abreast mative in this regard). interests. What DJing, writing and scholar- Early in graduate school, I described of current cultural trends invigorate All this symbiosis aside, it often feels like ship share in common is a core desire to my journalism and DJ work as “part of my research interests. For example, my arts journalism and sociological scholarship share/discuss music and explore its social my other life” and an advisor, Deborah academic publications on hip-hop, ethnic are competing interests, and to paraphrase effects. It has been a privilege to indulge that Wong, admonished me for characterizing identity, and race relations trace back to the adage: It can be difficult to serve two interest in a myriad of ways. these pursuits as belonging to separate topics I originally pursued as a journalist. masters. Committing to an academic career Oliver Wang is currently completing worlds. She felt the three roles—DJ, writer, Sometimes, ideas that begin in journalism has often meant forgoing “outside” writ- Legions of Boom: Filipino American and academic—inherently informed jump straight into academia; when I first ing opportunities, at least in the short-run. Mobile Disc Jockeys in the San Francisco one another and that recognizing those heard of Los Angeles’s growing community Blogging fills part of that void, but it’s no Bay Area. In addition to teaching, he writes intersections would enhance my growth of haute catering trucks, I thought of it as proxy to the rewards of well-edited, long- on music and culture for NPR, the LA as a scholar. She wasn’t wrong, but it is the a potential news story, but it blossomed form journalism. I am certainly not the Weekly, Wax Poetics, and other publica- integration between the three activities instead into a culture review written for the first professor to face this challenge and I tions and hosts several blogs, most notably that proves challenging. ASA journal Contexts. Practically speak- believe, over time, I’ll be able to achieve a Soul-Sides.com (music) and Poplicks.com Even Simon Frith, the most pre- ing, years of working with publication edi- better equilibrium and/or synthesis between (culture and politics). He also DJs weekly at eminent sociologist-cum-music critic in tors has taught me the value of economy these two pursuits. At the very least, I am the Shortstop in Echo Park, Los Angeles.
The Significance of the Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award Nominations This is the last in a series of three articles about ASA’s named awards Sought for by Earl Wright II, Texas Southern by ASA leaders “tensions mounted and the Committee on the Status of Racial 2010 Section University, and Jean Shin, ASA Minority the demand for inclusion (sic) escalated.” and Ethnic Minorities in Sociology; 3) Affairs Program These tensions resulted in a second set of the position of ‘Executive Specialist’ for Awards resolutions to the ASA Council sponsored Minorities and Women (which later ASA sections honor work in their n 1971 the American Sociological by the CBS in 1969. became the Director of the Minority specialty areas through awards given IAssociation (ASA) established the According to James E. Blackwell (2008), Affairs Program); 4) the authorization for to honor articles, books, dissertations, Du Bois-Johnson-Frazier Award (later the first chairperson of the now-formalized the Executive Officer of the Association career achievements, and other spe- renamed as Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award) CBS in 1970, the Du Bois-Johnson- (then N.J. Demerath)...to seek outside cial contributions. The ASA website’s as a major Association award. Honoring Frazier Award was born out of a resolu- funds to support minority graduate stu- section page lists information on the intellectual traditions and contri- tion brought forth by Black sociologists at dents, which became the ASA Minority awards for which nominations are butions of the early Black sociologists the contentious 1970 Annual Meeting in Fellowship Program in 1974; and 5) the sought. Awards will be presented at W.E.B. DuBois, Charles S. Johnson, and Washington, DC. Blackwell said, “Those allocation of resources to conduct research the 2010 ASA Annual Meeting in E. Franklin Frazier, this award recognizes who presented the [CBS] resolutions on the status of racial and ethnic minor- Atlanta. Please consider nominat- individual sociologists, departments, or were labeled [in highly charged pejorative ity faculty and students in the profession ing colleagues and students whose academic institutions for scholarly activi- terms] as ‘careerists,’ and ‘militants.’ In (Blackwell 1992). contributions should have the special ties that reflect the efforts of the men for fact, a few prominent sociologists either This ASA award was originally named visibility accorded by a section award. whom the award was named. resigned or threatened to resign from for three of the most prominent and To view the complete list of awards, This award was made possible through ASA membership because of the posi- influential early American sociologists. Du go to
by Lee Herring, ASA Public Affairs and Science Associations (COSSA), and the and response to threats, and enhancing can provide policy-makers with evidence Public Information Office Federation of Associations in Behavioral creativity and innovation, as well as con- and information that may help address & Brain Sciences—to brief an audience on tributing to solutions concerning energy many current challenge areas in society . . Sociology and National Policy Capitol Hill. usage, environmental quality, and human . .” He concluded that “it strikes a balance ociologist and statistician Martina The congressional briefing sought to dynamics. Titled Social, Behavioral, and between scientific and policy agendas and SMorris, University of Washington, partic- highlight a long-anticipated report released Economic Research in the Federal Context identifies new areas of SBE science that can ipated in a congressional briefing on Capitol by the White House’s National Science (see February 2009 Footnotes, Vantage inform policy decisions.” Hill in mid-July, discussing “Modeling HIV and Technology Council of the Office of Point, p. 2), the report (see
instead to probe the very foundations of and what takes most of us many editing Liao a model or approach. This is a formidable hours takes him but few. If one allows that Footnotes from page 1 body of work. The clear implication: In there’s some reward to editing, then there’s to Focus on scholarly rewards to an hour deciding to edit Sociological Methodology, also some level of editing efficiency at spent on research swamps the Tim is indeed foregoing much which the total reward accruing to an hour Online Website scholarly rewards to an hour important research, thereby los- of editing exceeds the total reward accru- spent on editing. Why, so the ing the rewards that such work ing to an hour of research. in 2010 logic goes, does the rational would likely bring. We arrive at the conclusion that Tim is either (a) an altruistic dog, or (b) an edit- actor engage in any editing An Altruist? n response to both an increas- at all? It is possible that Tim ing maniac. The former possibility we call Iing number of ASA members is willing to forego research Are we left then to conclude non-rational; the latter we call rational. Is who are opting out of receiving because in fact he can’t get that Tim is irrational? An altru- there any way to adjudicate? The answer a print version of Footnotes and much of it done and hence ist who gives to his discipline is simple: We need merely do our duty the recommendation of the ASA the cost of an hour of research Tim Futing Liao at much personal cost? Is he and flood Tim with manuscripts. In his Joint Committee on Electronic production foregone isn’t, in his the loyal dog who jumps into the well-crafted proposal to editSociological Publishing, ASA Council voted to case, all that great. Alas, such an account storm-swollen stream (i.e., the editorship Methodology, Tim stakes out the view eliminate automatic circulation of can’t explain why some of the most pro- of Sociological Methodology) to save his that the journal should move beyond its print copies of the ASA Footnotes ductive scholars in the field (e.g., Yu Xie) master (i.e., the larger disciplinary good), conventional focus on statistical analysis, newsletter to all members, effective have served as Sociological Methodology risking his own life (i.e., research pro- opening up to a broader interpretation of January 2010. Council’s decision will editor, nor can it explain why Tim has duction) as a result? Again, anyone who methods that also encompasses issues of allow those few members who want likewise chosen to serve. knows Tim couldn’t reject such an account, conceptualization, measurement, research print copies to receive them in 2010, Again, anyone who knows Tim has to as he is indeed a kind man, precisely design, and data collection. I suggest that provide timely notification to all be awe struck by his scholarly record, com- the type one might think prone to raw you take him up on this broadening not members of each issue’s availability prising as it does major contributions on altruism. Even so, and despite the current just because it would indeed make for a via e-mail, as well as reduce printing such topics as missing data analysis, latent (“behavioral”) fashion to cede the rational better journal but also because it provides and mailing expenses. class analysis, methods for making predic- model and conflate humans with dogs, it’s the test we so desperately need. If Tim’s While there will be no reduction tions, rate comparisons, and the general perhaps not time to throw in the towel. an altruist, he will be happy with the in content of Footnotes, the primary methodology of cross-group comparison. The rational model may yet be salvaged onslaught and take pleasure in the better means of dissemination in 2010 will In his more recent work, Tim is developing if we allow for the possibility that Tim, journal it creates for all of us. If, however, be the enhanced website at
that demonstrate the range and breadth of After tackling the issue of health care, their own resources, institutions, networks, Awards his contributions to sociological practice. Ehrenreich gained further momentum to and innovations to collectively disrupt from page 7 Identification of the problem of “over- highlight other social injustices. Her work state-sanctioned racism in the United S.M. “Mike” Miller rapport” in fieldwork, the first study of has been remarkably influential in sociol- States. Morris’ examination of coopera- comparative social mobility, identification ogy, including The Hearts of Men (1987), tion and conflict within the Civil Rights Distinguished Career Award for the Practice of the stratification process in credential- which illustrates how gender roles have Movement and between black movement of Sociology ism, the importance of neoliberal political impacted men as well as women and have leaders and anti-racist white-led institu- S.M. “Mike” ideology, and early work on gender rela- prevented America from realizing its full tions broke new ground. In countless pub- Miller exemplifies the tions among dual-earner couples are but a potential. Ehrenreich demonstrates that lic lectures in the years since, and in three outstanding contribu- few notable examples. it’s not simply women who are negatively additional co-edited books and numerous tions to sociological Miller’s scholarship has been recog- affected by gender roles, but that members articles, chapters, and reports, Morris has practice recognized nized with numerous awards and honors, of both sexes follow their specific roles, explored the promise of contemporary by this award. His including several visiting scholar positions hindering the entire American population. justice movements in light of the Civil distinguished career and fellowships throughout his career. He One of her most notable books, Nickel Rights Movement’s legacies. Equally com- in sociological prac- has been a Guggenheim Fellow, a German and Dimed (2001), a first-hand account of mitted to bringing greater understanding tice has spanned six Marshall Fund Fellow, an International living on minimum wage, opened the eyes and recognition of W.E.B. DuBois, Morris’ decades, throughout Fellow with the Institute for Family and of the public to the American working- most recent articles, presentations, and which he has made important and lasting Environmental Research, and a Fulbright class struggles. It dramatically changed campaign to name the ASA’s Distinguished contributions in academics and beyond. Lecturer in India. the misguided assumptions that average Career of Scholarship award after DuBois Crossing the boundaries of social science He has a notable history in service to the people had about white collar workers, and have resulted in far greater awareness of and social practice has been the hallmark of discipline that demonstrates the confidence continues to be used as a teaching resource DuBois’s long and brave history of intense Miller’s career as he has turned his socio- his professional colleagues have placed in in classrooms across the country. public engagement (national and inter- logical ideas into action and social action him and his able and well-respected leader- Ehrenreich has succeeded in various national) and formidable, but remarkably into ideas He is a respected academic, a ship across the discipline. He has been areas such as think pieces and investiga- under-appreciated, corpus of scholarship. public intellectual who has been involved the president of the Eastern Sociological tive journalism, always bringing a new One of today’s great public sociologists, in translating sociological ideas for diverse Society and Society for the Scientific Study sociological approach to the table. Aside Morris not only honors, but also actively audiences, an activist in some of the most of Social Problems. He chaired the National from her numerous published books, her extends DuBois’s legacy. By organizing important social movements of the past Council of Science Committee on Under- accomplishments have reached a variety scholarly panels highlighting social move- half century, and a leader in shaping policy Enumeration in the Census, co-chaired the of media. She was a regular columnist for ment contributions of women and trade debates in the United States and interna- American Academy of Arts and Science Time magazine and contributes frequently unionists of color; raising funds to develop tionally. He has also been a supportive Committee on Poverty and Stratification, to The Progressive. She has written for the African American historical archives; mentor to hundreds of young scholars and and was president and co-founder of the New