Volume 41 • Number 2 • February 2013
Looking Forward to the 2013 ASA Annual Meeting inside The Two Cities of New York: Wealth, Poverty, and Diversity in the Big Apple 3 Russell Sage Andrew A. Beveridge, Queens College development harkens back to 122nd Street on the West Side, and Foundation’s New and Graduate Center CUNY Disraeli’s famous comment about above 110th north of Central Park President he many poor immigrants and England in his book Sybil or really exists in the non-Manhattan The Foundation names Tminorities as well as some afflu- the Two Nations, “Two nations realm. Danziger, an expert on ent members of these groups, the between whom there is no inter- Around the country and around economic inequality, its new super wealthy financial traders course and no sympathy; who are the world, Manhattan took center president. and executives, the mostly white as ignorant of each other’s habits, stage due to the Occupy Wall high-powered and high-priced thoughts, and feelings, as if they Street movement, which took were dwellers in different zones, or root September 2011 in Zucotti Ten Reasons to Check lawyers, a large community 4 inhabitants of different planets.... Park in downtown Manhattan Out TRAILS devoted to creating the arts, and a city government that has fostered The rich and the poor.” near the New York City Federal Check out the 10 most Reserve Bank, the New York Stock and subsidized the wealthy have Defining Manhattan downloaded resources of created a united and divided city Exchange, and not far from the 2012. Much of Manhattan, which many like no other in the United States. Goldman Sachs headquarters. tourists and some social scientists While forcibly removed from the At the same time, as these groups mistake for the entire city, is in its Not Your Average park in November, and though it 7 came together in New York, they own realm. The Manhattan north of Sociology Students remained stratified. New York’s 96th Street on the East Side, north of Continued on page 8 Veterans and engineering students make this professor do the happy dance. Sociologists Help 9 The Growing Presence of Recipients of the 2013 ASA Awards Social Science in Qatar he American Sociological W.E.B. DuBois Career of Establish Network to Qatar is increasing its higher TAssociation proudly announces Distinguished Scholarship Promote Community education offerings due, in the recipients of the major awards Award part, to a move to become a for 2013. These outstanding Engaged Scholarship knowledge-based economy. Joe R. Feagin (Texas A&M scholars will be recognized at the University) Jose Calderon, Pitzer College, and 2013 Annual Meeting Awards The W.E.B. DuBois Career of Mark R. Warren, University of Ceremony on Sunday, August 11, Distinguished Scholarship Award Massachusetts-Boston at 4:30 pm. The Awards Ceremony honors scholars who have shown number of sociologists are join- will immediately precede the for- From the Executive Officer...... 2 outstanding commitment to the ing forces to establish an emerg- mal address of the ASA President A Science Policy...... 3 profession of sociology and whose ing multidisciplinary network called Cecilia Ridgeway. All registrants cumulative work has contributed the Urban Research-based Action International Perspectives...... 9 are invited to attend an Honorary in important ways to the advance- Network (URBAN) to promote ASA Forum...... 11 Reception immediately follow- ment of the discipline. The body community-based and collabora- ing the address to congratulate Announcements...... 11 of lifetime work may include tive forms of research. While many President Ridgeway and the award Obituaries...... 15 theoretical and/or methodological sociologists have long conducted recipients. contributions. The award selection research in collaboration with com- The ASA awards are conferred committee looked for work that munity-based organizations, most on sociologists for outstanding substantially reorients the field in of these scholars work in silos and publications and achievements in general or in a particular subfield. their work is typically not rewarded the scholarship, teaching, and the or credited within the academy. practice of sociology. Award recipi- Distinguished Career Award for URBAN is an emerging network ents are selected by committees the Practice of Sociology of researchers and community appointed by the ASA Committee Donald Light (University of members who have come together on Committees and the ASA Medicine & Dentistry of New in order to identify opportunities Council. Jersey) for collaborative research and think- The officers of the Association This annual award honors out- ing that addresses critical needs extend heartfelt congratulations to standing contributions to sociological the following honorees: Continued on page 6 Continued on page 6 footnotes • February 2013 To view the online version, visit
from the executive officer Sociology Is a STEM Discipline
ast week ASA received a call that sociology is a scientific itants of the planet, are going Moment: What Do We Forget Lfrom a sociology department discipline offering vital insights to achieve or fail at the end of When We Talk to Machines?” was chair who was deeply concerned to the 21st century global com- the century. It is crucial that given by sociologist Sherry Turkle, about a proposed change to her munity. Sociologists know this to 21st century scientists and the Abby Rockefeller Mauzé institution’s General be true, but we may be engineers understand the life Professor of the Social Studies of Education curriculum. less adept at explaining it of the average citizen of the Science and Technology in the Under the existing to others. To do so does world. This invariably calls Program in Science, Technology, curriculum, students not need to undermine for a seamless integration of and Society at the Massachusetts are required to take the humanistic side of discoveries and approaches Institute of Technology. two courses within the area of sociology as we also defend the between the natural sciences Sociology is a core part of “Scientific Investigations”—one liberal arts. (ASA is an active and social sciences. (empha- applied science. Evidence of the in the natural sciences and one member of both the Consortium sis added) growing importance of sociology in the social sciences. Under the of Social Science Associations and An and the social revised Gen Ed curriculum, the the National Humanities Alliance, example of sciences, social science requirement would which are long-standing and effec- such “seam- Make sure the curriculum generally, be eliminated. tive advocacy organizations that to applied less integra- committee members and This illustrates a larger and address scholarly, educational, tion” is a science is disturbing effort by some sig- and science policy issues in our 2012 article administrators at your illustrated nificant forces to marginalize and nation’s capital.) by Cornell institution are familiar with the in the new delegitimize the social sciences MCAT exam. Educate and Advocate and Waite in facts that reflect sociology’s and sometimes the liberal arts ASA’s Journal Starting in Sociology is part of the national as a whole. Earlier this month in of Health recognition as a discipline January of science community. Make sure the an Inside Higher Ed article, Carol and Social within the national science 2015, all curriculum committee members Geary Schneider, President of the Behavior community. aspiring and administrators at your institu- American Association of Colleges “Social medical tion are familiar with the facts that and Universities, described it Network doctors will reflect sociology’s recognition as a as “a dangerous assault,” cit- Resources take a revised discipline within the national sci- ing House Majority Leader Eric and Management of MCAT that includes sections on ence community. Two key pieces Cantor’s (R-VA) recent proposal Hypertension.” (see hsb.sagepub. the social and behavioral sciences, of evidence are the prominence to eliminate all federal funding com/content/53/2.toc). Research with specific question on basic of the Sociology Program at the for research in the social sciences. conducted by scientists at the sociology. (For more on MCAT National Science Foundation, and In the article, Schneider discusses National Institutes of Health changes and