Volume 35 November 2007 Number 8
ASA Files Complaint Against the U.S. Government for British Boycott Excluding South African Scholar from the United States
Threat Sparks Since then, Professor Habib has nurtures scientific development to the The American Civil Liberties (ACLU), informed the U.S. government of benefit of the larger society. Academic ASA Council on behalf of the American Sociological upcoming invitations to speak at U.S. freedom is the hallmark of American Association (ASA) and four other events hosted by the ASA, AAUP, ADC, democratic culture. It has allowed sci- Action associations, filed a legal complaint on ADC-MA, and the BCPR, but his visa entists, intellectuals, and their scholarly
September 25, 2007, against the United application continues to languish with- societies to flourish and create one of The American Sociological States government for excluding promi- out explanation. Habib is an American- the world’s most dynamic educational Association’s governing Council nent South African scholar Adam Habib educated PhD and is the Deputy systems and robust knowledge-based approved an official policy state- from entering the United States. The law- Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation economies. ASA opposes the use of visa meant at its August 15, 2007, meet- suit, filed with the U.S. District Court in and Advancement at the University of denials or de facto denials, in general, ing that was prompted by, and in Boston, seeks clarification of rights rela- Johannesburg. He is also a Muslim of based on ideological grounds, because opposition to, the renewed effort last tive to free speech, constitutional guar- Indian descent. such action suppresses free intellectual May of the 120,000-member British antees, and injunctive relief from the U.S. The ASA and other plaintiff organi- exchange. The United States has a long University and College Union to Department of State and the Department zations are and enviable approve a boycott of Israeli academ- of Homeland Security so that Habib can seeking an history as ics and academic institutions. The enter the country. The ASA is joined by order com- Academic freedom is fundamental to ASA’s the world’s the American Association of University boycott proposed by delegates of the pelling the mission, which rests upon the ability of scholars foremost Professors (AAUP), the Arab American government host to Union was intended to protest Israeli from wide-ranging perspectives to engage in government policies that adversely Anti-Discrimination Committee’s (ADC) to immedi- scholars and affect Palestinian scholars and people. Massachusetts Chapter (ADC-MA), ately make dialog that nurtures scientific development to the as a sup- While the boycott was declared illegal and the Boston Coalition of Palestinian a decision benefit of the larger society. Academic freedom is porter of Rights (BCPR). regarding intellectual by advisors to the Union this fall the hallmark of American democratic culture. and has since died, the boycott idea Until recently, Professor Habib, Habib’s exchange stirred considerable international renowned scholar and a vocal critic of pending with many debate and condemnation, including the war in Iraq, traveled frequently to visa application. They declare that the social and economic benefits. by U.S. academic institutional leader- and from the United States. However, defendants’ exclusion of Habib violates The ASA has expressed its deepest ship. Sociologists even debate ASA’s in October of 2006, Customs and Border the First Amendment rights of U.S. disappointment and profound con- response to the proposed boycott (see officials revoked Habib’s visa, without organizations and individuals who have cern over the United States’ exclusion Public Forum section in this Footnotes explanation, upon his arrival at John F. invited him to speak in the country. The of Dr. Habib. Such actions undermine issue on page 12). The ASA statement Kennedy Airport in New York City. On complaint also demands an injunction the willingness of numerous scientists appears below and can be accessed on May 11, 2007, Professor Habib filed an barring the defendants from excluding and academics nationwide to visit the ASA’s website at
Published by the American Sociological Association November 2007 Footnotes
The Executive Officer’s Column In This Issue . . . ACLU and ASA File Suit over Academic Freedom
The Sociology of Is U.S. democracy’s beacon fading? ASA has become increas- ingly concerned about apparent systemic U.S. government Human Rights interference in scientific exchange and the associated corrosion Three sociologists discuss the in the luster of the nation’s democratic face to the world. ASA 4 has become sufficiently concerned about the need to defend issues they face in doing human our country’s commitment to free exchange—and all that it rights research. implies regarding the advancement of knowledge in schol- arly communities and beyond—that we jointly filed with the What Sets Rural Sally T. Hillsman American Civil Liberties Union last month a complaint with the United States District Court in Boston. We seek to wrest a Sociology Apart from long-awaited decision from the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security to General Sociology? admit internationally known South African scholar Adam Habib into the United States 5 for purposes of scholarly exchange. (See p. 1 for additional details.) Rural sociology is more than a As many readers will recall, the ASA Program Committee had invited Habib focus on agriculture. to speak at ASA’s 2007 Annual Meeting in New York City. Habib, Deputy Vice- Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, is a PhD political scientist trained at the 7 ASA’s DRG Can Help Graduate Center of the City University of New York and a world-renowned scholar of democracy, governance, and social movements. He is also a Muslim of Indian descent Guide the Accreditation who, as a prominent human rights advocate, promotes democracy and equality and Process has questioned the efficacy of the war in Iraq and certain U.S. anti-terrorism policies. 