York Times, The New Republic, Mother participating in Global South conferences activists. International Sociological Association’s Jones, Ms, among other publications. Today, (to make public and improve pre- and Currently, Miller is research professor Research Committee on Poverty, Social she continues to write opinion pieces and post-apartheid South Africa condi- of sociology at Boston College, directs the Welfare, and Social Policy. essays, which are routinely featured on her tions); consulting on the award-winning Project on Inequality and Poverty at the For weaving together a life and career blog. Her dedication to social activism on documentary series, Eyes on the Prize; and Commonwealth Institute, and serves on that includes a commitment to sociological issues such as health care, women’s rights, regularly serving as a radio and televi- the board of United for a Fair Economy, practice and social action that has resulted and class equality remains strong; she sion broadcast guest (local and national which he co-founded. He also serves in these outstanding contributions, we founded the group United Professionals in programs), first-generation ASA Minority on the board of the Poverty and Race recognize S.M. “Mike” Miller with the 2009 2006, advocating health reform and equal fellow, Aldon Morris, inspires future Research Action Council in Washington, ASA Distinguished Career Award for the benefits for white collar professionals. generations (as did DuBois) to pass on to DC, and isthe first social scientist to serve Practice of Sociology. Barbara Ehrenreich’s contributions others what was passed on to him. in that capacity. to the sociological field have become Widely known as a warm, generous, Barbara Ehrenreich Such “firsts” run throughout Miller’s immeasurable. Over time, she has brought accessible, direct, imaginative, humorous, career. He founded Ideas for Action in the Excellence in the Reporting of Social Issues sociology and injustice to the forefront of and highly effective teacher, mentor, advo- late 1940s, a magazine that brought social Award the minds of the public. Her name is syn- cate, and collaborator, Morris’ nominators science ideas to union and community Barbara onymous with social change, and her body (and the awards committee concurs) offer activists. He helped found Social Policy Ehrenreich, ASA’s of work repeatedly challenges sociological special praise for his longstanding choice to and has remained a contributing editor 2009 recipient of the theory and pushes us to delve deeper into use whatever influence comes with leader- for three decades. During the civil rights Excellence in the the reporting of social issues. ship roles he assumes (and there have been movement of the 1960s, he organized and Reporting of Social dozens) to expand awareness and inclusion Aldon Morris chaired a social science advisory com- Issues Award, is a of scholars of color and others too often mittee to the Congress on Racial Equality renowned author Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award relegated to the margins of the discipline, (CORE), joined the Ford Foundation and activist who has Aldon D. Morris academy, and society. Morris’ advocacy is and initiated that Foundation’s support consistently pushed is the 2009 recipient evident in the expanded presence and ASA of Latino advocacy groups and grants for social change throughout the second half of the ASA’s Cox- leadership roles many younger scholars of to CORE, the National Urban League, of the 20th century. This award recognizes Johnson-Frazier color have recently assumed. and the Southern Christian Leadership the contributions of an individual who has Award, named for Years of tireless service have earned Conference (SCLC). He wrote speeches for been especially effective in disseminating African American Morris the deep respect of his peers, as Martin Luther King, Jr., and an economic sociological perspectives and research, a sociologists Oliver evidenced by the honors he has received policy chapter in Where Do We Go From description that perfectly suits the work of Cromwell Cox, and continuing calls for his leadership. Here? King’s 1967 Annual Report to the Barbara Ehrenreich. She has dedicated her Charles S. Johnson A few highlights: Morris has twice been SCLC. He was also active in the areas of life to informing the general public of social and E. Franklin Frazier. Through path- asked to run for ASA Vice President—and welfare rights and anti-poverty policies. injustices and has consequently furthered breaking scholarship that challenges and, once for ASR editor. So far, he’s chosen Poverty policies, both in the United sociology as a discipline tremendously. when necessary, overturns conventional instead to serve as a member of one or States and internationally, have been a After receiving her PhD in cell biol- thinking; humane, inclusive, and transfor- more demanding ASA committee (such career-long area of focus for Miller. He ogy, Ehrenreich opted for a career path mative teaching and mentoring; construc- as Nominations, Program, Committee has been involved with national policy of exposing societal inequalities, ranging tive and peaceful direct confrontation in on Committees, Council, etc.) for nearly creation, community organizations, or from sexism in health care to economic pursuit of social justice; and longstanding each of the last 20 years. From 1986-88, consulting in China, Ireland, Israel, France, justice for all Americans. She published public engagement in service of building he served as President of the Association Great Britain, Hungary, Malaysia, and two books in 1969, a scientific monograph and transforming institutions to better of Black Sociologists (ABS), receiv- the Soviet Union. The European Union’s and a commentary on the student move- include and serve all communities, Morris ing its Outstanding Leadership Award poverty policy is based on his theoretical ment. Luckily for us, she followed political truly embodies the living tradition of criti- in 1988 and Certificate of Leadership perspectives. activism rather than a scientific career. cal public engagement. Award in 1995. Since 2003, Morris has Miller’s perspectives have informed She has written 18 books over four Within four years of earning his PhD served as Associate Dean for Faculty at audiences ranging from grassroots activists decades, including Witches, Midwives from SUNY-Stonybrook, Morris published Northwestern University, where he previ- to public officials, foundations, journalists, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers the timeless classic The Origins of the Civil ously directed the Asian American Studies and the general public. He has held a range (1972), a concise booklet detailing a Rights Movement: Black Communities Program (2002-05), chaired the Sociology of editorial positions with leading publica- history of women’s suppression and the Organizing for Change. The recipient Department (1992-97), and served on the tions including the American Sociological underlying causes of poor health care. This of multiple best book awards and other Center for Afro-American and African Review, Social Policy, and the International book began Ehrenreich’s transformation scholarly recognition, Origins challenged Studies’ Executive Committee (1984-88). Journal of Urban and Regional Research. into an investigative journalist and sociolo- reigning sociological orthodoxy on the The Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award A prolific writer in his own right, Miller gist, sparking her crusade for better health Civil Rights Movement by documenting Committee enthusiastically and unani- has published more than 300 monographs, care for women as well as greater access to the multiple ways black communities— mously commends Morris for his books, articles, opinion pieces, and notes information about health. north and south—strategically employed longstanding service to multiple commu-
American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org footnotes • November/December 2009 9 nities, within and beyond the academy; and events, and the effect hatred can have hallmarks of her work is that she never loses South African com- his influential and vital body of classic and on society and culture. Americans must sight of the larger impact of her scholarly munities with the continuing research on the origins and ask not only why we hate but why others work and its ultimate importance for help- political economy of multi-generational influences of the Black hate us. Levin’s work reminds us that in the ing us to understand gender inequality in the post-Apartheid Protest Movement; and his leadership chal- United States, most terrorist acts come from society: what creates it, what maintains it, health system to lenging social injustice and the exclusion within, not from afar. While the media is why it persists despite major changes in the elucidate the ways and under-recognition of scholars of color. quick to look for individual psychopathol- socioeconomic organization of society, and in which individuals May his example continue to remind us of ogy in those who commit acts of terrorism what must be done to undermine the inter- negotiate the twin, the importance of lifting our individual and or violent crimes, Levin’s work draws our actional forces that feed gender inequality.” and sometimes para- collective voices to speak truth to power. attention to the impact of social injustice, Ridgeway effectively demonstrates what doxical, worlds of traditional healers and isolation, social environment, and domestic feminist scholars consistently argue for, contemporary medicine. As Decoteau con- Jack Levin policies in the lives of individuals. Levin namely, the “incorporation of gender into cludes, the result of the tensions between Public Understanding of Sociology Award educates and enlightens but also offers ideas a general understanding of social process these two worlds is a culturally hybrid Jack Levin is for how we can combat hate and violent in a multi-level formulation that incorpo- identity among many post-Apartheid the Brudnick of crimes in the future. In order to create rates interactional, group, and societal level South African Blacks, in which ideolo- Sociology and change, the sociological perspective must be phenomena” Lynn Smith-Lovin writes. gies, norms, and values cutting across the Criminology and brought to the attention of policy makers, Judith Howard emphasizes that Ridgeway international, national, and local level co-director of the law enforcement, and the public. We must “is one of the very few sociologists working intersect and interact in complex ways. Center on Violence see the acts of individuals embedded in today who has effectively operational- This dissertation illustrates the potential and Conflict at their social context. ized the frequent call for use of multiple power of theoretically grounded, mixed- Northeastern levels of analysis and multiple methods of methods sociological research to advance Cecilia Ridgeway University in Boston. research. Through both experimental and our conceptual understanding of political Levin’s work on hate Jessie Bernard Award field-based research, she has pushed the and public health issues while inform- crimes, mass murder, serial killers, and The 2009 Jessie horizons of understanding about small ing policy intervention and practice for a prejudice has made him one of the most Bernard Award group processes, processes through which timely social problem. widely recognized and quoted sociologists winner is Stanford status is created and enacted, and brings More specifically, the focus of this in the public sector. For over 25 years, University’s Lucie these to bear on questions of stratification.” dissertation is the widespread tendency Levin has used the sociological perspective Stern Professor Ridgeway has produced important for Black South African men and women to contextualize sensational media stories, of Social Sciences eloquent theoretical and experimental living through the HIV/AIDS pandemic dispel myths, influence public policy, and Cecilia Ridgeway. research while also mentoring students and to switch back and forth between tradi- change how people think about violence Ridgeway is a junior faculty and performing exemplary tional, indigenous forms of healing and and hate crimes. path-breaking social professional service. She has served on edi- biomedical forms of healing even though Levin’s work has been visible in the psychologist whose scholarship enhances torial boards of three sociological journals, the field of health care and services itself public sphere through op-eds, scholarly “our understanding of gender inequality as as editor of several special issues, and as typically separates and divides these two and trade books, and regular appearances much as, or more than, anyone else dur- editor of Social Psychology Quarterly. She approaches from each other. Indeed, on television programs. Levin has authored ing the last half of the 20th century” Linda has also served as Chair of ASA’s Sections given the effectiveness and availability or co-authored more than 100 op-eds in Molm notes in her nomination letter. on Social Psychology, Sex and Gender, of advanced biomedical treatments (e.g., major newspapers, such as The New York Ridgeway’s scholarship has been pub- and Sociology of Emotions. In addition, anti-retrovirals), many view this mixed Times, Boston Globe, Dallas Morning News, lished in all the top sociology journals and she was elected president of the Pacific approach to healing as irrational. Drawing Philadelphia Inquirer, Christian Science in every significant handbook and impor- Sociological Association. on a conceptual framework derived Monitor, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, tant edited collection in the fields of social Furthermore, Ridgeway has been a from Bourdieu and Foucault, Decoteau and USA Today, and 30 books, including psychology and gender. The significance of tireless advocate for institutional policies to explored these issues with an ethno- his most recent, Serial Killers and Sadistic her scholarship was recognized by ASA’s promote gender equality, always linking this graphic, qualitative analysis of health Murderers-Up Close and Personal (2008). Social Psychology Section, which awarded effort with her scholarship. For example, care practitioners, indigenous healers, In addition, he frequently appears on her the 2004 Cooley-Mead Award, the sec- one aspect of her research on gender and and HIV-infected populations in formal national television programs, including 48 tion’s highest honor. group processes emphasizes the significance townships and informal settlements. Hours, 20/20, Dateline NBC, The Today Ridgeway’s theoretical and empiri- of legitimation for women leaders. One Her analytical approach was