implications for the fact that the number two per- a current proposal in Florida to (NIH) and under its extramural departments see Footnotes July/ son at NSF, Cora Bagley Marrett, establish lower tuition rates for grant programs encompasses August and December 2012.) is a sociologist. She has also “STEM” majors (narrowly defined significant sociological studies. served as Acting Director of NSF, Sociology in the Classroom as the physical sciences, engi- This is reflected in the existence of a $7-billion independent federal Sociology is a gateway to science neering, and mathematics) and a the Office of Behavioral and Social agency that is the only govern- for undergraduates. To further higher tuition for all other majors Sciences Research within the ment science agency charged with advance sociology as a scientific (February 8, 2012). Office of the Director of the NIH, advancing all fields of funda- discipline (the mission of the We cannot afford to ignore Francis S. Collins, a geneticist who mental science and engineering ASA), it is our job as members these efforts or set them aside as lead the Human Genome Project research and related education. to ensure that undergraduate policy proposals too extreme to between 1993 and 2008. NSF Director Subra Suresh, a majors understand the scientific actually pass. A bill cutting all The social sciences, including distinguished engineer, recently base of sociology and that they funding for political science at sociology, hold a central place in addressed the contributions and can articulate how they have used the National Science Foundation the American Academy for the inter-relationship of the natural data and analysis as part of their (NSF) passed in the House of Advancement of Science (AAAS), sciences and the social sciences: sociology major. I would encour- Representatives in June 2012, the world’s largest general science st age all sociology departments to Congress will be negotiating the The 21 century is the cen- organization. The social sciences review their program curricula to 2013 budget over the next few tury of science and engineer- have their own AAAS section— ensure the empirical base of the weeks, and threats to the social ing for the average citizen of the Social, Economic, and Political discipline is evident and fully inte- sciences are likely to be raised the world. Not for the scien- Sciences—that provides scientific grated across course levels. Even again. tist. Not for the engineer. But expertise to AAAS-wide projects. students in introductory sociology for the average human being Last year I had the honor of being What Do We Do? can benefit from the experience on the planet that means elected as an AAAS Fellow, joining Sociologists can take con- of working with quantitative data how a non-scientist, average the ranks of many other sociolo- crete actions. One of which is to as well as rigorously analyzed citizen, engages with science gists. This year, at the 2013 AAAS help our students and the larger qualitative data. For ideas about and engineering is going to Annual Meeting, the Plenary scholarly communities within doing this, see the 2006 Teaching determine how we, as inhab- Lecture, titled “The Robotic which we work to understand Continued on page10
2 footnotes • February 2013 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association
science policy
Americans in Worse Health in nine key areas of health: low birth Director of the National NIH Names New Director of The than People in Other High- weight; injuries and homicides; Humanities Alliance (NHA), Center for Scientific Review Income Countries teenage pregnancies and sexually a coalition of more than 100 In December, the National A report released in January from transmitted infections; prevalence of humanities organizations and Institutes of Health (NIH) Director the National Research Council and HIV and AIDS; drug-related deaths; institutions from around the Francis S. Collins announced the Institute of Medicine finds that obesity and diabetes; heart disease; country committed to advocacy selection of Richard Nakamura as the Americans die sooner and are gen- chronic lung disease; and disability. for the humanities. Kidd comes new director for the NIH’s Center for erally sicker than people The report examines to the Alliance most recently Scientific Review (CSR). Nakamura in other high-income the role of underlying from the Smithsonian Institution, has been serving as the acting director nations. This U.S. health social values and public where he served as Director of since September 2011. He leads CSR’s disadvantage exists at all policies in understand- the Smithsonian Folklife Festival 450 scientists and administra- ages, and the trend is not ing why the United and Associate Director of the tive staff, overseeing their efforts to concentrated only among States is outranked Center for Folklife and Cultural manage 80,000 incoming NIH grant the poor or racial minorities. Many by other nations on both health Heritage. Michael Brintnall, applications a year and review the of these health conditions dispro- outcomes and the conditions that President of the NHA, said that majority of them in CSR peer review portionately affect children and affect health, including relatively the Alliance is delighted to bring groups. Nakamura had a 32-year adolescents. On average, infants, high rates of poverty and income on Stephen as the new direc- career at the National Institute of children, and adolescents in the U.S. inequality as well as lagging behind tor. Throughout his career, Kidd Mental Health (NIMH), where he has die younger and have greater rates other countries in the education of has focused on bringing humani- served as both its Scientific Director of illness and injury than youth in young people. More information ties scholarship to both broad and Deputy Director. He also was other countries finds the report, U.S. can be found at
Russell Sage Foundation Names a New President
n early February, the Russell ment will continue the Russell the work effort, family income, and because the public and policy- ISage Foundation, Sage Foundation’s great material well-being of single moth- makers have not made reducing announced the appoint- tradition of distinguished ers and of the impact of poverty on poverty a priority.” ment of Sheldon H. and groundbreaking social children and youth. In examining Having published widely on Danziger, the Henry J. science research that the roots of poverty in America, the effectiveness of federal anti- Meyer Distinguished addresses important policy he has written, “Poverty remains poverty programs, Danziger did University Professor issues and contributes high not because of a shortage of of Public Policy at the to improving the human effective antipoverty options but Continued on page 5 Gerald R. Ford School condition. The Foundation of Public Policy at the has benefitted from 26 University of Michigan, Sheldon H. Danziger years of strong leadership Graduate School Poster Session as the tenth president by its current president, of the Foundation. Professor Eric Wanner. When Professor The ASA Academic and Professional Affairs Program is now ac- Danziger will join the Foundation Danziger becomes president upon cepting reservations for the 2013 Graduate Program Poster Ses- on September 1, 2013. He will suc- Eric’s retirement, we are assured sion. . There is no fee to participate in the poster session but note ceed Eric Wanner, who has led the of continued strong leadership in that the person who sets up the display must be registered for Foundation since 1986. setting and executing our research the Annual Meeting; badges are required for entry into the ex- The Russell Sage Foundation agenda.” hibit hall. Reservations must be received by April 15, 2013, so (RSF) is the principal American Danziger is a nationally that your department name can appear in the program sched- ule. If you would like to reserve a spot, send an email to foundation devoted to research recognized expert on the effects [email protected]. The Academic and Professional Affairs Pro- in the social sciences as well as of economic, demographic, and gram is delighted to once again bring together representatives the publisher of ASA’s Rose Book public policy changes on trends of departments from across the country with undergraduate Series in Sociology. In making in poverty and economic inequal- students and master’s students looking to continue their educa- the announcement, Robert E. ity, and on social welfare policies tion. The information provided at the poster session is also use- Denham, Chairman of the Russell in the United States. His work ful for undergraduate advisors researching programs of interest Sage Foundation Board of Trustees, includes an examination of how to their students. said “Professor Danziger’s appoint- the 1996 welfare reform affected