5 In October 2006, the U.S. government suddenly, and without explanation, con- The Department Resources Group fiscated Habib’s visa and turned him away at JFK airport—following many years of can help to strengthen sociology unquestioned and unhindered travel to programs. and from this country to study, teach, lecture, and participate in scientific con- ferences. His visit to the United States Chicago’s Immigrant was for a series of meetings with private Mobilization research and academic organizations Vantage and government agencies including the National Multidisciplinary research projects Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Point 6 at the University of Illinois explore and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. a range of immigration topics. Habib’s subsequent reapplication for a visa to speak at the ASA 2007 Annual Meeting met with disturbing government inaction despite assurances that a decision would be forthcoming and acknowledgement that the scientific gathering was fast What Makes the 2007 approaching. The prolonged review of Habib’s visa prevented Habib’s participation Award Winners Special? in New York City. The government’s denial and continued inaction speaks to the heart of spreading democracy globally. Freedom to present scientific research and debate its Learn more about the recent 7 meaning and implications for society are hallmarks of American democratic culture awardees. and the basis of our enviable record of scientific achievement. Academic freedom has allowed scientists, intellectuals, and their scholarly societies to flourish and create Nominate Awardees one of the world’s most dynamic educational systems and robust knowledge-based economies. The ASA is opposed to the use of explicit visa denials or de facto denials for 2008 that are based on ideology, because such action suppresses free intellectual exchange. Know a great teacher, book, The robustness of both our scholarship and our democracy depends upon being able 10 to entertain informed views and upon vigorous debate. American academic freedom is or dissertation that deserves at stake. recognition? Nominate soon. Cloaked in a year’s worth of State and Homeland Security secrecy, the govern- ment’s lack of explanation and inaction on Habib’s visa says much about emerging The Process of Studying norms for government devoid of transparency and accountability. What does it mean to tout democracy as an aspiration for the world if our own government increasingly Climate Change undermines our credibility? How long will it take to encourage the world’s scientists A researcher works collaboratively and scholars to take their knowledge elsewhere? Habib’s case is not unique. Many 11 to compare climate change scholars’ visa decisions have not flowed easily, or at all, from the State Department in between the global and national recent years, suggesting that we’ve entered a peculiar period. In the face of govern- ment non-accountability, can the United States retain its “bright beacon” metaphor levels. that advertises hope, freedom, optimism, opportunity, and openness? Or, is our projected image becoming government-behind-closed-doors, a “warning beacon” of obfuscation, opaqueness and non-accountability? We hope that participants in the ASA’s August 2008 Annual Meeting in Boston will be able to hear Habib along with other scholars from the United States, the Americas, Our Regular Features and elsewhere. Every field of science, including sociology, is international in scope because science, by its very nature, transcends national and cultural boundaries. Public Sociology...... 11 History is replete with nations that failed as they became increasingly fearful of Public Forum...... 13 critical thought and debate. Economic, social, technological, geographic, and other fac- tors contribute to nations’ survival or demise, but fear of thought is often a bellwether Departments...... 14 of things to come as leaders strive to regain control of worsening predicaments. Our nation was built upon the fundamental belief that the vigorous defense of our First Obituaries...... 19 Amendment rights to speak and be heard make us strong, not weak.
—Sally T. Hillsman November 2007 Footnotes
Sociology on the Hill PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE Education research informs proposed legislation on summer learning ✔ Washington, DC, July Social sciences are key ingredient in nation’s science mission, congress- 12, 2007—At a Capitol man believes . . . . Some Footnotes readers will recall (see May/June 2006, p. Hill policy forum at which 2) that Senator Kay Hutchison (TX) proposed 2006 legislation to eliminate speakers advocated for high- the social and behavioral science portfolio of the National Science Founda- quality summer learning tion. It was a naïve but serious effort aimed ostensibly at enhancing the programs, Karl Alexander, nation’s competitiveness in science and technology. Her attempt, in Senate bill 2802, was derailed through the efforts of a range of science advocates in Johns Hopkins University, presented his research on the Washington and congressional allies on Capitol Hill, assisted greatly by Sen. summer achievement gap Frank Lautenberg (NJ) who introduced compromise language to restore a between lower- and higher- rightful place for behavioral and social sciences within NSF. This summer, income youth (see the April in congressional deliberations on the America Competes Act (COMPETES), 2007 American Sociological Sociologist Karl Alexander (left) and Senator Bernie Sanders Rep. Brian Baird (WA), Chairman of the House Science Committee’s Basic Review). (I-VT) addressed a Senate briefing audience on the topic of Research and Education Subcommittee—convinced that last year’s Senate The briefing, sponsored educational research underlying summer learning programs. compromise was not sufficiently robust in stating the relevance of the behav- by Johns Hopkins University ioral and social sciences to America’s competitiveness, safety, and security Center for Summer Learning, the topic of summer learning, is the goals—single-handedly persuaded congressional colleagues to modify the sought to address the research on the basis of pending legislation, Summer NSF authorizing bill. Among other changes, he included the “social sciences” summer achievement gap, examine cur- Term Education Programs for Upward explicitly in a paragraph labeled “Priority Treatment” within the section of rent and suggested policies, and explore Performance Act (STEP UP) (S. 116), the bill titled “Meeting Critical National Science Needs.” The bill, which the successful models. which was re-introduced this year by President signed in August, appropriately now lists all the sciences as a pri- Alexander opened with his research Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Barbara ority. The bill, which authorizes but does not actually appropriate funding, on Baltimore school children. According Mikulski (D-MD), and Bernie Sanders (I- would put NSF on a path to doubling its budget in ten years. ASA wrote to to various studies, students typically VT). STEP UP would provide grants for Congressman Baird, a PhD psychologist, thanking him for his stalwart efforts score lower on achievement tests at the “summer opportunity scholarships” to on behalf of the basic behavioral and social sciences and for his informed end of the summer than they do on the education agencies, for-profit education support of science as a comprehensive, integrated endeavor. same tests at the beginning of the sum- providers, and non-profit organizations, ✔ Illicit drug use is down; recovery is up, among adolescents . . . . In spite mer. Even more startling, Alexander or summer enrichment camps. This leg- of encouraging national survey findings, federal officials are concerned over found that more than half (almost two- islation recognizes that poorer children rising abuse of prescription drugs in this population. The U.S. Substance thirds) of the achievement gap between often struggle during the summer to Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced lower- and higher-income youth can be access resources that help them grow the following results this fall at the 18th annual National Alcohol and Drug explained by unequal access to summer developmentally and academically. Addiction Recovery Month. The rate of adolescents (12-17 years) acknowl- learning opportunities. While in school, Sen. Sanders addressed the enthusias- edging drug use in the past month dropped from 11.6 percent in 2002 to 9.8 students with a lower socioeconomic tic Capitol Hill audience on the issues of percent in 2006, comparable to 2005’s 9.9 percent. This initial report from status are generally keeping up but their child poverty, education, and the STEP the annual 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (of ap- achievement drops over the summer. UP legislation. He stressed the impor- proximately 67,500 people) also indicates use of cigarettes decreased from This summer learning shortfall in the tance of the proposed legislation for 2002 to 2006 among 18-25 year-olds. However, the level of underage drink- elementary grades has consequences into addressing the “summer slide” among ing among 12-20 year-olds, remained unchanged since 2002, at 28.3 percent. the high school years and can explain low income students, obesity issues, why low-income youth are less likely employment development, and other Among the most notable findings was that the level of current marijuana use to graduate from high school or attend academic and youth development issues. among youth aged 12-17 declined significantly from 8.2 percent in 2002 to 6.7 college. The briefing ended with a panel discus- percent in 2006, and the decline was particularly pronounced for males. Of Alexander’s research, as well as more sion that highlighted effective summer particular concern is the growing misuse of prescription drugs. For example, than 100 years of previous research on learning programs across the country. nonmedical use of prescription drugs increased from 5.4 percent in 2002 to 6.4 percent in 2006, due largely to pain relievers. The survey reveals that an estimated 22.6 million persons (9.2 percent of the population ages 12 and older) may have had either substance abuse or dependency problems in the 7 past year. Of these, 3.2 million were dependent on or abused both alcohol Position Announcement and illicit drugs; 3.8 million were dependent on or abused illicit drugs but Research Associate Position not alcohol; and 15.6 million were dependent on or abused alcohol but not illicit drugs. The survey also showed that 2.5 million received substance abuse For the Research Program on the Profession and the Discipline treatment at specialty facilities. The complete findings are at
Struggles in Our Own Back Yard ologists feel more grounded in the field of human rights is to create a stronger The Sociology of Human Rights Issues of human rights transcend foundation within the discipline—both continental boundaries, however, they inside and outside the walls of academia. by Daniel Spar, for sociologists across continents dedi- are almost completely neglected in the “More sociological analysis of such cated to promoting principles of equal ASA Governance Department United States compared to overseas. Bess events is needed…more sociologists rights to political freedoms for all, it is the Rothenberg, Associate Director of the Center need to become engaged in research and wo years ago, the ASA issued a state- organization’s belief that—regardless of T for the Study of Human Rights (CSHR) teaching on these topics,” said Apsel. ment on human rights on behalf of its where people are from, their faith, gender, at Columbia University, believes that “Students interested in issues of geno- U.S. and international membership (see age, or race—everyone deserves the same Americans typically fall within two ideolo- cide and mass violence has multiplied, the November 2005 Footnotes, p. 7). The rights and individuality of their culture. gies: Believing human rights violations only and more courses that analyze the pro- statement outlined the significant actions occur in other countries or that the United cesses of mass destruction are needed on needed in defense of sociologists and Tackling Genocide States recognizes that there is an evident the undergraduate level.” other scholars persecuted for their beliefs While most scholars wish that this dilemma, yet it Going or scholarly activities both inside and Universal Declaration held true among creates policies further, outside the United States. Many scholars all communities, a much needed global that are contrary While sociology is rooted in the concepts of Rothenberg have made progress in the area of human recognition is far from happening. Joyce to that belief discussed rights. In this article we explore how Apsel, New York University Master human rights—discrimination, gender, social system. the lack of sociologists conceive the discipline’s Teacher of Humanities and Director of At CSHR, class, etc.