designed to Show, Good Morning America, Oprah, cal research has been front and center in of her many contributions is the develop- understand how individuals, especially The O’Reilly Factor, Larry King Live, and sociology and psychology. She was asked ment of a theory that maps the conditions those from historically disenfranchised all network newscasts. to contribute the lead theoretical article through which women can acquire the nec- segments of the population, choose health Levin’s contributions to advance the in two special issues of the psychology essary legitimation to be effective leaders. care and, more generally, seek to improve sociological perspective have extended journal The Journal of Social Issues, which In sum, as nominator Joey Sprague con- or maintain their health. Regardless of far beyond the media. He has testified in demonstrates the broad reach of her schol- cludes, “In her longstanding commitment social class, educational attainment, or criminal and civil court cases, consulted arship. Her research on status construction to ending gender inequality, in the sub- other related factors, Black South Africans with prosecution and defense attorneys in theory powerfully explains how a nominal stantive contribution her work makes to tend to access the full spectrum of healing a variety of cases including murder, dis- characteristic like gender acquires status actually helping to do that, and in the way approaches, from the most traditional crimination, and hate crimes. He has also value and thus reproduces inequality. Her she interpersonally supports women who practices rooted in pre-Apartheid condi- consulted with state and local politicians, effort to link micro-processes and macro- are more junior than she, Cecilia Ridgeway tions for Blacks to the more “modern” superintendents of schools, and other structures has transformed scholarly exemplifies the legacy of Jessie Bernard.” practices promulgated by western health community groups. His work on why we thinking by illuminating how interactional care systems. This approach to healing Claire Laurier Decoteau hate and violence based on difference has processes preserve gender hierarchies. reflects a kind of hybrid habitus that can made him a frequent speaker on college Her 1992 book Gender, Interaction, and ASA Dissertation Award develop among colonized populations to campuses and at conferences in the United Inequality, a now classic study in the status The 2009 ASA Dissertation Award navigate between the “modern” and “tra- States and internationally. characteristic tradition, offers a compre- recipient is Claire Decoteau for The Bio- ditional” worlds. It powerfully captures Levin is an award-winning teacher in hensive explication of this innovative Politics of HIV/AIDS in Post-Apartheid the ways in which health-seeking behav- the classroom at Northeastern University. research. Ridgeway’s subsequent research South Africa. Decoteau conducted this ior occurs at the nexus of major social, He regularly teaches classes on the sociol- further demonstrates that status processes research while working toward a PhD political, and economic trends, including ogy of violence and hate, which students in collective groups are fundamentally in Sociology from the University of neoliberal economic restructuring, the flock to year after year. He also teaches collaborative, rather than a contest of Michigan-Ann Arbor. She is now con- spread of global health services, and the classes on statistics, has written two books dominance, for both women and men. In tinuing this line of work as an Assistant politics of race and gender. More to the on elementary statistics, and has worked another line of research, she examines the Professor in the Department of Sociology point, because the HIV/AIDS pandemic to increase public understanding of the relation between status processes in collec- at the University of Illinois-Chicago. began during a pivotal transitional period methods of sociology and their usefulness tive groups and socio-emotional behav- Based on two years of intensive eth- in South African history, it became a for students, policy makers, and the public. ior. A related dimension of her extensive nographic field research in South Africa, central site for struggles over this transi- In recognition for his outstanding teach- research portfolio expands expectation this masterful dissertation elegantly links tion and related social upheaval—the ing, Levin won Northeastern University’s states theory to incorporate emotions and the pandemic of HIV/AIDS in poor, Black See Awards, page 12 prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award, nonverbal behavior and their role in per- the Professor of the Year Award from the petuating gender inequality. Massachusetts Council for Advancement Commenting on the applied nature Call for Nominations and Support of Education (CASE), and the of her important work, Molm praised ASA members are encouraged to submit nominations for the above ASA awards. CASE Professor of the Year award. Ridgeway’s ability to explain, in accessible Awards are presented at the ASA Annual Meeting each August. The deadline for sub- In today’s post-9/11 world, Levin’s terms, “the changing status of women in mission of nominations is January 31 unless noted otherwise in the individual award research helps the public understand hate America, the persistence of gender inequal- criteria. For more information, see the awards section of the ASA homepage at
tion of hierarchies of places (at the local, his students, from demographer Donald the Philippines, and elsewhere. Amos Hawley national, and global levels) characterized Bogue to organizational ecologists Michael For his many contributions to popula- from page 1 by competitive-cooperation. Hannan and John Freeman. Hannan and tion studies, Amos was elected president societies rise and fall over the long wave, Interestingly, Amos was among the few Freeman’s classic article “The Population of the Population Association of America human society tends to progress through American scholars in the 1950s and 1960s Ecology of Organizations” (American Journal (1971-72). In 1990, he received the Robert cumulative advances and transferability who dispassionately engaged Marx. After of Sociology, 1977) began as a paper in Amos’ and Helen Lynd Award from the American of technology and economic organization. considering the predictions of Malthus and UNC graduate seminar. Howard Aldrich, Sociological Association for his research The result is societal growth measured in those of Marx about the relationship of the current chair of UNC’s Department of and scholarship on community and terms of system complexity, energy and size of a population to available resources, he Sociology, contends that this article changed urban sociology. Also that year, Cornell products consumed, territory covered, and came down firmly on the side of Marx, find- the field of organization studies forever. University honored Amos with an award population supported. ing corroboration for the principle that access Amos contributed as much to practice for outstanding achievements and contri- A precursor of his conceptualiza- to resources is limited in the first instance as to theory, and he was as accomplished butions to sociological human ecology. At tion of societal growth was his models of by social organization. While certainly not a in the field as in the classroom. He served UNC, The Amos Hawley Distinguished ecological (system) expansion. Extending Marxist scholar, he felt an affinity for some on the advisory committee for the 1960 Professorship is named in his honor. the works of Charles Horton Cooley and of Marx’s theorizing and revisited the issue United States census and on numerous Amos’ final request characterized his Roderick McKenzie, he explicated (and several times in his career, most recently in National Academy of Sciences committees modest and generous persona. He asked quantified) how socio-spatial system “Human Ecological and Marxian Theories” and boards (1960-1978). Amos also was a that no funeral or memorial service be held expansion occurs through advances in (American Journal of Sociology, 1984). demographic adviser for the government and that any memorial contributions be of Malaysia (1973-74), directed the census made to a fund for the benefit of graduate transportation and communication tech- Various Contributions nology that integrate dispersed populations of Aruba in 1960, and was an adviser to students in the Department of Sociology at and their economic organizations over Amos’ calm manner belied his sharp, the prime minister’s office in Thailand UNC. This fund has now been established ever-widening territories. An outcome original mind, which frequently inspired (1964-65). He conducted field studies of and designated by UNC as The Amos of the expansion process is the forma- curiosity and originality among many of populations and urban land use in Japan, Hawley Memorial Fund.
American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org footnotes • November/December 2009 11 years, I found that they had many stimulat- the University of Texas (UT). A few years and demographers recognized Hawley’s He was gracious as well as generous with ing ideas that they had gotten from him, later, one of his UNC students, Parker stellar contributions by electing him to his time and resources. When I encounter ideas that opened up new perspectives for Frisbie, joined the UT faculty and we the Presidency of both the American Amos’ former students (undergraduate me. Above all, I came to appreciate the began collaborating. Virtually all our work Sociological Association and the and graduate), they invariably remark kind of unambiguously operationalizable drew on Hawley’s human ecological per- Population Association of America. He about his gentle but very effective style of and testable theory Hawley’s work pro- spective, and much of our published work is only one of seven persons ever to be letting them know when they were not see- vided—something that was badly lacking benefited from his reading and critique. elected president of both organizations. It ing things clearly. He would say “Have you in the then-dominant Parsonsian theory. Whenever we met, sometimes at profes- will be a long time before sociology and considered …” or he would give them a I can’t resist drawing attention to one sional meetings, he was always interested demography will have a scholar, mentor, book or article to read that would inevita- aspect of his highly productive and fruitful in my research and what I was studying. and exceptional human being the like of bly lead them to improve their understand- life that many may not know about and I Seldom do star professors at major univer- Amos Hawley. ing and their research. certainly can’t claim to have anticipated. sities take such an interest in the work of Dudley L. Poston, Jr., Texas A&M University The last time I saw Amos, he was After he retired, he began writing short young faculty from other places. approaching the century mark. His stories which he self published and shared With regard to our discipline, Hawley gait had slowed, his sight had dimin- with some of his friends. To my amazement, was truly a giant. His Human Ecology Amos Hawley was a gentleman. Indeed, ished, and his hearing had become less the best of them were every bit as good as defined the field of sociological human a modest gentleman despite his brilliant acute. But he was his usual analytical the best of O’Henry’s! Like O’Henry’s, they ecology and remains its definitive exposi- scholarly accomplishments. His modesty self, inquiring about my and his other had a surprising and unexpected ending. tion. In Human Ecology Hawley developed was apparent to all who knew him. Our visitors’ research and well-being. And Sadly, however, this second career came to and articulated an encompassing theory tributes here, while appropriate and fitting yes, as we moved to go to the garden, he an end when his eyesight failed him several of one of the key problems faced by the for a former ASA president, would prob- maneuvered so that he could hold the years ago. human species, namely, the growth and ably have been anathema to Amos. Rather door open for others. Gerhard Lenski, Hansville, WA survival of social systems. The publica- than my writing these words, he would Finally, as testimony to his scholarly tion is a truly classic contribution to the have preferred that I spend the time doing achievements, just before writing these literature of sociology and demography research, talking with colleagues, keeping words, I was reviewing a paper on climate Amos Hawley was neither my teacher and commands and requires our attention up with world events or simply relaxing and migration, for which I will serve as a nor my colleague. But I view his death as to this day. The contribution ofHuman with family. discussant at an international population a tremendous loss, both personally and to Ecology parallels in important ways the Amos’ gentlemanly character was conference. The authors use Amos’ 1950 the profession. contributions of Emile Durkheim, Max evident upon my arriving in Chapel Hill as classic, Human Ecology, to frame their Hawley played a key role in the first two Weber, Karl Marx, Robert Merton, and an assistant professor. I had the supreme discussion of factors affecting migration. It decades of my professional career. I first others all of whom developed theories good fortune of being assigned an office is a book, a theory, a perspective that is as met him in 1968 when I interviewed for a about societal problems and issues that next to Amos (perhaps because the then fresh today as it was almost 60 years ago. faculty position at North Carolina. I was continue to be relevant decades after department chair was aware how much Ronald R. Rindfuss, University of North offered a job there, but instead took one at their initial publication. Sociologists I would benefit from Amos’ mentoring). Carolina-Chapel Hill