footnotes • February 2013 3 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org TRAILS Top 10 Resources of 2012 Jaime Hecht, ASA Academic and want to congratulate and thank the Professional Affairs Program following authors for their valuable RAILS (Teaching Resources work: Tand Innovations Library for 10. Introduction to Sociology by Sociology) is ASA’s subscription- Robert E. Wood—This syllabus based, online, interactive, peer- explores the role of technology reviewed library of teaching and in teaching Intro to Sociology, learning materials. TRAILS is enter- while allowing for students to ing its third year of operation with gain practical, hands-on tech- encouraging progress. The TRAILS nological skills applicable to community consists of sociologists academic and applied settings. in dozens of fields who are working 9. Using Article Abstracts to together to advance excellence in Illustrate Research Concepts sociology pedagogy. Working in by Katherine Novak—This concert with the ASA staff, TRAILS class activity is a lesson ethnography, surveys, experi- is uniquely positioned to advance in inductive vs. deductive the five main characteris- ments, archival documents/ the field of teaching and learning in research as well as an intro- tics of fundamentalism in texts. sociology. duction to the four broad the sociology of religion. A 5. Illustrating the Social viewing of the film The Mist The Top 10 categories of research studies (descriptive, explanatory, Construction of Race and is a catalyst for discussion on We just finished our top 10 exploratory, evaluation). Racial Stereotypes with the emotional and cognitive count down on our TRAILS Images by Gwen Sharp and responses to the religious and 8. Public and Private Urban Facebook page (www.facebook. Lisa Wade—This activity sociological concepts in the Space by Paul Walker Clarke com/ Trails-The-ASAs-Teaching- generates a context in which film. and Carla Rose Corroto—A Resources-and-Innovations- students show each other the PowerPoint presentation using 1. Friendship Diversity Exercise Library-for-Sociology). In case ways in which race and ethnic- work by Jane Jacob to explore by James Vela-McConnell— you missed it, here are the 10 most ity are socially constructed. urban ecology. By diagram- Our most frequently down- downloaded resources of 2012. We This student centered approach ming the private, semi-private, loaded resource in 2012 is hope you will join our Facebook to teaching the social construc- and public spaces in residen- a lesson meant to acquaint community and help us to build tion of race allows for more tial blocks depicted in street- students with the idea of the a forum in which to share your student engagement and intel- view photographs, students sociological imagination and experiences with TRAILS as well as lectual discussion. demonstrate its relevance for find news and information in the become familiar with how the 4. Article Comparison their own personal lives by field of teaching and learning in built environment conveys Assignment (Same Questions, exploring their friendship higher education and sociology. We meaning. Different Methods) by patterns. Through this exercise, 7. Crossing Alexandra Marin—In this students will be able to draw Legs and Opening assignment, students examine comparisons between race, Doors: A Lesson two research papers using dif- class, gender, and sexual orien- in Gender ferent methods to answer the tation in terms of their impact Socialization by same question. By doing so, a on close friendships. Cherise Harris— broader understanding of how Thank you to all the authors who This class activity research both relates to, and submitted resources in 2012 and facilitates an under- impacts, findings is achieved. to all the users who applied them standing of how in their classrooms. Increase your 3. Intro to Social Research by socialization impacts teaching credentials by submit- Daniel Davis—This intro gender roles, and ting TRAILS. ASA Members can syllabus offers an alternative how major social submit their teaching and learn- approach to teaching a meth- forces such as fam- ing resources to TRAILS free of ods course. It utilizes outside ily, religion, school, charge. We also invite sociologists the box learning techniques peer groups and at all levels to explore our resources such as the 10.20.30 method the media are also (you do not need to be subscribed which is often used in the busi- gendered. to browse). With TRAILS you will ness world for pitches and pre- 6. The Four find opportunities to enhance your sentations. It refers to keeping Sources of own teaching practice, better train power points to a maximum Evidence by Daniel students and teaching assistants, of 10 slides, lasting 20 minutes Buffington—This and strengthen your chances of with a 30 size font. introductory-level promotion and tenure. We hope assignment explores 2. The Mist and the Sociology you join us in 2013 as it is sure to the strengths and of Religion by Marci be a prolific year for TRAILS. See weakness of the four Cottingham—This activity the TRAILS website at
4 footnotes • February 2013 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association Council Highlights
SA Council held its mid-year Publications. Minorities for a new journal titled Sections. Approved all the Ameeting on January 26, 2013, • Approved appointments of new Sociology of Race and Ethnicity. Committee on Sections’ recom- in Washington, DC. Pending editors for the Journal of Health • Approved the revised mission mendations regarding proposed Council approval and online post- and Social Behavior and Sociology statement for Sociological bylaws amendments for the follow- ing of the minutes, the following of Education. Methodology. ing sections: Collective Behavior is a snapshot of key decisions and • Approved increasing honoraria • Affirmed production of a 2012 and Social Movements; Community discussions. for editors as recommended by Annual Report. and Urban Sociology; Crime, Law, Minutes. The minutes for the the Committee on the Executive • Tabled the Committee on and Deviance; Organizations, summer Council meetings on Office and Budget for 2013, with Publications recommendation Occupations, and Work; Sociology August 20 and August 21, 2012, the presumption that adjustments on archiving journal records and of Education, Teaching and were approved and are now posted for 2014 for the Rose Series, voted instead to preserve all elec- Learning; and Theory. at
Danziger have the opportunity to lead the Detroit Divided (with Reynolds the loss and recovery of wealth in the from Page 3 Russell Sage Foundation. My goal Farley and Harry Holzer), analyz- wake of the Great Recession. With is to advance the Foundation’s ing the causes and consequences of his co-researchers, he is tracking important early work on rising stellar accomplishments in the economic and social inequality in changes in the national distribution inequality in the United States, social sciences and continue the Motor City. of wealth during and after the reces- long before it was recognized as a to focus on the key economic, His most recent RSF-funded proj- sion, determining the characteristics national problem. In addition to political, and social challenges ect, part of the Foundation’s research of households that have been slowest his professorship at the University facing the nation. I look forward initiative on the social and economic to recover and charting the intergen- of Michigan, Danziger is Director to working with the trustees, consequences of the Great Recession, erational transfers of wealth within of the National Poverty Center, the staff, and the many scholars is a detailed study of inequalities in families. Director of the Research and whose research is the basis for the Training Program on Poverty and Foundation’s success.” Public