—much of what has occurred over- human rights role within contemporary human rights RightsWorks, agrees with Blau’s mission. Rothenberg is seas is often discussed within the context of topics in and the pressures they face in achieving RightsWorks International is a non-profit responsible for sociological their goals for global equality. Below founded to promote human rights and political science rather than sociology. program devel- discussion. three sociologists discuss how they have genocide education in the United States opment and “Occasionally, committed their careers to these issues in and worldwide. The mission is to create implementation, fundraising, and strategic I will come across another sociologist order to illustrate what restrains human publicly accessible educational materials planning. Substantively, she advocates for interested in human rights, but their rights scholars and what can be done to and to foster public awareness of the need the employment of systematic methodolo- absence from most conversations on expand human rights efforts. to affirm human rights and dignity. gies in human rights work to ensure the rights is very noticeable,” she said. Through her work on the issues of Transnational Human Rights success of campaigns and organizations. “Traditional human rights framework genocide in Darfur and Chechnya, Apsel “In recent years, human rights viola- had wrongly made economic, social, and Sociologists attempting to understand has had first-hand experience work- tions have been on the increase in the U.S. cultural rights the neglected stepchild the global human rights struggle say that ing with human rights hardships and for a variety of reasons,” said Rothenberg. to civil and political rights . . . there is they encounter political and ideologi- restraints. “The complexity of human “Among them is an administration little doubt that sociologists—with their cal blockades by those in power- rights violations challenges sociolo- that does not value human rights and insights on the complex relationship ful positions. “Human rights gists and other social scientists a society willing to ignore violations in between structure and culture—would advocates, researchers, and to examine the multi-faceted return for other ‘benefits’ like security or be very insightful in this paradigmatic scholars often find themselves process of gross human right nationalism.” shift.” at odds with governments, as violations,” said Apsel. “And, of Using the present health care system, Finally, gaining a better understand- well as multinationals, wealthy course, the destruction and dam- indigenous rights, labor rights, and the ing of sociology’s place within the elites, men, whites, higher castes, age continue long after the conflict current “war on terrorism” as examples, human rights efforts would expand it and landowners,” said Judith purportedly is ended. The spillover Rothenberg explains that the United States beyond the confines of academic sociol- Blau, President of Sociologists without effect continues for generations after.” is fallible in its excessive arrogance regard- ogy and into the applied professions. Borders, a transnational association of In addition, while sociology is rooted ing national well-being. “To me, the most “Throughout the world, people sociologists committed to equal rights in the concepts of human rights—discrim- important thing is not to see the U.S. as are articulating their rights—rights to and political freedoms. “A [universal] ination, gender, social class, etc.—much special in any way, but to simply say that healthcare, rights to housing, rights to human rights perspective certainly is of what has occurred overseas is often tendencies toward violations happen as land,” said Blau. “Academic sociology helpful in understanding [these] systems discussed within the context of political much here as they can happen elsewhere,” and a publicly engaged sociology can of oppression.” science rather than sociology, Apsel and said Rothenberg. “If we start to treat the benefit a great deal from these interna- Blau is referring to the 1948 Universal Blau maintain. U.S. like any other country capable of com- tional experiences.” Declaration of Human Rights’ definition Apsel explained the importance mitting violations, and that is in fact doing For more information on Sociologists of “all human beings are born free and of a broad human rights context, say- so, we move away from the ‘U.S. as special’ without Borders, RightsWork, and the equal in dignity and rights. They are ing “Understanding and analyzing the mode.” Center for the Study of Human Rights, endowed with conscience and should act processes of a range of human rights visit
library holdings and their adequacy for ASA Collaborates with Sociology Librarians student and faculty research. Students’ information skills and literacy are focus of collaboration Future Relations by Carla B. Howery, of their professional preparation. They assessment measures (see November One outcome of this meeting was Former ASA Deputy Executive Officer asked Edward L. Kain, Southwestern 2006 Footnotes, p.9). the establishment of a liaisonship University, and Carla B. Howery, This information literacy project was between ANSS, the ASA, and the AAA. In June 2006, the American Library then-Director of ASA’s Academic and so fruitful that it stimulated a number These liaisons will enhance the regular Association (ALA) held its convention, Professional Affairs Program, to attend of ideas for future collaborations. On communication between the associa- as planned, in New Orleans. More than their workshops and business June 22, about 40 members of tions including possible future projects, 20,000 librarians attended the sessions meetings in New Orleans and to ANSS came to the ASA Executive meetings, and newsletter stories. The in the newly redone convention center, critique their work thus far. Office for a tour, a meeting, ANSS will also include information on taking in the slow pace of repair and and a reception, while in its website about relevant activities of reconstruction in the city as a whole. Guidelines Washington, DC, for the 2007 ASA and AAA. With an organization the size of ALA, Kain and Howery provided ALA national meeting. William At the 2007 ASA Annual Meeting, the program is divided among other feedback and shared the work- Davis, Executive Director of Edward Kain (kaine@southwestern. affiliated organizations and sections. ing document with many other the American Anthropological edu) and Greg Weiss, Roanoke College The Association of College Research sociologists including members of