spoke about “Mapping the Mind and the past few decades, their Congressional Brain.” Psychologist Elke Weber of participation rates in certain from page 6 Columbia University made a presentation STEM disciplines remain dis- in a country, do not originate from genetic titled “Decisions Matter: Understanding proportionately low. Rep. Vern and biological differences. Nor do differ- How and Why We Make Decisions About Ehlers (R-MI), the Ranking ences in traditional risk behaviors explain the Environment.” Jonathan Wilkenfeld, Member on the Subcommittee, the prevalence patterns. Rather, the key University of Maryland, made a presen- reiterated a foundational factor is the degree to which people are tation titled “Conflict, Terrorism and premise in the science policy engaged in sex with concurrent partners. Resilience,” based on work of the National community: strengthening Multiple concurrent sexual contacts create Consortium for the Study of Terrorism math and science education is connectivity networks that are instrumen- and Response to Terrorism (START), one essential to America’s economic of the Department of Homeland Security’s competitiveness. tal in enhancing the transmission of HIV. NSTC SBE Briefing July 16, 2009 l-r( ) Elke Weber, David Poep- Centers of Excellence. Among other initiatives to Morris demonstrated through a dynamic pel, Jonathan Wilkenfeld, David Lightfoot, and Martina Mor- address gender disparities in schematic graphical image how even Recruiting and Retaining Girls and ris. (Photo by Robert Stevens) STEM areas, NSF launched its seemingly minor increases in the num- Women in STEM ber of concurrent partners can generate Program for Women and Girls white male culture that is often hostile to radically different transmission rates in Sociologist Sandra Hanson, Catholic in 1993 in order to increase the participa- women and minorities.” sexual networks. Within the United States, University, served as a witness before tion of girls and women pursuing education Hanson cautioned that there is not a the number of concurrent sexual partners the House Committee on Science and in all fields of STEM. The expectation was simple “women vs men” dichotomy in within networks could account for racial/ Technology’s Research and Science that this would change the gender makeup STEM, as men and women across race and ethnic differences in HIV incidence. Education Subcommittee in a July hear- of STEM professions downstream. This social classes sustain different experi- U.S. Representative Brian Baird ing devoted to gender differences in program has continued under different ences in STEM. “Gender cultures vary (D-WA), Chair of the House Research STEM (science, technology, engineering, names, but its functions are now conducted tremendously across race groups,” she and Science Education Subcommittee, mathematics) education and careers. The by the Research and Gender in Science said. Hanson’s recent research on African and Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Chair Committee on Science and Technology and Engineering Program (GSE). GSE has American women in science shows this of the Research and Science Education oversees the authorizations of the National issued a series of publications to assist edu- population has a considerable interest and Subcommittee, provided congratulatory Science Foundation (NSF). The present cators, employers, and parents to promote engagement in science, and this research comments to the SBE community at the hearing was convened to explore research gender diversity in STEM. But, recent data extends to Asian Americans and Latinos. beginning of the briefing and expressed findings, best practices, and the role of the released by the National Assessment of Perhaps surprising, her work indicates that strong support for the behavioral and federal government in changing the demo- Educational Progress reveals a small but Asian American girls do not match Asian social sciences. The latter subcommittee graphics of U.S. STEM fields by increasing continuing achievement discrepancy in American boys in science achievement. soon will undertake reauthorization of the the appeal of these areas to girls in grades math and science between boys and girls in Regarding structural barriers and National Science Foundation (NSF), which K-12. ASA collaborated with COSSA to primary and secondary school. gender-biased selection processes, Hanson identify Hanson as a witness especially funds much of the basic research in the Sociological Research reported that her research also shows that social and behavioral sciences and science relevant to the Subcommittee’s purposes. “the problem of talented young women education. Opening remarks covering an The panel also included Alan I. Leshner, Hanson’s testimony provided an leaving science (and of a shortage of overview of the report were provided by CEO of the American Association for the overview of her decades of research on women in science, in general) says less David Lightfoot, one of three co-authors Advancement of Science; Marcia Brumit girls in relation to STEM education and about the characteristics of young women of the report and the former Assistant Kropt, CEO of Girl’s Incorporated; Barbara careers, the current status of the research, and more about external social barri- Director for NSF’s Social, Behavioral Bogue, Associate Professor Engineering and a dissemination of research findings. ers and processes. These factors “directly and Economic Sciences Directorate. Science and Mechanics and Women in Hanson’s research indicates that young affect STEM achievement through gender Lightfoot emphasized the importance of Engineering at Pennsylvania State College girls do not begin school with low STEM discrimination,” and they indirectly trans- understanding human activity through of Engineering; and Cherryl Thomas, achievement and that young women’s mit “gendered” socialization and unequal examining the brain and the mind. The President of Ardmore Associates, LLC. increasing presence and success in STEM allocation of science resources in families, report, said Lightfoot, connects research to Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Daniel education is disproportionate to their schools, and even the mass media. These national policy needs. Lipinski’s (D-IL) opening remarks at the presence in science occupations. In spite processes often work to subtly, albeit The other research speakers on the hearing noted that while girls and women of increasing participation of women in subconsciously, affect the way students and panel included neuroscientist David have broken through barriers in both STEM education and occupations, Hanson teachers behave relative to STEM educa- Poeppel of New York University, who STEM education and the workforce over maintains that “science continues to be a tion, she said. footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association 12 footnotes • November/December 2009
in arrests, physical and verbal abuse, as well as sexual harassment of people the Public Sociology police profiled as prostitutes occurred. These issues demanded an immediate response; the research was a step in that direction. Sociology translates to public action The first step was data collection, which involved more than 130 surveys developed by the team of community members and included a small number of his occasional column highlights sociologists who successfully engage sociology qualitative interviews. The report was supplemented with research on the history Tin the civic arena in service to organizations and communities. Sociologists of DC prostitution laws. An introduction provided social aspects that create the as individual professionals and citizens have sought to make the knowledge we need for a street economy—like sex work—and explored topics such as gentrifica- generate directly relevant to our communities, countries, and the world community. tion, violence, and health and HIV risk, which helped frame the presentation of Many sociologists within the academy and in other sectors practice the translation results. This research systematically documented that the District’s police accost of expert knowledge to numerous critical issues through consultation, advisement, individuals on the street, and if they discover that the individuals possess con- testimony, commentary, writing, and participation in a variety of activities and doms, the police accuse them of prostitution, often resulting in arrests or harass- venues. Readers are invited to submit contributions, but consult with Managing ment and confiscation of the condoms. (This interpretation and implementation Editor Johanna Olexy ([email protected], (202) 383-9005 x312) prior to submitting of the law has immediate public health implications for those engaged in prostitu- your draft (1,000 to 1,200 words maximum). tion, which compromises their safety and can lead to HIV exposure.) Training was a critical component of the project. Because our idea was to develop a project that was conducted and “owned” by the communities with [Not] Moving Along: The Policing whom Different Avenues works, the training concept outlined on the proposal— with me as the professor partnering to impart knowledge about methods—was and Regulating of Public Space problematic. What we did instead of a traditional academic training was to list all the sociological topics that Hickey and I felt were essential to understand the by Salvador Vidal-Ortiz, American University “why” of the research. Thus, every participant trained the rest of us on immigra- tion, gender identity, transsexual/transgender experiences, gentrification, racism, efore the term “Public Sociology” was established, the scope of applied work homophobia, and alternated these conversations with segments, for example, Bthat is foundational to participatory action research, or, more recently, com- on writing field notes, interviewing techniques, survey analysis, and video munity-based research, offered a great opportunity to showcase the importance ethnography. of sociology to those who were not formally educated as sociologists. My recent Community Writes the Report experience working on one such project illustrates an alternative way of engag- ing the publics, and I am hopeful that it demonstrates a detachment of the use of After the training, data collection took place in various settings that were under methods and theory in academic spaces. Public constant police surveillance. Most sex work sociology also signals to academics that we need targeted by the DC police is street sex work, to challenge the notion that our privileged formal rather than sex work in other venues, because education is the best environment for knowledge Public sociology also signals to the politically privileged and wealthier sex clients making. are more difficult to target, although some erotic Shortly after starting my job at American academics that we need to challenge dance clubs have been targeted as well. The University, I collaborated with and developed a the notion that our priviledged for- people surveyed were predominantly people of research plan with the non-profit organization color, immigrants, of all sexual orientations, and Different Avenues (www.differentavenues.org). mal education is the best environ- of transgendered and non-transgendered experi- The organization works with a diverse constitu- ence, thus making the report valuable as a tool ency, many of whom are homeless, immigrants, ment for knowledge making. for teaching and research in a variety of settings. people of color, and/or transgender/transsexual I supported the data collection process, advising people. Often, their members engage in the the community research team members on chal- street economy as a means of survival. This has lenges to their data collection; I also offered my included sex work, which has led to adverse encounters with the Washington, assistance in requesting information from the local police (based on the Freedom DC, police as well as arrest. From the project’s inception, Different Avenues of Information Act) on issues such as the number of prostitution-related arrests or Director Darby Hickey, myself, and members of a newly formed coalition dis- other relevant information. After data collection, I helped further the analysis on cussed various ways of collaborating. I sought to apply my sociological training in certain portions of the data, drawing on general themes. The result of this commu- the use of methods for community-based research with the coalition of DC agen- nity-based research was a report, Move Along: Policing Sex Work in Washington, cies on a research project that could be conceptualized and implemented from the DC, written by mostly non-academic participants from the coalition Alliance for a standpoint of the communities they serve. The research goal was to document the Safe & Diverse DC. My role was to edit or comment on the report; my writing was treatment by the city police of those profiled as prostitutes. minimal. I was consulted regularly, and I provided feedback as often as the require- ments of teaching and research would allow. A Community-Based Research Initiative The project was successful by showing its members that they can collaborate The discussion resulted in a community-based research proposal for which and pursue research on an issue of their interest, and it showcased the role of we received full funding from the Sociological Initiatives Foundation, an orga- community-based research on the topic of policing and regulation of spaces nization that focuses on social policy objectives and supports research to fur- deemed public. Lastly, it gave visibility to sociology as a welcoming field for social ther social change. With the grant, leaders of various non-profits (most notably justice-related research. The project encourages organizations like Different Hickey, the Director of Different Avenues while the research was implemented) Avenues to produce responsible and thorough reports on issues that matter to developed a training agenda. Our course of action was setting up research ques- their constituents, and to use that research to pursue funding opportunities to tions, locating and training potential survey administrators and field team mem- sustain their work. The coalition is currently researching the types of abuses bers, deciding on appropriate methods, refining a survey with questions drafted arrested people face when they are processed, advancing our understanding of by the organization members, creating a timeframe, and assigning responsibilities how those profiled as prostitutes are treated. While DC police are still asking indi- for the data collection, clean-up, and analysis, and, lastly, generating a summary viduals in public settings to “move along,” making those profiled feel as though report. they are lesser citizens (in the stratified DC of politics*), this type of public sociol- Unlike most academic research, time was not on our side—we received fund- ogy can begin a dialogue to question the systems in place. ing in early 2007 for a one-year project. However, the pressures were not fund- * Regarding the difference between the Washington of politics and the DC of poor communities, ing driven, they were related to the passage of a DC law in 2006 that allowed see, for instance, Modan, Gabriella Gahlia. 2007. “Mt. Pleasant History and Social Geography” the police to arrest anyone they considered a person “profiled as a prostitute” in Pp. 34-87, in Turf Wars: Discourse, Diversity, and the Politics of Place. Malden, MA: Blackwell newly declared “prostitution-free zones”. After the passage of this law, an increase Publishers.