Policy, Research Professor at the Population Studies Center, A History with RSF and a Fellow of the American Professor Danziger is a long- 2013 ASA Annual Meeting Film Academy of Arts and Sciences. He time participant in a wide range of Screening Russell Sage-sponsored research received his PhD in economics The ASA Annual Meeting Program Committee from the Massachusetts Institute of projects. He was a Visiting Scholar is again setting aside space in which new films/ Technology. at the Foundation in 2002-2003, videos will be screened during the Annual Meeting. Commenting on the appoint- a member of the Foundation’s Members and others who wish to propose a film for ment of Professor Danziger as Poverty Research and Future of inclusion in the 2013 screening series may submit his successor, Wanner said, “I’m Work Advisory Committees from a copy of the film/video and a brief description of delighted that Sheldon Danziger 1989 to 2007 and the recipient of the work that notes its relevance to sociological instruction and has agreed to take over the reins at several RSF awards for external research. Films that can be fit into a 50- or 80-minute course block Russell Sage. Sheldon’s strong com- research projects, dating back to are of particular interest. mitment to rigorous social science his research on inequality in the Films will be judged on time sensitivity, relevance to the field of research and its implications for early 1990s. That research resulted sociology, and potential use in teaching. Those who submit films policy will make him an excellent in the book America Unequal (co- will be notified of screening decisions in June. Any submitted film steward of the Foundation’s long authored with Peter Gottschalk), will be returned after the conclusion of the Annual Meeting. tradition of working to strengthen one of the first comprehensive Send film/video nominations (in DVD format) by April 1, 2013, to: social science and apply it more studies regarding the implica- Jaime Hecht effectively to the analysis of social tions of rising inequality in the Academic & Professional Affairs Program problems and the design of social United States. He was also a key American Sociological Association policy.” participant in the Foundation’s 1430 K Street NW, Suite 600 In accepting the appointment, massive study of urban inequality Washington, DC 20005 Danziger said, “I am honored to in four U.S. cities in the mid-1990s [email protected] and co-authored the RSF volume, footnotes • February 2013 5 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org
Awards published in the three preceding institution for its work in assisting of those who have been especially from Page 1 calendar years. the development of scholarly efforts effective in disseminating sociologi- in this tradition. cal perspectives and research. The Distinguished Contributions to practice. The award recognizes work ASA is cognizant of the fact that Teaching Award Jessie Bernard Award that has facilitated or served as a there are many professionals (e.g., model for the work of others, work Rose M. Brewer (University of Kathleen Gerson (New York journalists, filmmakers) whose that has significantly advanced the Minnesota-Twin Cities) and Jay R. University) job it is to translate and interpret a utility of one or more specialty areas Howard (Butler University) The Jessie Bernard Award is given wide range of information, includ- in sociology and, by so doing, has This award is given annually to annually in recognition of scholarly ing sociological perspectives and elevated the professional status or honor outstanding contributions to work that has enlarged the horizons research, for the general public. public image of the field as whole, or the undergraduate and/or graduate of sociology to encompass fully work that has been honored or widely teaching and learning of sociol- the role of women in society. The Public Understanding of recognized outside the discipline for ogy, which improve the quality of contribution may be in empirical Sociology Award its significant impacts, particularly in teaching. research, theory, or methodology. Ruth Milkman (CUNY-Graduate Center) advancing human welfare. Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award Excellence in the Reporting of This award is given annually Social Issues Award Distinguished Scholarly Elijah Anderson (Yale University) to a person or persons who have Publication Award The Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award Ira Glass and the staff of This made exemplary contributions to Greta R. Krippner (University of honors the intellectual traditions American Life advance the public understanding Michigan) for Capitalizing on Crisis: and contributions of Oliver Cox, The Award for Excellence in the of sociology, sociological research, the Political Origins of the Rise of Charles S. Johnson, and E. Franklin Reporting of Social Issues honors and scholarship among the general Finance (Harvard University Press Frazier. The award is given either individuals for their promotion of public. 2012) to a sociologist for a lifetime of sociological findings and a broader This annual award is given research, teaching, and service to vision of sociology. The ASA would Dissertation Award for a single book or monograph the community or to an academic like to recognize the contributions To be announced at a later date.
Urban organizing and public education focused on collaborative research together high-quality, original, from Page 1 reform, building social move- with communities to create new and theoretically driven research ments in the World Social Forum, knowledge relevant to address- that utilizes the community-based facing urban communities. URBAN combating environmental racism, ing pressing social justice issues. approach. provides a platform for engaged and many others. URBAN offers a The team also seeks to find ways URBAN will sponsor a meeting scholarship where scholars from platform to connect researchers and to support community-engaged that is open to all sociologists at the multiple disciplines and institutions activists to strengthen and expand scholars by opening up publication upcoming ASA Annual Meeting can connect with one another and these efforts. opportunities, mentoring junior in New York (see the 2013 ASA with members of communities to scholars, providing training and Annual Meeting preliminary pro- An Introduction in Denver share ideas and be supported within development opportunities for gram, which will be available April the academy as they endeavor to URBAN was first introduced graduate students, and advanc- 30, for dates and time). For those pursue community-based, activist- to sociologists last August at a ing a discussion of guidelines for who are interested in learning more research agendas. gathering held during the 2012 ASA awarding credit for this research in about URBAN, the concept paper Sociologists involved in URBAN Annual Meeting in Denver. At the tenure and review procedures. for URBAN and its fall newslet- will help to build a national meeting, participants explored how ter can be found at
6 footnotes • February 2013 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association Responding to the Students in our Classrooms: On Teaching Military Veterans and Engineering Majors