Association (AAA), and Sally ([email protected]) organized a work- Libraries (ACRL) is one such collaborat- the ASA Department Resources Group T. Hillsman, ASA Executive Officer, shop with colleagues from ANSS about ing organization that serves the needs (DRG), the network of consultants on attended the meeting along with other library literacy skills and assessment of librarians in higher education. Within teaching and curriculum. In August ASA staff. The conversations were of library collections. Three librarians that association, there is a section of 2006, ANSS Instruction and Information wide-ranging, and included the implica- participated and shared their resources Anthropology and Sociology librarians Literacy Committee Chair Triveni Kuchi tions of electronic publications, vari- and ideas: Triveni Kuchi (kuchi@rci. (ANSS). (Rutgers University) made a presenta- ous indexing systems for social science rutgers.edu); Susan Macicak (macicak@ The ANSS librarians, many of whom tion to the ASA Council and shared the journals, how to help students access mail.utexas.edu); and Patti Caravello have significant training in sociology and information literacy guidelines. The digital library materials, libraries’ role as ([email protected]). Margaret anthropology as well as library degrees, Council approved the guidelines, which dataset repositories, and how decisions Vitullo ([email protected]) is the ASA were working intensively on an infor- are on the ASA website for departments are made about library acquisitions and Executive Office staff liaison. Contact mation literacy project. Their goal was to consider. Departments may be espe- collections. The latter topic is particularly any of these colleagues for more infor- to identify skills that students major- cially interested in how these guidelines important because program reviews of mation about the work of ANSS, ASA, ing in these fields should have as part relate to their own program reviews or departments often include an “audit” of and AAA. November 2007 Footnotes
Traditions and Trends in Rural Sociology A Tool for Surfing the Wake of by Richard S. Krannich, Utah State University, Past-President, Rural Sociological Society, the Spellings Commission: The and Jess Gilbert, University of Wisconsin-Madison, President, Rural Sociological Society Department Resources Group by Margaret Weigers Vitullo, ural sociology emerged as a distinct And Yet Different R ASA Academic and Professional Affairs Program field of study approximately 100 years At the same time, rural sociology does ago, spurred by growing public and differ from the broader discipline in sev- ow should a sociology department respond to the recommendations of political concern over the difficulties H eral important ways: the Spellings Commission, with its call to make accountability a requirement confronting American farmers and farm A focus on application. Application, pub- for accreditation? The report, A Test of Leadership: Charting the Future of U.S. families, a loss of rural population as a lic outreach, and policy relevance have Higher Education, was the focus of a recent Executive Officer’s column (see result of out-migration, and an erosion of been self-proclaimed strengths of rural “An ‘Accountability Squeeze’ on Higher Education” in the May/June 2007 the institutions and organizations consid- sociology since its earliest years, plac- Footnotes, p. 2). ered central to rural life. As is detailed in a ing the field well in front of recent calls The similarities between the motivations and recommendations of the recent overview of the field (Lobao 2007), for a more “public” sociology (Burawoy 2006 Spellings Commission report and the No Child Left Behind Act have made the creation in 1908 of President Theodore 2005; Sachs 2007). Rural sociology’s roots many educators deeply concerned about efforts to homogenize higher educa- Roosevelt’s Country Life Commission are deeply embedded in the land-grant tion. Some university presidents have suggested that in its attempt to improve served as a major catalyst for sociological system. In this context applied work higher education, the Commission is ignoring the natural process of the mar- inquiry into the conditions and problems has been more widespread—and more ketplace: A university that produces good learning outcomes will have a good of rural people and communities. accepted—within rural sociology than reputation and a vibrant student body. Other university presidents have taken The first department of rural sociol- in sociology at large (see Larson and the recommendations to heart. For example, the University of Charleston was ogy was created at Cornell University in Zimmerman 2003). recently featured in a New York Times article (September 30, 2007) because it has 1915. Recognition of rural sociology as a Interdisciplinary linkages. The institu- established outcomes, used measurement of those outcomes to identify areas separate field of study became more wide- tional contexts of land-grant universities of the curriculum that needed improvement, and produced what seem to be spread following contributed to an impressive improvements. While assessment—defined as the cyclical process passage in 1925 early and continued of defining outcomes, measuring student learning, and making improvements of the Purnell Act, tendency toward in curriculum based on those results—is hardly a new concept, the Spellings which provided interdisciplinary Commission has created new pressure to implement assessment programs. federal funding thinking. There is a Nonetheless, many colleges and universities, and many sociology depart- for rural sociologi- strong affinity among ments within them, do not have clearly defined outcomes, nor are they col- cal research, teach- rural sociologists for lecting program-wide data on student success in achieving those outcomes. ing, and outreach insights provided by Additionally, few sociologists are genuinely familiar with assessment and the at U.S. land-grant other disciplines that procedures for implementing assessment plans. This makes responding to the universities. By focus explicitly on “waves” created by the Spellings report extremely challenging. 