dissertation, as well as the rigorous com- most pertinent to sociology (and a public and compassionate dissertation tackles the Awards prehensive approach that Decoteau took sociology that is engaged): social inequali- broader problem many people around the continued from page 9 to the topic, garnered the enthusiastic sup- ties, access to health care, and the politics world face as they draw on traditional and indigenous practices that persisted among port of the Dissertation Award Committee. of services. In doing so, it brings AIDS to biomedical forms of healing simultane- Black South Africans during Apartheid as Some of their comments go a long way a global scale and sociology to an applied ously, yet without a sense of incongruity. a form of social resistance survived in the towards explaining why it was selected as level.” And from another, “This is a timely, In doing so, her research is poised to have post-Apartheid era for similar reasons. the winner this year. well-written, and theoretically informed a noteworthy impact on health policy in The groundbreaking nature of this “This dissertation tackles several issues ethnography. Above all, Decoteau’s astute South Africa and around the world.” American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org footnotes • November/December 2009 13 Call for ASA Award Nominations
SA members are encouraged to submit contributions may include preparation of viduals for their promotion of socio- Award for Public Understanding of Anominations for the following ASA teaching- and curriculum-related mate- logical findings and a broader vision of Sociology awards. Award selection committees, rials and publications, participation in sociology. The ASA would like to recog- This award is given annually to a person appointed by ASA Council, are constituted the scholarship of teaching and learning, nize the contributions of those who have or persons who have made exemplary to review nominations. These awards are development and communication of inno- been especially effective in disseminating contributions to advance the public under- presented at the ASA Annual Meeting vative teaching techniques, leadership in sociological perspectives and research. standing of sociology, sociological research, each August. The deadline for submission teaching-related workshops and symposia, The ASA is cognizant of the fact that there and scholarship among the general public. of nominations is January 31, 2010, unless involvement in innovative program devel- are many professionals (e.g., journalists, The award may recognize a contribution in otherwise noted. opment, and contributions to the enhance- filmmakers) whose job it is to translate the preceding year or for a longer career of ment of teaching within state, regional, or and interpret a wide range of informa- W.E.B. DuBois Career of such contributions. Nominations should national associations. The award typically tion, including sociological perspectives Distinguished Scholarship Award include the nominee’s vita and a detailed is given for a series of contributions span- and research, for the general public. This one to two page nomination statement This award honors scholars who have ning several years or a career, although it award is intended to promote a broader that describes how the person’s work has shown outstanding commitment to the may recognize a single project of excep- vision of sociology and gain public sup- contributed to increasing the public under- profession of sociology and whose cumula- tional impact. The award is not designed port for the discipline. standing and knowledge of sociology. tive work has contributed in important to recognize outstanding teaching abil- Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award ways to the advancement of the discipline. ity at one’s own institution unless that is Jessie Bernard Award The body of lifetime work may include part of a career with a broader impact. The Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award is The Jessie Bernard Award is given in theoretical and/or methodological con- Individuals, departments, schools, or other given to an individual or individuals for recognition of scholarly work that has tributions. The award selection commit- collective actors are eligible. Nominations their work in the intellectual traditions of enlarged the horizons of sociology to tee is particularly interested in work that should include the nominee and a one- to the work of these three African American encompass fully the role of women in soci- substantially reorients the field in general two-page statement explaining the basis of scholars. Cox, Johnson, and Frazier ety. The contribution may be in empirical or in a particular subfield. Nominations the nomination. Nominations should also placed their scholarship in service to research, theory, or methodology. It is should include a copy of the nominee’s include a vita, if applicable, and relevant social justice, with an eye toward advanc- presented for significant cumulative work curriculum vitae and letters in support supporting materials. ing the status of disadvantaged popula- done throughout a professional career. The of the nomination. The most compelling tions. Their scholarship was not limited to Distinguished Career Award for the award is open to women or men and is not cases contain five to eight letters from a just the gathering of more data, but was Practice of Sociology restricted to sociologists. Only members variety of individuals able to speak to the rather scholarship that was attempting to of the American Sociological Association qualifications of the nominees. The person This award honors outstanding contri- better conditions globally. Cox, Johnson, may submit nominations for the Jessie making the nomination should obtain this butions to sociological practice. The award and Frazier worked to broaden the think- Bernard Award. Nominations for career material and forward it to the committee, may recognize work that has facilitated or ing of society and to broaden what the achievement should include a narrative let- with the nominee’s curriculum vitae, as a served as a model for the work of others; mainstream included. In the spirit of ter of nomination, a copy of the vita of the package. work that has significantly advanced the the lifetime efforts of Cox, Johnson, and nominee, and three supporting letters. utility of one or more specialty areas in Frazier, the committee invites nomina- Distinguished Book Award sociology and, by so doing, has elevated tions of individuals or institutions with Dissertation Award This award is given for a single book the professional status or public image of a record of outstanding work, such as, The ASA Dissertation Award honors published in 2007, 2008 and in the month the field as a whole; or work that has been but not limited to: Work on social justice the best PhD dissertation from among of January in 2009. Nominations must honored or widely recognized outside issues, Work on human rights, activism, those submitted by advisors and mentors come from members of the Association the discipline for its significant impacts, community efforts, the building of institu- in the discipline. Dissertations from PhD and should include the name of author, particularly in advancing human wel- tions, or sustaining programs, empha- recipients with degree awarded in the 2009 title of book, date of publication, publisher, fare. The recipient of this award will have sis on African American or similarly calendar year will be eligible for consid- and a brief statement about why the book spent at least a decade of substantial work disadvantaged racial/ethnic populations eration for the 2010 ASA Dissertation should be considered for this award. involving research, administrative, or that have experienced historical racial Awards. Nominations must be received operational responsibilities as a member of discrimination. Occasionally institu- Distinguished Contributions to from the student’s advisor or the scholar or consultant to private or public organiza- tional commitment to social justice, to Teaching Award most familiar with the student’s research. tions, agencies, or associations, or as a solo broadening the tradition to including and Nominations should explain the precise The ASA Distinguished Contributions practitioner. Nominations should include a empowering marginalized scholars and nature and merits of the work. to Teaching Award honors outstanding one- to two-page statement and the vita of marginalized peoples, is so compelling Please send nominations for all awards contributions to undergraduate and/or the nominee. that this award can recognize a communal to: American Sociological Association, graduate teaching of sociology. The award institutional effort. Nominations should Excellence in the Reporting of Social 1430 K Street, NW, Suite 600; (202) 383- recognizes contributions that have made include a one to two-page cover letter that Issues Award 9005; [email protected]. Online a significant impact on the manner in explains why the individual or institution submission form: www.asanet.org/cs/ which sociology is taught at a regional, The Award for Excellence in the fits the criteria, a CV, and possibly one or asa_major_awards_form. state, national, or international level. These Reporting of Social Issues honors indi- two additional letters of recommendation
Section-in-Formation Status Approved for Global and Transnational Sociology by George Ritzer, University of Maryland tees in place. It also has elected its officers sion of norms and culture (i.e., human will fill a major void in the association (I am the current Chair; George Thomas, and minority rights). Others may be and in sociology, as well as for those in t its August 2009 meeting in San Arizona State University, is the Chair- strongly rooted at the national level, but various other fields with an interest in AFrancisco, the ASA Council approved elect). There are about 350 names on our nonetheless have important transna- globalization. Section-in-Formation status for Global listserv and we believe that many more tional dimensions, such as inequality, Interested ASA members will have and Transnational Sociology. This is the will sign up for the section. The tempo- social movements, migration, envi- an opportunity to join the new section culmination of two years of hard work by rary website for the section is
he ASA provides two services for • Groups or organizations wishing Table Space Deadline Tindividuals or groups desiring to use to gather for other meetings such ASA members may apply for table space Formal letters of request—not e-mail meeting space at the Annual Meeting. ASA as those of a religious, political, or to display literature about related non-profit messages—for meeting space and/or Council policies on the use of such space special interest nature are required organizations or sociologically pertinent table space must be postmarked no later are outlined below. Because ASA Sections to submit a petition containing the projects. Available space is assigned without than February 26, 2010. Letters should have been allotted program time, they are signatures of 10 ASA members who charge on a first-come, first-served basis. be printed on the official stationery of excluded from these provisions. support the request. These groups ASA Sections are excluded from these the sponsoring organization or member’s will be assigned one meeting room Meeting Space provisions because two general display institution and must include sender’s from 8:00-10:00 pm on the second tables are provided for sections in the ASA signature. Groups wishing to meet in conjunction night of the meeting (August 15). registration area; requests from individual All letters requesting meeting space with the 2010 Annual Meeting may request If the number of requests exceeds sections for tables cannot be considered. should identify the nature of the meeting, space by sending a formal letter of request the available space, groups will be Due to the number of requests and the the number of people expected to attend, with signature (e-mail messages or files are assigned to the 6:30 pm time slot on limited space available for displays, two parties desired room setup or other physical not acceptable) to ASA Meeting Services by August 14 or 16. are usually assigned to each table. There are space needs, and the scheduling prefer- February 26, 2010. Rooms are allocated on • Those groups or organizations wishing no general storage facilities beyond the space ence of the group within the parameters a first-come, first-served basis, one meeting to hold receptions, dinners, or other beneath each table, so each party is solely given above. per group. In the event that space exceeds social gatherings should also submit responsible for the security of its display mate- Send space requests to: Kareem D. demand, requests for a second meeting will requests for space by the February 26 rials. Policies on use of table space are that (1) Jenkins, ASA Meeting Services, 1430 K be considered. deadline. Space availability is normally nothing may be sold and (2) nothing of an Street, NW Suite 600, Washington, DC Space requests are categorized as limited to 6:30-8:15 pm on August 14 offensive nature may be displayed. 20005, Fax: (202) 638-0882 follows: or 16, and to 8:00-10:00 pm on August • Small groups sponsored by ASA mem- 15. bers requesting space for the purpose of An announcement of each meet- conducting sessions focused on a special ing will be included in the “Activities of The 2010 Annual Meeting Call for aspect of sociology will be allocated one Other Groups” listing and in the body of time slot from 6:30-8:15 pm on the first the program schedule. These listings will Papers Is Online or third evening (August 14 or August include the name of the group or title/topic The announced listing of topics for the 2010 Call for Papers is now available. See the online 16). The topic to be discussed should of the session, name of organizer/sponsor guide to the Call for Papers at