Lisa Brush, University of Pittsburgh vice, including their incorporation ideas and skills into a hierarchical bureaucracy. For over time and n the years since September 11, example, once I convince them that also that they 2001, I more frequently have mili- I I am sincere about wanting them can effectively tary veterans in my undergraduate to ask as well as answer questions, model the pro- sociology classes. Conversations veterans do both, often exception- cess of applying with colleagues have prompted ally well. Their training equips them concepts and me to think about why I do a little with the understanding that they insights from happy dance when I learn that are contributing to our collective early in the someone in my classroom is a vet- learning by asking questions and course to prob- eran. I have a similar reaction when contributing points that clarify what lems and dis- I have students from the School of is often shared confusion. They cussions later. Engineering in my writing-intensive help other students take seriously Many of them classes (usually classical theory the process of using questions and are accustomed or feminist political economy). discussion (rather than keeping to thinking Outlining Expectations Why? What do these students up appearances or a cool pose) to about problems in “system” terms, bring and what do they help me All this helps to explain my advance everyone’s learning. They and they grasp the importance of do, pedagogically speaking? And happy dance. To help these understand that a certain realistic both breaking problems into their what, if anything unusual, do they students thrive in a social sci- humility is more conducive to learn- analytical elements and figuring need to thrive in my classroom? ence course—especially a theory ing than disdain for the proceed- out how to get their minds around The answers to these questions are course—I have learned to make ings Veterans (and often students the big picture. closely connected, although they are several things explicit. First, in ROTC) bring their substantial Engineering students “get” also different for veterans and for I establish right away that I experience with military discipline, functionalism on a level that gives engineers. am interested in the strengths hierarchy, and bureaucracy to our them confidence writing about and I generally learn that students are everyone brings, that I respect readings of the classical sociological discussing the notion where the engineering majors from the roster. the different learning styles and theorists. ends and means are often con- I learn that students are veterans skills students already have, and Veterans therefore often get a nected in important ways. They from a first-day exercise I frequently that I expect everyone to model charge from applying theoretical are quick to grasp and even to have students do, especially in my how to apply intelligently what concepts to the task of interpreting come up with their own analogies theory class, which has a reputa- they already know to the new and conveying important aspects for transferring familiar concepts, tion as a “hard” course. On the first and challenging material of of their experience to their peers in from thinking about parts, wholes, day, I have students fill out an index the course. Second, I reassure ways that illustrate central concerns systems, baseline assumptions, card with the usual information the engineering students that of the course. Besides, it makes and design specifications in the plus three things: their pronoun although there are not what they learning more fun for them, too, to context of engineering, to thinking preference (this encourages cisgen- might think of as “objective” be critical of military bureaucracy about the social world. Moreover, der students to problematize the exams, I value their skills and in the service of theory rather than because they understand impor- natural status of sex categories and ability to learn and will evalu- griping. In addition, veterans have tant aspects of theory as metaphor welcomes transgender and gender ate them fairly. Third, I thank excellent time-management skills. and model, they can be creative queer students without stigmatizing veterans for their service in front They work well in pairs and teams, and critical about explaining them), something hard that they of the class. This is a baseline in part because they have first- the strengths and weaknesses of have successfully accomplished, and courtesy that models the fun- hand knowledge of the impor- particular metaphors and models a strength from that accomplish- damental notion that although tance of peer support to shared and how theorists and researchers ment that they bring to the class. members of the class may have success. Perhaps most important develop and deploy them. Invariably, veterans “come out” by different experiences, politics, to my teaching practice, veterans Engineers are often able to referring to their service—or to and learning styles, and although understand that although they may work through causal explana- having surmounted some specific I encourage everyone to adopt a have an adversarial relationship tions and deconstruct the logic challenge related to their service— critical stance toward the material with difficult course material, they of interconnected set of ideas as a successful accomplishment, and their experience, I expect do not have to have an adversarial in ways that benefit their peers. and they generally refer to some of and extend basic respect to every relationship with me; we are “in it But, perhaps my favorite strength what I agree are among the many student. I also check with veter- together” in a way, which makes my is that engineering majors have strengths they tend to bring to the ans privately about experiences job much, much easier. learned the invaluable skill of college classroom. with trauma and any reasonable turning a problem they do not Applying Concepts to Problems accommodations they might Active (Duty) in the Collective understand or know how to solve need to learn at the highest level Learning Engineering majors bring sev- into one they do. This means at which they are capable. That, eral important strengths, too. They The material basis of veterans’ they can encourage their peers to after all, is the point of what I am are accustomed to classes that sense of accomplishment includes build on what they already know doing in my classroom, where I structure skills and information several strengths that seem to come and apply it to novel intellectual want all students, no matter their cumulatively. That means that they from or develop during their ser- challenges, one of the key learning background, to be welcome and are both patient about developing goals in my classes. succeed. footnotes • February 2013 7 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org
New York questions about income, includ- from Page 1 ing capital gains and other income sources. has since faded as an ongoing protest Before the protest signs were movement, Occupy did provoke placed around Zucotti Park, discussions about the “1 percent” the signs funded by Wall Street versus the “99 percent.” Business Improvement District The Rich Getting Richer used to proclaim, “New York City is the Capital of Capital.” Mayor Certainly, it is well-established Bloomberg, now in the last year that much of the income gains of his third term, recognized this over the past 30 years did not go to when he famously said, “[New those in the middle or lower classes, York] isn’t Wal-Mart…It isn’t trying but rather to the top 1 percent to be the lowest-priced product on of earners and especially the top the market. It’s a high-end prod- 0.1 percent. Banks posted record uct, maybe even a luxury product” profits after the financial crisis, and (Diane Cardwell, New York Times, there have been similar revelations January 8, 2003). The largest that the top 1 percent of income number and highest concentration earners captured 93 percent of the of 1 percenters live in and around income growth following the fiscal New York City. This point is made crisis—the same crisis that obliter- very clear by data on Manhattan. ated housing prices, devaluing the According to a 2011 Census survey, largest assets most families held, the top 5 percent of Manhattan especially the lower and middle households averaged incomes of classes. Many of the top one percent $791,355 and the top 20 percent of any county in the United States are guarded by doormen and the work or live in New York City (and averaged $391,022, while bottom 20 with at least 65,000 residents. It is residents are likely to be whisked often both). Although data from percent averaged $9,681, a ratio of followed by Fairfield County, CT, away by taxi cabs or limousines. the Survey of Consumer Finances 40.3 to 1. where many hedge fund own- Apartments in this area go for show that being in the top 1 percent The figures for the entire city, ers make their headquarters, and $3 million and up with monthly requires about $1 million of income which are driven by Manhattan’s Westchester County, NY, one of maintenance charges of $12,000 or and about $10 million of net worth, wealth level, are $438,890 for the the main bedroom counties for the more. In this area the top 5 percent the U.S. Census Bureau computes top 5 percent, $223,285 for the top