1922 a Rural “things rural.” With One option for departments that choose to address Commission recommen- Section had been increased emphasis on dations is to consider using the services of ASA’s Department Resources Group created within interdisciplinary and (DRG). The DRG is a group of consultant sociologists who can help depart- the American Sociological Association transdisciplinary learning and research ments develop assessment plans, conduct external reviews, negotiate with (ASA’s first section), and in 1936 that within higher education and in research administrators, and provide workshops on a wide variety of topics ranging section created its own journal, Rural funding organizations, rural sociologists from capstone courses to conflict management to the scholarship of teaching Sociology. One year later, section members will likely pursue an increasingly interdis- and learning. Since 1995, when it began, the DRG has conducted more than voted to separate from ASA and created a ciplinary course in the coming years. 200 site visits and consultations. DRG consultants hold a wide variety of titles new organization, the Rural Sociological A focus on spatial relationships. Lobao in their home institutions, including: full professor, dean, vice-chancellor, pro- Society (RSS). (1996, 2007) has argued that “rural soci- gram director, and assistant to the provost, and they work in departments that ology is a sociology of the geographic Similar to General Sociology have fewer than 20 majors and departments that have more than 300 majors. periphery.” From its earliest years, rural The role of the ASA is to match the department requesting DRG services In the 70 years that have passed since sociology has included an explicit focus to a consultant from a similar institution with expertise in the specific areas of the divergence of RSS from ASA, the field on the spatial patterning of social rela- concern for that department. ASA covers all the costs of training and maintain- of rural sociology has evolved in ways tionships and inequalities (see Field, et ing the DRG group, and charges no fee for the matching service. Departments that simultaneously mirror trends affect- al. 2002). Adoption of spatial analytic are expected to cover the DRG consultants’ expenses and provide a reasonable ing the broader discipline and that make techniques in rural sociological research honorarium. rural sociology highly distinct. As is true is helping to reinforce the interdisciplin- The wake of the Spellings Commission has created considerable turbulence of the parent discipline, there has always ary linkages between rural sociologists, in academia. The question for sociology departments is how they can use the been a substantial focus on issues pertain- geographers, environmental planners, and energy of those waves to create stronger programs and more effective student ing broadly to social change and to social others. learning. DRG consulting group can help departments find their own answers stratification. Also in line with general A focus on natural resources and the to that challenging question. sociology, rural sociology exhibited a environment. As has been noted elsewhere For further information about arranging a DRG visit, contact: Margaret broad-scale shift away from descriptive (Field et al., 2002), natural resource sociol- Weigers Vitullo, Director, Academic and Professional Affairs Program, (202) analysis and case study methodologies ogy developed within and remains at the 383-9005 x323 or [email protected]. toward quantitative analysis of surveys center of rural sociology. While environ- and secondary data during the middle of mental sociology is often characterized as the 20th century. having emerged out of general sociology Marxist and critical theory spread in the early 1970s (Buttel 2002), a focus to rural sociology in the 1970s and 80s, on the relationship between land and The Sydney S. Spivack Program especially influencing the sociology of resource conditions and patterns of social in Applied Social Research and Social Policy agriculture. More recently, shifts (and organization and social well-being can paradigmatic tensions) involving an infu- be traced to rural sociological research sion of post-modern theoretical direction, conducted during the early 1900s. Natural 2008 Congressional Fellowship qualitative methodology, and more inter- resource issues continue to comprise a Deadline: February 1, 2008 pretive analytic approaches have influ- major thematic emphasis within the realm enced rural sociology, as with the broader of rural sociological research. The ASA encourages applications for its Congressional Fellowship. The Fellowship discipline. Rural sociologists conduct A focus on agriculture and food systems. brings a PhD-level sociologist to Washington, DC, to work as a staff member on a research across an array of topics pertain- The other major area of rural sociology congressional committee or in a congressional office, or as a member of a con- ing to population dynamics, environment that is not widely evident in the broader gressional agency (e.g., the General Accounting Office). This intensive six-month and natural resources, labor force issues, discipline is food and agriculture. Rural education, religion, community, crime, sociologists have always studied farm- experience reveals the intricacies of the policy making process to the sociological health, social inequality, race and ethnic- ers, but in the late 1970s and 80s, the fellow, and shows the usefulness of sociological data and concepts to policy issues. ity, gender, family, and a myriad of other political economy of agriculture arose as The stipend for the Fellowship is $20,000 for six months ($30,000 for 11 months). topics that are at the core of the broader a leading research focus (see Buttel, et sociological enterprise. While always al. 1990). Over the past two decades this Applications can be obtained by emailing or calling ASA or by downloading one focused on “things rural,” much of rural political-economic view has yielded to off of the ASA home page at