lowing Burawoy’s definitional lead, one gave prizes and congratulations on the and their effective usage of mathematics might ask Bute: Why bother advocating basis of who was most adept at developing to integrate past knowledge, to empha- for public sociology at all if it simply urges facts about the shadows behind them, you size the collection of new data. But it sociologists to be good teachers? Haven’t editors do the same for sociologists whose is another for sociologists, confronted academic sociologists always endeavored accomplishments I have great difficulty with the incredible complexity of human to be good teachers at least to the extent in understanding. Instead of focusing on behavior and with no procedures devel- that their job requires it? the fundamental issues that threaten the oped that can systematically integrate the I applaud Bute’s involvement in politics survival of the human race sociologists relevant past knowledge for a given prob- Community Organizing Is Public as a citizen, but to argue that sociology and almost invariably continue to focus on lem, to emphasize new data and thereby Sociology public action should be done separately, relatively trivial problems and generally violate a fundamental scientific ideal: and to denigrate sociologists who marry continue to hide from the mass media of Building on past knowledge. Therefore, or two reasons I was surprised to read the two, is not only contrary to public soci- communication. we should focus on secondary analysis, Fsociologist Monte Bute’s critical ASA ology, but also risks further encouraging In this letter I take up a few points not on new data that almost completely Forum letter, titled “Public Sociology is those sociologists who see their teaching within the topic of reason—or, more spe- ignores the relevant past research. Not Community Organizing,” in the April as their public sociology. Teaching our cifically, the scientific method. I will say a Lastly and unfortunately, metaphysi- 2009 Footnotes. students sociology is clearly valuable, but few words about value neutrality, inves- cal assumptions are quite foreign to the First, I was surprised at the sheer it is not public sociology unless it engages tigator effects, secondary analysis versus literature of sociology, despite the fact that nastiness of Bute’s criticism of “quixotic publics outside the academy, from the collecting new data, and metaphysical we are supposedly doctors of philosophy. members of our profession” who advocate local homeless to international democ- assumptions that structure the foregoing Our present stance regarding the above engagement in community organizing racy movements. That is why sociologists epistemological points. issues illustrates what I call a “bureaucratic and public policy. He calls such sociolo- who engage their students in community As for value neutrality, I quote from worldview” in contrast with scientific ide- gists “naïve” “wannabes” [presumably he organizing and/or public policy are public Harold Kincaid’s Value-Free Science?: “All als calling for an “interactive worldview.” A means wannabe community organizers or sociologists. Indeed, as one of a growing the chapters in this book raise doubts bureaucratic worldview orients us to look “public policy gurus”] who harbor “activist number of sociologists who teaches com- about the ideal of a value-free science. . . outward rather than both inward and out- fantasies.” Yet Bute promptly proclaims, munity organizing, I see it as one of the If the critics of the value-free science ideal ward, thus structuring our stance on value “Last week I spent two days meeting with most promising frontiers in public sociol- are right, then these traditional claims neutrality and investigator effects. Further, Minnesota legislative leaders. Recently, ogy. Who better than sociologists to learn about science not only are ungrounded but our bureaucratic mentality yields a nar- I exchanged e-mails…with the Speaker and teach a craft that trains students and also can have pernicious consequences row approach to human behavior, which of the House….Last evening I testified citizens to create social change? . . .If scientific results concerning IQ and helps to explain our narrow theoretical at a legislative town hall meeting.” Bute Reference: race, free markets and growth, or environ- approaches to developing new knowledge, indicates that in doing these things he was Burawoy, Michael, et al. 2004. “Public Sociologies: mental emissions and planetary weather avoiding the broad approach that second- “merely being a good citizen,” and cautions A Symposium from Boston College.” Social make value assumptions, treating them as ary analysis illustrates. his reader, “Do not delude yourself by con- Problems 51: 1 (Feb): 103-130. entirely neutral is misleading at best. I do Dialogue is desperately needed on flating citizenship with what Max Weber Paul Lachelier is Assistant Professor of not argue for ignoring efforts to present a all four of these issues in Footnotes, our called ‘politics as a vocation.’” Sociology at Stetson University. He teaches wide range of competing ideas, but call for journals, our meetings, and our depart- Second, I was surprised that Bute refers a course titled “Community Organizing transparency. ments. I am with Mills in my conviction to Michael Burawoy in order to argue that for Social Change.” For more information With respect to investigator effects, that we sociologists are in the best position public sociologists should focus on teach- about the course, visit http://stetsonsdp. Alvin Gouldner’s argument for a “reflex- to gain understanding of society’s funda- ing their students. Yet Burawoy repeatedly pbworks.com/. ive sociology’” in The Coming Crisis of mental problems. Yet, given their threaten- defines public sociology as “seek[ing] to Western Sociology (1970) has been almost ing nature, I also agree with him that our bring sociology to publics beyond the acad- What Happened to the Sociological universally ignored. If we sociologists, with failure to do so—based on methods that emy” (Burawoy, et. al. 2004: italics mine). Imagination? our understanding of the impact of social are appallingly limited in relation to scien- Contrary to Bute, I read this definition to interaction, ignore investigator effects, how tific ideals—”is surely the greatest human mean that teaching is not public sociol- find the self-congratulatory prose in are we to continue to pretend to be using default being committed by privileged men ogy to the extent that it simply engages Footnotes, granting the existence of a the scientific method? in our times.” students, who are, next to professors, I very few provocative pieces, overwhelm- Concerning secondary analysis, it is Bernard Phillips, [email protected], www. perhaps the clearest and most important ing. Just as the prisoners in Plato’s cave one thing for physicists, with the relatively sociological-imagination.org constituency of the academy. Indeed, fol- simple phenomena that they investigate
American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org footnotes • November/December 2009 15
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announcements of aging in an August 23 New York Times authored an op-ed published in the Stephen Klineberg, Rice University, book Consequential Strangers discussed guest on the October 1 online chat about article about More magazine. August 30 Washington Post asserting that asserted that Houston is “the most inter- on the September 7 edition of National debunking the opting-out myth. a revived social movement is necessary esting city in America” in a September 16 Public Radio’s Talk of the Nation. Chris Wellin, Illinois State University, was to pass health care reform. story about the city on National Public International Migration interviewed on WJBC, in Bloomington, IL, Alexander T. Riley, Bucknell University, Radio’s website. discussing his research on work-skills and Rachel Kutz-Flamenbaum, University was quoted in a September 6 Pittsburgh Vivian Louie, Harvard University, was in- conditions of those providing direct care of Pittsburgh, was interviewed on Crime, Law, and Deviance Post-Gazette article about visitors to terviewed on July 30 and 31 on National for the aged and disabled. WQED TV about her research on protest the Flight 93 memorial. Riley is writing Public Radio’s All Things Considered about movements, for a half-hour special Janja Lalich, California State University- a book about creating the collective Chinese and Dominican immigrant chil- Asia and Asian America on protests at the G-20 summit in Chico, was quoted in an August 27 Reno memory of Flight 93. Robert Bellah, dren in Boston and their family, school, Gazette-Journal article about the abduc- and community contexts. Margaret M. Chin, Hunter College, was Pittsburgh. University of California-Berkeley, was tion of Jaycee Dugard. She appeared on also mentioned in the article. Riley was quoted about Asian-American political D. Michael Lindsay, Rice University, was Jeffrey Timberlake, University of CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 on Septem- also quoted about the duality of the involvement in a September 16 New York quoted in a September 9 Washington Post Cincinnati, and Rhys Williams, Loyola ber 1 to talk about how cult victims American narrative in a September 15 Times article about city council elections. article about the revival of the Christian University Chicago, had research they recover from “coercive influence.” Associated Press article comparing and presented at ASA’s 2009 annual meeting Nadia Y. Kim, Loyola Marymount Right due to opposition to health care Jack Levin, Northeastern University, contrasting the American themes created detailed in an August 12 TIME magazine University, was quoted in a May 15 New reform. Lindsay said that social move- was quoted in an August 31 LiveScience. by Walt Disney and Marvel Comics. article. The research examined immigra- America Media news story about Asian ments are more effective when they have com article about the social psychology tion and stereotypes. Americans and the environment and was something to oppose. Pepper Schwartz, University of Wash- behind abductors in light of the Jaycee a guest on the national radio program ington, was quoted about celebrity Dugard case. He discussed women’s role Judith Treas, University of California- New America Now on July 10 and 12 to Communication and outbursts in a September 16 Los Angeles in sex crimes in a September 6 Sacra- Irvine, was quoted about the invisibility discuss her book Imperial Citizens: Kore- Information Technologies Times article. mento Bee article. of elderly immigrants in an August 30 ans and Race from Seoul to LA. The book Pepper Schwartz, University of Wash- New York Times article on the topic. was featured in a full-page spread in the ington, was quoted in a September 20 Charis E. Kubrin, George Washington Economic Sociology April 19 The Korea Times. Hartford Courant article about online social University, appeared on BBC World News Dalton Conley, New York University, Labor and Labor Movements networks and their impact on romantic America on September 1 to discuss wrote an op-ed arguing that more access Children and Youth relationships. mounted police patrols for the story, to mortgages should be given to low- Sarah Burgard and James House, Uni- “Riding the Road of Recession.” income families, which appeared in the versity of Michigan, and Jennie Brand, Timothy J. Owens, Purdue University, Brian Uzzi, Northwestern University, August 4 New York Times. University of California-Los Angeles, were was quoted in an August 9 Journal and was quoted in the August 17 issue of Sociology of Culture cited for their research on job insecurity Courier article on emerging conceptions ScienceNOW Daily News in an article Patricia Drentea, University of Alabama- and health in an August 31 United Press of adulthood. He was also interviewed in a about a new study demonstrating the Randy Blazak, Portland State University, Birmingham, was quoted in a July 2009 International article. September 5 CanWest story featuring his utility of cell phone call patterns for social was quoted in a September 15 KATU News Associated Press article that was picked research on teenage drinking, depression, network research. article about the vandalism of SUVs at a up by many papers and websites across Patricia Drentea, University of Alabama- and academic achievement. The article Portland auto dealership. Blazak discussed the country. She discussed how people Birmingham, was quoted in a September ran in several major newspapers across Community and Urban the cultural symbolism of the Humvee. are adapting to debt problems within 6 Associated Press article about the Canada. mental toll of joblessness and threat of Sociology Gary Alan Fine, Northwestern University, their own families. layoffs. Collective Behavior and Social Patrick J. Carr, Rutgers University-New was quoted in a September 15 Chicago Gerhard Lenski, University of North Movements Brunswick, and Maria J. Kefalas, Saint Tribune article about episodes of celeb- Carolina-Chapel Hill, wrote a letter to Arlie Hochschild, University of Cali- Joseph’s University, authored a piece in rity incivility. the editor about a Paul Krugman article fornia-Berkeley, and Richard Sennett, Peter Dreier, Occidental College, and the September 21 Chronicle Review titled London School of Economics, had their Calvin Morrill, University of California- on macroeconomists. The letter was Marshall Ganz, Harvard University, “The Rural Brain Drain.” books listed in the September 4 Wall Berkeley, was cited in an excerpt of the published in the September 20 New York Times Magazine. Street Journal in a listing of the top five books on working in an article tied to La- Sociology of Education bor Day. Hochschild’s The Managed Heart and Sennett’s The Corrosion of Character Jane C. Hood, University of New Mexico, were recommended. wrote a letter to the editor published in the September 29 Albuquerque Journal Tom Juravich, University of Massachu- about the suspension of two black stu- setts-Amherst, was a guest on the Sep- dents for the