city’s financial sector. The level of of households enjoy more than $2 the top 1 percent as beginning at 20 percent, and $8,844 for the bot- inequality is similar to that in sev- million per year in income, and about $380,000 in annual house- tom 20 percent for a ratio of 25.2 eral Latin American countries, and probably live in even more luxuri- hold income. The amounts differ to 1 between the top 20 percent is the highest for any U.S. county ous apartments, some of which are because the survey is stratified to and bottom 20 percent. Manhattan except for four in Puerto Rico and valued at well over $10 million. catch the income and wealth of has the highest income for the rich Clarke County, GA, which is the There are also a few townhouses at the top and has many very specific home of the University of Georgia, that price range or higher. As the but surrounded by areas of rural map shows, one will find most of Comparison of Manhattan and Outer Boroughs poverty. the truly poor and those that must Manhattan Outer Boroughs exist on incomes averaging less Where the High Earners Live Total Population: 1,601,948 6,642,962 than $75,000 living in the outer When one focuses on the areas borough. Race (Hispanic and Non-Hispanic) (census tracts) with high average- Manhattan is, once again, pre- White Alone 56.1% 40.9% income households in the city itself, dominantly inhabited by whites, Black or African American Alone 15% 27.3% as shown in the accompanying map, while minorities are more often Asian Alone 11% 13.2% the areas are located in the Upper located outside of Manhattan. The East Side and Downtown near Wall accompanying table shows a few Street. These same census tracts figures comparing Manhattan with Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 25.6% 29.5% have the highest proportion of the rest of the city, referred to as the Non-Hispanic White 47.6% 29.6% those in the top 5 percent and top “outer boroughs.” Residents in the 20 percent. Indeed, the Upper East rest of New York City are less white, Side includes the largest concentra- Foreign Born: 28.8% 39.2% more immigrant, more minority, tion of very high income tracts near and generally poorer than those in Central Park along Fifth Avenue Manhattan. This trend began after Household Income and Madison Avenue. The census 1980, and has only accelerated since More than $150,000 24.4% 7.8% tract with highest average income then. ($440,000) is between 70th and 77th More than $200,000 16.6% 3.5% streets between Fifth and Madison Tax Breaks Median household income (in 2011 $66,299 $45,601 avenues. Some parts of the outer bor- Inflation Adjusted Dollars) If you walk around this area and oughs are becoming trendy, but Average household income (in 2011 $125,020 $63,604 try to see how the 1 percent live you Inflation Adjusted Dollars) will not see much since these areas Continued on page 10
8 footnotes • February 2013 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association
international perspectives The Growing Presence of Social Science in Qatar
Jon T. Crist, Georgetown University of London, the latest entrant into based on rigor- School of Foreign Service in Qatar the community, offers graduate ous national moved to Doha, Qatar, in the programs in museum studies and random Isummer of 2008 after spending 15 archeology. Qatar Foundation also sampling tech- years in the policy think-tank com- directly runs the Qatar Faculty for niques. It also munity in Washington, DC (admin- Islamic Studies and has recently sub-contracts istering the fellowship programs at formed an entity called Hamad bin its services to the U.S. Institute of Peace). Eager for Khalifa University, named after the the govern- a posting abroad and a return to the Emir of Qatar, which sponsors its ment, corpo- university and scholarly pursuits, own interdisciplinary programs that rate sector, and albeit as an administrator, I was link up related aspects of the exper- academics. delighted to take up a position as tise represented in the faculties of For instance, the branch campuses. Northwestern an assistant dean advising students Dohan, Qatar and working with faculty to support Not surprisingof a monarchy, University in the curriculum of Georgetown social science research would not Qatar recently University’s School of Foreign happen in Doha but for the patron- contracted be devoted to research purposes, Service (GU SFS) in Qatar. The GU age of the regime, which funds all with SESRI to replicate the annual Qatar is well poised to become a SFS branch campus in Doha is part institutions of higher education World Values Study in Qatar for the major player in global research in of the unique and innovative experi- in Doha. Founded in 1978, Qatar first time. (Georgetown University is the years to come. ment in higher education known as University, the national university of also affiliated with this project.) For reasons that are not hard to Education City. the country and the only indigenous The other significant contribution imagine, the lion’s share of fund- institution, offers a liberal arts of the regime to the social sciences ing awards go to topics involving Sub-contracting Higher curriculum, including a sociology in Qatar is found in the Qatar technology innovation in the oil Education major for undergraduates. National Research Fund (QNRF). and gas sector, medical research, The QNRF was established in 2005 engineering and computer/IT appli- While many American cam- Women in Sociology puses have begun to look over- in close consultation with the Qatar- cations. However, social science and seas to expand their markets and Reflecting local mores, the RAND Policy Institute, a branch the humanities have been identi- brands, Education City is distinc- campus is sex-segregated, although office of RAND specializing in edu- fied as a core priority for Qatar’s tive. The linchpin of the operation there are exceptions in certain cational policy. (QRPI has also been research funding strategy, and while is the Qatar Foundation—the programs and classes. For example, a major advisor to the regime in its the overall percentage of awards is principal institution through the sociology major is for female sweeping efforts to reform the K-12 small in comparison, the percentage which Qatar advances its ambi- students only; males can minor school system and Qatar University continues to grow. tious national goal of transforming in sociology but will be taught as well as the founding of Education Like NSF, QNRF relies on a its economy from dependence on in separate classes. The sociol- City and the adoption of a national network of thousands of experts natural gas to a knowledge-based ogy program also offers a major research strategy to support national and scholars for the review of economy. in Social Work for females and a development.) proposals. This improves the Psychology major for both sexes. quality of decisions made about Essentially, Qatar Foundation Funding Research has created a university by sub- The Department’s most distin- funding, but it also, in part, results contracting the constituent schools guished graduate, Sheikha Mozah RAND looked to the National in a measure of independence in to top institutions from the United bint Nasser Al-Thani, is a product Science Foundation (NSF) as a the range of subjects reflected in States and Europe. These institu- of this program and next to her model for QNRF. Since its incep- the list of awardees. At my own tions replicate their main campus husband, the Emir of Qatar, is tion, QNRF has disbursed more institution, we have had projects curricula and have autonomy in Qatar’s most visible figure to the than $550 million in funds to sup- funded on some contentious and all important areas of academic outside world. As chairperson of port research projects, many involv- controversial topics, including the management, including faculty and Qatar Foundation, she has been ing collaborations with top research situation of migrant laborers in staff hires, admissions, research, a forceful advocate for education institutions in the United States Qatar and the Gulf, the impact of and publication. In addition to and social reform in Qatar and on and Europe. Qatar’s recent adop- human rights treaty regimes in the Georgetown’s program, Cornell the world stage (especially in her tion of a Qatar National Research