The Immigrant Mobilization Sociologist Joins Yahoo! to Shape the Research Project at UIC Future of the Web Social network analysis will be key ingredient in Yahoo!’s research program by Michael Rodríguez Muñiz, establishment of the IMP. Its objective is to examine “the immigrant mobiliza- University of Illinois-Chicago ing system behavior, focusing on areas tions, including participants, organizers, his summer, Yahoo! Inc., a global such as information contagion, financial t was a dramatic and historic moment and the political conditions, resources T I Internet service provider, announced that risk management, and organizational when the immigrant rights movement and ideological frames that led to this it was expanding its Yahoo! Research design. He is the author of the book Six forcefully—and peacefully—moved from mass movement.”1 Researchers sought organization by hiring two acclaimed Degrees: The Science of a Connected Age. the margins to center stage. In a spectac- to analyze the social actors and forces social scientists—sociologist Duncan Watts received a BSc in physics from the ular scene, on March 10, 2006, more than responsible for widespread participa- Watts and economist R. Preston McAfee. University 200,000 people took to Chicago’s streets. tion, as well as Chicago’s role in the The work done by Watts and McAfee of New Challenging the invisibility imposed on burgeoning national immigrant rights will contribute to Yahoo! Research’s mis- South Wales 12 million undocumented workers in the movement. sion of publishing pioneering scientific and a PhD United States, citizens and immigrants, As grassroots organizers planned work and building a better web experi- in theoretical and applied mechanics young and old rallied in opposition to the May 1, 2006, protest march, the IMP ence for its 500 million users. from Cornell University. the 109th Congress’ proposed legisla- entered its first phase. In order to gain “Building on our strong bench of McAfee has been named vice tion (H.R. 4437, the Border Protection, a better sense of who was attending the experts . . . Yahoo! Research is now president and research fellow lead- Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration immigrant marches, contributors Flores- expanding that leadership into the social ing Yahoo!’s microeconomics research Control Act of 2005) considered to be González, Pallares, Cedric Herring, and sciences of the web,” said Prabhakar group. This group focuses on market anti-immigrant. Maria Krysan developed the first of a Raghavan, Head of Yahoo! Research. “By mechanism design, pricing, auctions and The bill sought to criminalize undocu- series of participant surveys. On the day augmenting our team with experts of matching mechanisms that affect moneti- mented immigration and charge any of the march, more than 40 extremely the stature of McAfee and Watts, we’ve zation. He is currently at the California individual or organization convicted prepared and enthusiastic faculty successfully incorporated new areas Institute of Technology as the J. Stanley of assisting undocumented immigrants members, graduate, and undergraduate into our research. This enables us to Johnson professor of business, econom- with a felony. Though overwhelmingly students permeated the sea of people gain powerful insights from our audi- ics, and management. He is a recognized Latino, sizable Asian and European and conducted 410 surveys. ences and answer complex questions in authority on industrial organization and immigrant communities also joined The IMP is a multidisciplinary under- areas including search and information among a small group of economists who the effort, which expanded the public taking. In addition to sociologists, there navigation, social media, community, combine theory and business applica- square and democratized the debate on are researchers from Latin American and personalization, and mobility.” tions, having written books on microeco- immigration. Latino Studies, Political Science, Spanish, Watts, a renowned expert in social nomics and competitive strategy. The March 10 protest effectively led English, Anthropology, and Education. networking, will lead Yahoo!’s research Yahoo! Research states that it “is to the defeat of H.R. 4437, but successive Nearly a dozen faculty members and in human social dynamics, including the building a world-class research team demonstrations have shown that this more than 20 graduate students are structure and evolution of social groups focused on developing the science that struggle is far from over. Two months conducting independent, but interrelated and networks, social influence and col- will underlie the next generation of tech- later, on May 1, research proj- lective decisions, networking, and collab- nologies and businesses that will help 2006, more than ects. In several orative problem solving. At Columbia shape the future of the Web.” Its mission 600,000 people cases, research A sociologically intriguing phenomenon, University, Watts is a professor of is to develop first-rate science that will participated in the projects have the immigrant rights movement has sociology and director of the Collective deliver the next generation of businesses largest mobiliza- been developed Dynamics Group. While at Columbia, he to the company. Its scientists focus on tion in Chicago’s become a locus of research. collaboratively has explored the role that network struc- data-driven analysis, high-quality search, 107-year history. between faculty ture plays in determining or constrain- algorithms and economic models. This massive support was not con- and graduate students, often with the fined to the Windy City, as protests and support of undergraduates. marches occurred throughout the coun- Sociological contributions within try. Nationwide, supporters celebrated the IMP explore a range of topics and thetic. Based on in-depth interviews and the second anniversary of the May Day use diverse theoretical and method- participant observation, her research aims to explain the upsurge of activism among mobilization, organizing even more ological approaches. Recently retired Section Membership Soars marches despite acts of police brutality faculty member R. Stephen Warner Latino and immigrant youth. Doctoral student Sonia Oliva looks at youth par- unleashed in Los Angeles. and graduate student, Stephen P. Davis to an All-Time High! (Anthropology) and Juan R. Martinez ticipation within the institutional setting Catalyzing a Research Locus examine the role of the Catholic Church of high school. Another PhD student A sociologically intriguing phenome- and its clergy in past mobilizations. Geoffrey Banks focuses on the support The ASA is pleased to report for non, the immigrant rights movement has Drawing from the May Day survey data, of Black civic and religious leaders for progressive immigration reform. My con- become a locus of research. In Chicago, Cedric Herring and doctoral student the year 2007 that the number the city that has served as a national Angela Mascarenas investigate the social tribution interrogates the