alleged exchange of gang tember 3 National Public Radio affiliate hand signals. Nancy Lopez, University WBUR’s Here and Now show in a segment of New Mexico, was also mentioned in about his CD Altar of the Bottom Line. the letter. Juravich wrote songs for the CD based on interviews with workers in call centers, Angela Mertig, Middle Tennessee State factories, and hospitals. University, was quoted about the ben- efits of student-teacher communication Arne Kalleberg, University of North on social network sites in an August 8 Carolina-Chapel Hill, authored an op-ed Tennessean article. column in the September 7 News & Observer about the need for passage of Environment and Technology the Employee Free Choice Act currently Robert J. Brulle, Drexel University, com- under consideration by Congress. mented on the abstract nature of the J. Timmons Roberts, Brown University, public’s perception of global warming in was quoted about labor-environmental a September 21 New York Times article coalitions in an August 28 New York about the United Nations’ discussion of Times article about the push for climate climate change. legislation. Sociology of Family Latino/Latina Sociology Andrew M. Greeley, National Opinion Tomás Jimenez, Stanford University, Research Center, discussed marital hap- was the author of an October 6 CNN. piness in a September 18 Scripps Howard com article on the deep ties of Mexican- News Service article published in the Americans in the United States. Deseret News. Laura Theresa Hamilton and Brian Medical Sociology Powell, Indiana University, and Claudia Nicholas Christakis, Harvard University, Geist, University of North Carolina- and his research with James Fowler was Chapel Hill, had their research on marital the subject of the September 13 New name change detailed within a number York Times Magazine cover story. Duncan of news reports, including: USA Today Watts, Yahoo! Research, was also quoted (August 11), Salon.com (August 12), The in the article. American Prospect (August 12), Wisconsin Troy Duster, New York University, was Public Radio (August 13), and others. The quoted about discrimination against study was cited in a September 18 post people with the sickle cell trait in a Sep- on Newsweek’s “The Human Condition” tember 13 San Francisco Chronicle article blog, which also quoted Andrew J. about the NCAA plan to test players. Cherlin, Johns Hopkins University, and W. Brad Wilcox, University of Virginia. Steven Gortmaker, Harvard University, discussed children’s consumption of Kim Korinek, University of Utah, was sugar-sweetened beverages in a Sep- quoted in a September 7 Salt Lake tember 13 Chicago Tribune article about Tribune article about “recession dads.” Ko- sports drinks. rinek commented on the implications of stay-at-home fathers on families, gender Antonio Maturo, Università di Bologna, roles, and children. was interviewed by the National Swiss Radio and by the magazine Natural Pamela Stone, Hunter College, and Lifestyles. Kathleen Gerson, New York University, were quoted in the October 1, 2009, Abigail Saguy and Kevin Riley, both of Washington Post in an article about the the University of California-Los Angeles, demographics of “stay-at-home” mothers had their 2005 article on framing the in the United States. Stone was also a “obesity epidemic” was discussed in
American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org footnotes • November/December 2009 17
announcements an August 26 article in Newsweek that blacks in an August 11 New York Times Lloyd Rogler, Fordham University, was State University, earned the ASA Mental advocate with the Deep South Center for analyzed the origins and manifestations article about a desegregation agreement the subject of a July 30 article in The Health Section’s Best Publication Award Environmental Justice at Dillard University. of fat hatred and anti-fat bias in the in Westchester County, NY. Calais Advertiser (Calais, Maine). Rogler for their 2008 American Sociological contemporary United States. was profiled in the article for his ASA Dis- Review article, “Social Control and Youth Hannah Brueckner, Yale University, was tinguished Book Award nominee: Barrio Suicidality: Situating Durkheim’s Ideas in Kristen Springer, Rutgers University, was quoted about research she co-authored Transitions Professors: Tales of Naturalistic Research. a Multilevel Framework.” cited for research she co-authored with with Natalie Nitsche, Yale University, in a Travis Gosa has joined the Africana Dawne Mouzon, Rutgers University, on September 16 Philadelphia Daily News Donald Tomaskovic-Devey, University Jane Menken, Institute of Behavioral Studies and Research Center at Cornell men’s preventative healthcare prac- column. Brueckner and Nitsche studied of Massachusetts-Amherst, Jerry Jacobs, Science, was honored as the 2009 Laure- University as an assistant professor of tices and masculinity beliefs in outlets marriage and family formation rates of University of Pennsylvania, Maggie ate of the International Union for the social science. such as USA Today, The New York Times, highly educated black women. Anderson, University of Delaware, and Scientific Study of Population during the Milagros Pena, University of Florida, has Yahoo!News, Voice of America, and many Peter Dreier, Occidental College, were recent quadrennial meeting in Mar- Charles A. Gallagher, La Salle University, accepted a position as associate dean others. quoted in an August 13 Inside Higher rakech, Morocco. was interviewed by a variety of newspa- for social and behavioral sciences in the Education story about the desire of some Gregory Weiss, Roanoke College, was per and radio outlets on the implications Thomas F. Pettigrew, University of College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at her sociologists to create a council of social cited for his book, Grassroots Medicine: of race in the Henry Lewis Gates incident California-Santa Cruz, received the university. science advisors that would advise the The Story of America’s Free Health Clinics, and the role race plays toward President University of California systemwide Con- president. Chelsea Starr was appointed assistant in a September 21 Voice of America report Obama’s health initiatives. He was quoted stantine Panunzio Award for outstanding professor at Minot State University. on health care for the working poor. in The Philadelphia Inquirer on September Sociology of Sex and Gender research by an emeritus professor in April 20 and August 19, the South Florida Sun 2009. In August 2010, he received the Marc J. Ventresca, University of Oxford, Organizations, Occupations Sentinel on August 1, and the Orlando Stacie R. Furia, Northland College, wrote Ralph White Lifetime Achievement Award was reappointed until retirement age’ and Work Sentinel on July 30. Gallagher conducted a letter to the editor about women in from the Society for the Study of Peace, (the Oxford version of tenure) as universi- military boot camps that appeared in the Peter Dreier, Occidental College, wrote broadcast interviews with National Public Conflict, and Violence. ty lecturer at the Saïd Business School. He Radio affiliate WRKF’sthe Jim Engster Show August 19 New York Times. was also appointed senior scholar at the the cover story in the August 30 Nation Jack Nusan Porter, The Spencer Insti- on July 25 and the Dom Giordano Show Vinnova Center for Innovation Journalism magazine about the conflict between Michael Kimmel, State University of New tute, won the Robin M. Williams Award on July 23 on Philadelphia ABC affiliate Research, Stanford University. two major unions—SEIU and Unite York-Stony Brook, was a guest on Na- for Distinguished Contributions to WPHT-AM. HERE. His article, “We Need More Protest tional Public Radio’s Tell Me More show to Scholarship, Teaching, and Service from Chris Wellin has joined the Illinois State to Make Reform Possible,” appeared on Jason E. Shelton, University of Texas- discuss the increasing number of female the ASA Peace, War, and Social Conflict University Department of Sociology and thenation.com on August 6. Arlington, was interviewed for an August breadwinners as men lose jobs during a Section for his work in the founding of Anthropology at Illinois State University. recession. Steve McDonald, North Carolina State 8 article in the Houston Chronicle. This the field of sociology of the Holocaust University, was interviewed on August news article was prompted by findings and comparative genocide. from his research paper appearing in the Teaching and Learning 17 by News 14 Carolina about his co- Julie Shayne, University of Washington- People September Social Science Quarterly on authored research with Nan Lin, Duke Clare Weber, California State University- Bothell, was honored by the Celebrating Patti Adler, University of Colorado, Peter Houstonians beliefs about the Katrina University, and Dan Ao, The Chinese Dominguez Hills, wrote a letter to the University of Washington Women Program. Adler, University of Denver, and Robert evacuees. He was also interviewed for a University of Hong Kong, which found editor about the financial squeeze at She also received the Outstanding Teach- Crutchfield, University of Washington, news radio program on Voice of America. significant white male advantage in the her university that was published in the ing Award from the Associated Students of were keynote speakers at the Inter- Shelton also authored a column in the receipt of information about job openings. September 22 Daily Breeze. University of Washington-Bothell. national Conference on “Deviance(s)” August 28 Houston Chronicle on racial sponsored by CLIMAS - American history, Heather McLaughlin, University of solidarity, Hurricane Katrina, and the rela- Margaret R. Somers, University of Michi- sociology, literature and arts, University Minnesota, had research she presented tivity of being an “outsider” in America. gan and Center for Advanced Behavioral of Bordeaux, France. at ASA’s 2009 annual meeting on sexual Awards Sciences, has received the 2009 Giovanni Orlando Patterson and Robert Putnam, harassment detailed within an August Paul Almeida, Texas A&M University, Sartori Qualitative Methods Award from Michael August Faia’s, Unuaki-o-Tonga both of Harvard University, were cited in 12 HealthDay News wire story that was received the 2009 ASA Labor and Labor the American Political Science Association Royal University of Technology, new a September 21 Forbes column about the picked up by a number of media outlets Movements Section Distinguished Schol- for Genealogies of Citizenship: Markets, novel, Liberation Ichthyology, appears “new racism” in America. across the country. arly Article Award. Statelessness, and the Right to have Rights. in two parts in the Copperfield Review
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Anne Frank “Outstanding Citizen” Award of Notre Dame, Eds. and translators, Georg Joe Feagin, Texas A&M University, The Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults (Oxford and Nutrition Examination Survey. The from the Anne Frank Foundation. The Simmel’s Sociology: Inquiries into the Con- White Racial Frame (Routledge, 2010). University Press, 2009) intended audience for HD*Calc includes award honors individuals who embody struction of Social Forms (Brill, 2009). anyone interested in health and cancer- Theophilus Kofi Gokah, Gemini College, Frank Trovato, University of Alberta, tolerance and promote unity and peace. related disparities, as well as those William J. Buxton, Concordia University- Contemporary Discourses on IE&C Theory Canada’s Population in a Global Context: interested in learning about summary D. Michael Lindsay, Rice University, Montreal, Patronizing the Public: American and Practice (NOVA, 2009). An Introduction to Social Demography measures of health disparities. This ap- compiled results from a survey recently Philanthropy’s Transformation of Culture, (Oxford University Press, 2009). Adia Harvey-Wingfield, Georgia State, plication extends the work published in of the White House Fellows program. He Communication, and the Humanities and Joe Feagin, Texas A&M University, Yes the National Cancer Institute Surveillance worked through NORC. (Lexington Books, 2009). We Can?: White Racial Framing and the 2008 Monograph Series, Methods for Measur- Christian Smith, University of Notre Katherine Carter, University of Presidential Campaign (Routledge, 2010). Other ing Cancer Disparities, which evaluates Dame, has been awarded a grant of Kurdistan-Hawler, and Judy Aulette, Uni- Ho-fung Hung, Indiana University - measures of health disparities included in $779,898 by Lilly Endowment Inc. to versity of North Carolina-Charlotte, Cape Organizations Bloomington, Ed., China and the Trans- HD*Calc. HD*Calc is located on the SEER continue the National Study of Youth Verdean Women and Globalization: The formation of Global Capitalism (Johns Rural Sociology. Beginning in 2010, the website, at
American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org footnotes • November/December 2009 19