Gulf, the assessment of interfaith University runs a medical school, capacity as the UN Special Envoy Strategy, while importantly focused dialogue projects in Doha, and Carnegie Mellon runs the business for Basic and Higher Education). on national development goals, is Arabic-language instruction in school, Texas A&M the engineering Two years ago, Qatar University clearly meant to solidify Qatar’s Qatar, a hot-button issue because school, Virginia Commonwealth opened up the first survey research efforts to become a major global of the increasing signs of decline in University a school of graphic arts institution in Qatar—the Social and research hub—a development path the quantity and quality of Arabic and fashion design, Northwestern Economic Survey Research Institute that has offered substantial returns among Qatari citizens in particular. University a school of journalism (SESRI). The result of collaboration for other small countries and city- (I am a current recipient of two and communications, HEC-Paris with the University of Michigan’s states including Taiwan, Singapore, QNRF awards—one for a student offers programs in executive man- Survey Research Center, SESRI’s and Luxembourg. With the Emir’s project on assessing Education agement, and University College permanent research staff conducts decree in 2009 that 2.8 percent of basic research in the social sciences Qatar’s gross domestic product shall Continued on page 10 footnotes • February 2013 9 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org
Vantage Point ogy majors have parents with carry out our responsibility as Profession.American Sociological Association. from Page 2 a high school diploma or less. undergraduate teachers to help Sociology can provide a mean- students understand the scien- Schneider, Carol Geary. 2013. “A Sociology article “Integrating ingful entrée to the scientific tific foundations of sociology, Dangerous Assault.” Inside Higher Data Analysis (IDA): Working Ed. www.insidehighered.com/ method for those who don’t ini- how it can enhance their under- views/2013/02/08/essay-house-repub- with Sociology Departments tially think they are interested standing of daily life, and how it lican-leaders-attack-social-science- to Address the Quantitative in science, but find themselves can provide a solid foundation research Literacy Gap” by Carla Howery powerfully engaged by the of skills to help them meet the Spalter-Roth, Roberta et al. 2012. and Havidán Rodriguez. (Also substantive issues discussed in next challenges in life. “Recruiting Sociology Majors: What see www.TeachingWithData. sociology classes and literature. References Are the Effects of the Great Recession? org.) The experience of sociological Concepts, Change, and Careers” Cornwell, Erin York and Linda J. Waite. Department of Research on the Research findings from thinking can help them better Discipline and Profession. American the ASA Department of 2012. “Social Network Resources understand the social contexts and Management of Hypertension.” Sociological Association. http://www. Research on the Discipline and within which they live (Spalter- Journal of Health and Social Behavior asanet.org/documents/research/ Profession shows clearly that Roth et al. 2012). 53:215-231. pdfs/Bachelors_and_Beyond_2012_ Brief2_Recruiting.pdf undergraduate majors who Faced with misguided and Davis, Shannon N. and Jason M. are able to describe their data sometimes deliberate efforts to Satterfield. 2012. “New MCAT Spalter-Roth, Roberta and Nicole analysis skills in a job interview Emphasizes Social Foundations of Van Vooren. 2008. “What Are They marginalize and delegitimize Doing with a Bachelor’s Degree in are significantly more likely the social sciences, sociolo- Health and Disease.” www.asanet.org/ footnotes/julyaugust12/mcat_0712. Sociology?” Department of Research to find employment related to gists must be able to articulate html on the Discipline and Profession. their major, and they are sig- that sociology is a scientific American Sociological Association. Howery, Carla B. and Havidan http://www.asanet.org/images/ nificantly more likely to report discipline that offers vital Rodriguez.2006. “Integrating Data st research/docs/pdf/What%20Are%20 being satisfied with their job insights to the 21 century Analysis (IDA): Working with They%20Doing%20with%20BA%20 (Spalter-Roth and Van Vooren global community. We can do Sociology Departments to Address in%20Soc.pdf 2008 at http://bit.ly/ZkOYUl). this by actively and articulately the Quantitative Literacy Gap” Teaching Sociology 34:23-38. Suresh, Subra. 2011. Speech at the The power and joy of sociol- advocating for sociology. We Annual Meeting of the Consortium of ogy as a STEM discipline is that can demonstrate the significant Kain, Edward L. 2012. “Changes Social Science Associations. it addresses systematically the in MCAT have Implications for role sociology plays within Sociology Department Planning” lived experience of students national science organizations. www.asanet.org/footnotes/dec12/ Sally T. Hillsman from many racial and ethnic We can be knowledgeable about mcat_1212.html is the Executive backgrounds, many of whom the contributions sociology Senter, Mary et al. 2012. “What Leads Officer of ASA. She are also first-generation college makes to the interdisciplinary to Student Satisfaction with Sociology can be reached by students. More than one- and global scientific knowledge Departments?” Department of email at executive. quarter of graduating sociol- base. And we can effectively Research on the Discipline and [email protected].
New York dized, highly touted development Qatar Luxembourg, and Japan.) from Page 8 of commercial areas, offices, the- from Page 9 There is still much room for atres, bars and restaurants, hotels, areas in Manhattan—such as growth in professional sociol- and co-op apartments had a recent the Lower East Side—that once City’s sustainability programs ogy and the social sciences in apartment listing for $26 million. accommodated the hip crowd and the other a large interna- Qatar. But there are positive During the height of the finan- are now occupied by quite afflu- tional project on higher educa- signs as the amount of funded cial crisis New York City’s biggest ent individuals and households. tion development and scientific research on social issues in banks and other financial institu- Though the Bloomberg adminis- productivity, with a project team Qatar increases, examples of tions were being protected by tration had a plan to preserve and of educational sociologists led policy-relevant social science several trillion dollars of bailouts build more affordable housing by David Baker at Pennsylvania research accumulate, and as the from the Federal Reserve and for those newly moving into New State University and includ- number of sociologists in the Treasury (a subsidy not available York City, rental housing remains ing researchers in Germany, city continues to grow. to many of the homeowners facing difficult to afford. losses because of exotic financial Submit Ideas for the International Perspectives Much of the luxury develop- instruments invented in New ment in Manhattan has been Column York City), meanwhile city and heavily subsidized by tax breaks state public sectors were being cut Footnotes invites contributions from knowledgeable non-North American and direct government subsidies. sociologists on the state of the discipline and profession of sociology in because of declines in revenue. For instance, the Goldman Sachs countries outside North America for publication in the new occasional Just as Disraeli said about column, “International Perspectives.” Sociological analyses of significant headquarters, opened in 2009, was England, in New York City the national events in these countries that would be of interest to North built with tax-free bonds issued by rich and the rest live as if they American sociologists are also welcome. Original contributions must be in the Dormitory Authority of State are inhabitants of two different English and no more than 1,100 words. To discuss possible contributions of New York. The Time Warner planets. And here in New York, the or send material, contact Johanna Olexy ([email protected]). th Center at Columbus Circle at 59 planet of the rich runs and domi- St. and Broadway, a heavily subsi- nates the entire galaxy.