announcements other was the development of a graduate Street markets and finance. The impetus intellectual and experiential understand- Katherine’s accomplishments were a consummate advisor and professor— student teacher-training program that he for this junket, which included his partici- ing of the ways in which linguistic con- recognized by multiple awards and fel- and clever thesis committee politician helped to pilot while in graduate school pation in a new start-up company called cepts organize our sense of self and our lowships. She received a National Merit as well—who helped shepherd scores and later introduced into the graduate OnExchange, was Peter’s interest in eBay perceptions of our life circumstances. Scholarship, a grant from the Hubert of graduate students through the intel- curriculum at UCLA. Peter is well known and similar online networks that were In honor of Kollock, the UCLA Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, a lectual and bureaucratic thickets of the among his colleagues and much loved emerging as novel ways to connect and Sociology Department has established Regents Fellowship upon admission to degree process. Generations of students among former students for his excellent coordinate buyers and sellers. He was a graduate student teaching scholarship her PhD program, an NIMH Predoctoral benefited from his broad knowledge teaching abilities. He was the recipient of intrigued with the implications of these in his name. To contribute to this fund, Fellowship, and the highly competi- and capacity as a demanding stylist and the University of Washington’s Graduate enterprises and what they could teach us contact Eric Nakano in the UCLA College tive Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship critical interlocutor. Chuck was a leading Student Teaching Award (1989) and two about trust, cooperation, risk, and signal- Development office atenakano@ while writing her dissertation. Finally, authority on alcohol studies. Among his of UCLA’s highest teaching awards—the ing in anonymous, temporary networks. support.ucla.edu. Katherine received two awards that were published monographs is his seminal Luckman Distinguished Teaching Award In other words, online financial markets based on the quality of her scholarship: book on culture and drinking patterns, Jodi O’Brien, Seattle University and the Eby Award for the Art of Teaching. were yet another domain in which he the Network Biennial Margaret J. Barr Alcohol and the Jews (1958), which Throughout his professional career, could pursue inquiries regarding basic Student Research Award and the Henry Arnold M. Rose, writing in the American Peter was actively involved in the ASA questions derived from his understand- Katherine Pavelka Luke Meyer Award. Sociological Review, called “brilliant re- Social Psychology Section and the annual ing of social dilemmas and the chal- 1974-2009 Katherine was also active as a leader search” that makes a significant advance Group Processes conferences. Peter used lenges of coordination and cooperation within the graduate student community. in scientific theory. He also edited (with these meetings as an occasion to sharpen in collective action. While his hopes of Katherine Pavelka Luke, a recent She was a co-founder and member of the David J. Pittman), Society, Culture and his thinking on a range of topics and to try getting rich while pursuing “applied graduate of the Joint Doctoral Program in Gender and Sexuality study group in the Drinking Patterns (1962), another classic out groundbreaking ideas in a forum that research” didn’t pan out, he did acquire Social Work and Sociology at the Universi- Department of Sociology. She was very in the sociocultural literature on drinking he knew would offer incisive feedback, a wealth of information. At the time of ty of Michigan, died suddenly of complica- active in the Doctoral Student Organiza- patterns. Among other editorial assign- necessary criticism, and unflinching his death, he was in the process of for- tions from cancer on Saturday September tion (DSO) of the Joint Interdisciplinary ments, he served on the editorial board support. In these meetings he articulated mulating two book projects in which he 12, 2009. She was born October 31, 1974, Doctoral Program in Social Work and of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on some of his notions for the application of intended to share these insights. in Lincoln, NE. Her most recent appoint- Sociology. Additionally, Katherine was Alcohol, 1957-83. As a colleague, teacher, principles of group processes to two new Most recently, Peter was engaged in ment was as a post-doctoral fellow at the one of the founding members of the mentor, and friend, Chuck was widely arenas: online communities and financial a direction of inquiry that was bring- Addiction Research Center, Department of Rackham Interdisciplinary Workshop on appreciated for his incisive intellect, markets. The first resulted in the book, ing him back to his earliest interests in Psychiatry, University of Michigan. Qualitative Research Methods (2006-09) sharp wit, and generosity. He had great Communities in Cyberspace, co-edited with the social psychology of cognition and Katherine earned a BA in Women and a member of the Addiction and compassion for the unfortunate, but Marc Smith and considered a pioneer- self-awareness. He became affiliated with and Gender Studies and Psychology and Gender Program at IRWG (2007-09). She remained stubbornly optimistic about ing contribution in studies on computer the Deer Park Monastery, organized in a minor in sociology from Macalester was an active member of the Graduate improving the human condition. Chuck mediated communication and group dy- the tradition of the Buddhist Thich Nhat College, and an MSW and MA in Public Employees Organization and taught in will be sorely missed by many. namics. This interest led eventually to the Hahn. Following a three-month retreat, Affairs from the University of Minnesota. both the School of Social Work and the Robert P. Weiss, State University of New Peter’s involvement, along with Michael Peter proposed a new undergraduate While at the University of Michigan she Department of Sociology. York at Plattsburgh Macy, Smith, and others, in launching course at UCLA called “The Sociology of earned a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Katherine’s survivors include her hus- the ASA’s section on Communication and Mindfulness.” This course, which became Studies in addition to her PhD. Her disser- band, Michael Pryplesh; children Nicky Information Technologies. wildly popular, blended elements of cog- tation, Race, Gender and Heterosexuality (4 ½) and Ali (1); her mother Ginger Luke Frederick L. Whitam Another research direction, took nitive social psychology, contemporary in Campus Party Culture: The Reproduction and stepfather Don Cherry; grandmother, 1933-2009 Peter into the real-time domain of Wall neurology, and meditation to provide an and Transformation of Social Identities, Phyllis Pavelka; and a brother, Richard Social Inequalities, and Sexual Violence, Luke, as well as many loving friends and Frederick L. Whitam, Professor focused on studying the “social and relatives. Emeritus in Sociology, died in July 2009 discursive practices of race, gender, and Katherine inspired many with her in Tempe, Arizona. He was flown to his Call for Submissions: heterosexuality within campus party cul- dedication and values. She approached family in Mississippi where a memorial th tures.” It illuminated complex interactions her work with passion and integrity. In her service was held on September 12 . among contexts for partying, emphasiz- admissions essay for her PhD program, Fred spent more than 30 years teach- Carla B. Howery Teaching ing binge drinkers, among those in the Katherine identified three professional ing and engaging in research at Arizona period of emerging adulthood, and how goals: “I have a clear understanding of my State University (ASU). He was one of the Enhancement Grants Program users conceptualize their alcohol and professional goals. They are to promote faculty who established the ASU doctoral other drug use, relationships and sexual- social and economic justice by doing program in 1972. Prior to joining the Deadline: February 1, 2010 ity, and safety. She explored how gender, community-based and theory-building university’s Department of Sociology in ethnicity, race, and sexuality interact 1965, he earned his PhD at Indiana Uni- Applications are being accepted as well as other relevant literature; research, widely disseminating research within complex performance sites to cre- findings, and training future social work- versity. Fred also served as an Assistant for the Carla B. Howery Teaching (c) describe the expected benefits ate opportunities for potentially positive Professor and Sociology Department Enhancement Grants Program. This of the project, including systemic ers…” She recognized the role that social relationships and identity exploration work education and research could play Chair at Millsaps College in Mississippi, small grants program supports impacts; (d) provide a detailed bud- as well as risks for sexual exploitation in creating positive social change. In her as an Instructor at the State University of teaching projects that advance get; and (e) indicate whether, in the and substance abuse. Within this, she short time with us she met and accom- New York’s Fashion Institute of Technol- the Scholarship of Teaching and event the project is funded, a check identified implications for promotion of plished these goals in significant ways. Her ogy where he learned to understand Learning (SoTL) within the disci- should be made payable directly to positive relationships and behaviors and ideas, passions, and commitments have New Yorkese and his students a Southern pline of sociology. The Carnegie the project leader or to an affiliated prevention of interpersonal violence. made a difference in our world. accent, and as a Visiting Lecturer in Katherine’s work in the PhD program Sociology at the University of Texas- Foundation has defined SoTL as institution. grew from her academic and profes- Zakiya Luna, University of Michigan Austin. His book publications included “problem posing about an issue ASA membership is not a sional commitments. Prior to entering The Protestant Spanish Community in New of teaching or learning, study of criterion for application or selection the program she worked in the fields Charles R. Snyder York (1960) and the co-authored book the problem through methods for this grant, however, recipients of women’s health, family violence, and 1924-2009 with Robin Mathy Male Homosexuality in appropriate to the disciplinary epis- must be ASA members before the mental health as a research analyst and Four Societies: Brazil, Guatemala, the Phil- temologies, application of results to final award is made. ASA member- direct service worker. She continued Charles R. Snyder, Emeritus Professor ippines, and the United States (1986). Fred practice, communication of results, ship involves registration as an ASA her connection to the world of practice of Sociology at Southern Illinois Univer- spoke Portugese and Spanish fluently. He self-reflection, and peer review” member via the ASA website and while in school, working on a number of sity-Carbondale (SIU), died peacefully at enjoyed traveling extensively to Brazil, community- and agency-based projects, his home in Denver, CO, on September Guatemala, and the Philippines during (Cambridge, 2001). acceptance of and adherence to including an interpersonal violence 15, 2009. Born December 28, 1924, in his research career. Carla B. Howery Teaching the ASA Code of Ethics. Grantees prevention project and one designed Haverford, PA, Chuck served as an officer Fred’s research had a way of gaining Enhancement grants can sup- must also provide documentation to reduce risky alcohol use. She was in the United States Navy during WWII. attention. In the conservative Conserva- port an individual, a program, a of pertinent IRB approval for the licensed as a Macro Social Worker by the He received his BA, MA, and PhD (1954) pedia, there are critical articles on what is department, or a committee of a funded project. Applications from State of Michigan in 2006. in sociology at Yale University, where perceived as “leftist/liberal ideology” with state or regional association. ASA all sub-areas of the discipline are Katherine was an active and produc- he studied under Selden D. Bacon. After Fred’s research indicating that homo- will award up to two grants, of up welcome. tive scholar crossing the boundaries lectureships at Yale’s Center of Alcohol sexuality is a normative phenomenon to $2,000 each. Competitive pro- Applications should be sent between social work, sociology, social Studies and the University of Chicago, in many societies, citing Fred’s work as posals describe projects that will as a PDF file [email protected] g. policy and women’s studies. She pub- Chuck joined the Sociology Department holding that: “The persistence of revival- lished five articles in refereed journals, at SIU in 1960 as full professor. He served ism is interpreted as a functional reaf- advance the teaching and learning Only electronic submissions will including Social Service Review and Child skillfully as chair of the department from firmation of a threatened life style.” His of sociology, will continue to have be accepted. All materials must be and Youth Services Review. 1964-75 and from 1981-85. Chuck was published research on homosexuality an impact over time, and optimally, received by the deadline to be con- was cited as recently as September 21, will lead to systemic change. The sidered. Notification of awards will 2009, in The New York Times. criteria are intentionally flexible in be sent out in early April 2010. For Fred was a valued colleague and order to accommodate innovative more information about the Carla engaging conversationalist. He is missed proposals. B. Howery Teaching Enhancement Congratulations to by his ASU colleagues and others who Applications should consist of Grants Program and required appli- knew him. a project description, CVs for all cation materials, visit the funding the 2009 ASA Section Leonard Gordon, Arizona State University project leaders, and IRB documen- page at www.asanet.org or e-mail tation where appropriate. The [email protected]. Award Winners! Classifieds project description is limited to References: a maximum of five pages and ASA is proud to announce the winners of the various awards should: (a) include an overview Cambridge, BL (2001). Fostering the Scholarship of Teaching and Editor with Ph.D. in sociology from of the project, describing the given by ASA’s special interest sections. Not all 44 sections Learning: Communities of Practice. Berkeley and author of three trade problem it addresses, the approach In D. Lieberman & C. Wehlburg give awards, but the vast majority of sections have reported books provides editing of book to addressing the problem, and (eds.), To improve the academy: their 2009 award winners. They are listed at
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