10 footnotes • February 2013 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association
Our colleges differ from the and those who finish succeed. I ting a degree. A student from the “occupational” colleges in the study, understand that 70 percent of our electrician program was in my class, in that all of our technical students graduates began in those courses. and I realized he was conspicuously must take a reading and math place- I bristle at the phrase “classes that brilliant. His instructor, an electri- ment test along with the “academic” don’t count.” They do count. If low- cal engineer, agreed with me. We students. The technical students are scoring students don’t enter them, both went to great lengths to get the student to go to the university in s someone who teaches in a com- required to take remedial courses if they fail. engineering, but nothing worked. I munity college and attended one they test at the middle-school level It is well-known that techni- A even talked to his mother. He would back when it was a “junior college,” I up to the 11th-grade level in read- cal students perform better than not go. read the November Footnotes article ing and mathematics. Even brick “academic” students anywhere. An academic student does not “Beyond One-Size-Fits-All,” with masons have to read, and those math Technical students are better moti- want to be a truck driver and a car- great interest. I am very pleased problems in the electricity courses vated, focused, and eager to get going. penter does not want to be a teacher. that our beneath-the-radar col- can be undeniably difficult. Students And try talking a failing “academic” Our college now has one full- leges are receiving some attention. going into the “regular” college student into going into a technical time English instructor and one Nonetheless, I have some objections courses must test at the 12th-grade program. When they come here they full-time mathematics instructor to points in the article. level. That seems reasonable to me. know the difference between the two working with the local high schools My first problem with the article When I first came here, the “regu- types of programs. Nobody hides to improve the preparation of their is the impression given that a com- lar” students were not required to from incoming students the fact that students. Maybe this will make a munity college has only “transfer” take the remedial classes into which technical programs are there and that difference in the future. programs that prepare the student they had tested. I worked hard with the graduates do well. They know the I am proud of our community to move on to a four-year college the students who tested below the difference and they have made their colleges. We give the poor and to earn a bachelor’s degree. On the class level, but you have no idea choice. If they’re aiming for a degree, under-prepared students a second contrary, we all contain technical how draining this can be. Many they are seriously insulted if someone chance. We give the talented and programs in automobile repair, of these students could not and tells them they should be aiming at a wealthy a good start, and we have welding, secretarial, and so on. did not do the work. They did not certificate in plumbing. We don’t have both “college” and technical pro- Those programs are organized the come to class. I even made wake up college. Only blinders on — they do. grams. way the “occupational” colleges calls. They either stopped coming On the other end, I have had the Rosenbaum and Rosenbaum are, to class or failed. Today, they have interesting experience of trying to Phyllis Puffer, Big Sandy Community and with the same positive results. to go through the remedial courses talk a technical student into get- Technical College
announcements
newsworthy topics. While these articles ted. Deadline: April 19, 2013. Contact: pending budgetary constraints and Call for Papers are academically informed, they are Susan Sharp at [email protected] or with preference for junior scholars and Publications written for a broader audience and are Amanda Burgess-Proctor at burgessp@ international scholars from develop- largely free of academic jargon. Sample oakland.edu;
footnotes • February 2013 11 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org announcements ence. Proposals may be for individual, bers of the ASA Section on Teaching 31, 2013, Torino, Italy. Theme: “Crisis, Contact: [email protected]; group, or poster presentations or for a and Learning. Early application ensures Critique and Change.” The conference
12 footnotes • February 2013 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association announcements
July 4-6, 2013. 18th International Con- SSSP in supporting and celebrating to submit proposals for synthesis Predoctoral Fellowship: Multidisci- ference of the Society for Philosophy and the awardee at their Annual Meetings. research to advance understanding plinary Training in Gender, Sexual- Technology, ISEG, Technical University To honor Beth Hess’s career, the com- of student learning processes and ity, and Health. The Department of of Lisbon, Portugal. Theme: “Technol- mittee will be looking for: high quality pedagogies regarding interdisciplinary Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia ogy in the Age of Information.” Contact: research and writing in the proposal integration, particularly across natural University’s Mailman School of Public [email protected];
14 footnotes • February 2013 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association announcements
Activity Award to organize a workshop Edward Morris, University of Kentucky, sues facing our aging population: Mini- use of performance and storytelling based on her research on re-framing Learning the Hard Way: Masculinity, Medical School for Social Scientists as intellectual and pedagogical tools. masculinity as part of a more nuanced Place, and the Gender Gap in Education and a Workshop on the Demography, Her interest in art worlds led her to solution against HIV/AIDS in Africa. (Rutgers University Press, 2012). Economics, Psychology, and Epidemiol- collaborate with Howard S. Becker, and Daniel Grace, University of Victoria, Fernando I. Rivera , University of ogy of Aging. Interested researchers together they edited the anthology has won the 2012 Sociologists AIDS Central Florida, Ed., Disaster Resiliency: can apply for financial support cover- Symbolic Interaction and Cultural Stud- Network Martin Levine Student Paper Interdisciplinary Perspectives (Rout- ing travel and accommodations. For ies (1990). Award for his paper “Reconceiving the ledge, 2013). more information, visit
footnotes • February 2013 15 American Sociological Association NON-PROFIT ORG. 1430 K Street NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20005 U.S. POSTAGE PAID ALBANY, NY PERMIT NO. 364
funding For Members Only Student Forum Travel Grants Individual Health Insurance Plans ASA members are eligible for discounts through Health Insurance Mart offered by the The ASA and the Student Forum Advisory Board are pleased to insurance brokerage firm Marsh US Consumer. Members have the choice of short-term or announce that the ASA Council is making funds available to sup- long-term insurance coverage plans. Marsh also offers Limited Medical coverage plans to port the Student Forum Travel Awards. ASA anticipates granting people who have been denied coverage from other health insurance plans. approximately 30 travel awards in the amount of $225 each. These Short term medical insurance is an excellent option for ASA members who are unemployed, awards will be made on a competitive basis and are meant to assist working as independent contractors, or currently enrolled as graduate students. Short-term students by defraying the expenses associated with attending coverage plans run from 1 to 12 months, depending on your choice of coverage term. the ASA Annual Meeting. All applicants are encouraged to seek Individual Health Insurance Plans are available at competitive premium rates. Visit