emergence of a catalyst, local scholars are exploring characteristics of movement participants, pan-Latino/a identity through movement of ASA section memberships this social movement, its origins, and its while assessing the explanatory power participation and political collaboration dynamics. The University of Illinois at of social movement theories. Flores- among Puerto Ricans and Mexicans in Chicago’s (UIC) Sociology Department González challenges scholarship that Chicago. has exceeded the final count at has played a key role in this pioneering dismisses youth as apolitical and apa- See UIC, page 11 research. the end of the 2006 member- Embracing the notion of public sociol- ogy, UIC’s Sociology Department is com- ship year. We ended 2006 with prised of nearly 20 faculty members and The Sydney S. Spivack Program over 60 graduate students. The depart- ment currently houses several large-scale in Applied Social Research and Social Policy 24,236 section memberships; research projects, one of which is the UIC Immigrant Mobilization Project 2008 Community Action Research Initiative (CARI) as of October 2007 the ASA has (IMP), a joint venture with the Latin Deadline: February 1, 2008 American and Latino Studies Program. 25,137 section memberships. Illustrating a profound commitment to PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: To encourage sociologists to undertake community critical intellectual inquiry and collabora- action projects that bring social science knowledge, methods, and expertise to tive scholarship, the IMP has received 2006 was the all-time high mark additional support from the Institute for bear in addressing community-identified issues and concerns. Grant applica- Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) tions are encouraged from sociologists seeking to work with community orga- in section memberships. and the Political Science Department. nizations, local public interest groups, or community action projects. Funding In the wake of the March 2006, will run for the duration of the project, whatever the time span might be. mega-march, the mainstream press was unable to explain the massive turnout or For additional information, see
Amalia Pallares, convened a meeting 20005. Direct questions or comments to [email protected], 202-383-9005. 7 attended by nearly 35 UIC faculty and graduate students that resulted in the November 2007 Footnotes
American Journal of Sociology, 2006). All analysis. Black Feminist Thought won the Major ASA Award Recipients told, his work has been cited over 2,100 1991 C. Wright Mills Award of the Society times. for the Study of Social Problems, the 1991 Berger’s long-standing investments in Letitia Woods Brown Memorial Book Honored in New York research on the causes and consequences Prize of the Association of Black Women of status hierarchies and his continu- Historians, and the 1991 distinguished The American Sociological Association (ASA) presented the 2007 major awards ing efforts to promote the growth of publication award of the Association for sociological theories have paid enormous Women in Psychology, and the 1993 ASA at this year’s Annual Meeting on Saturday, August 12, in New York. The Awards dividends to our discipline. He received Jessie Bernard Award. Ceremony, which was followed by the Presidential Address, was well attended by the Cooley-Mead Award from the ASA In addition to Black Sexual Politics and sociologists. These awards are given to sociologists for their outstanding publica- Social Psychology section in 1991. With Black Feminist Thought, Collins is also the this award, we acknowledge the full author of Fighting Words: Black Women tions, achievements in the scholarship, teaching, and practice of sociology, as well reach of his lifetime contributions to our and the Search for Justice (1998) and From as for their overall advancement of the discipline. Award recipients are selected by discipline. Black Power to Hip Hop: Essays on Racism, committees appointed by the Committee on Committees and the ASA Council. Nationalism, and Feminism (2006). Her Patricia Hill Collins, University of anthology on Race, Class, and Gender Maryland-College Park (2006), edited with Margaret Andersen, by Daniel Spar, taneous comments offered on paper pre- Distinguished Book Award is now in its sixth edition and is used at ASA Governance Department sentations through career-long mentoring Patricia Hill Collins’ Black Sexual over 200 colleges and universities. With partnerships. That his work has meant so Politics: African Americans, Gender and John Solomos, she is currently editing Joseph Berger, Stanford University much to so many sociologists is testa- the New Racism (Routledge, 2005) is a the Handbook of Race and Ethnic Studies. W.E.B. DuBois Career for Distinguished ment not only to his personal generosity co-winner of the 2007 Distinguished In addition to continuing her research on Scholarship Award but also to the precision of his theoretical Book Award. A work of great theoretical the intersections of race, gender, class, propositions. They have spawned a body and sexuality, Collins is also examining The W.E.B. DuBois Career of sweep, Black Sexual Politics shows how of knowledge that is unique in its concep- how issues of globalization and transna- Distinguished Scholarship Award honors neither race-blind analyses of gender nor tual and methodological coherence. tionalism affect Black male and female scholars whose cumulative body of work gender-blind analyses of race are suf- Moreover, Berger’s influence has youth. has reoriented the discipline theoreti- ficient to make sense of the racism of the extended far beyond the boundaries cally or methodologically. Joseph Berger era following the civil rights movement. Jerome Karabel, University of of sociology into psychology, law and has accomplished both. From his earliest Also, showing how our understandings California-Berkeley criminology, organizational behavior, and writings on status characteristics and of race and gender are shaped by class education. The broad relevance of the Distinguished Book Award expectation states through his state- and drawing on the discourses of popu- core tenets of expectation states theory ments on the importance of theoretical lar culture, including television, movies, Jerome Karabel’s The Chosen: The has been applied to issues ranging from research programs, Berger has pioneered and music, Collins shows how images Hidden History of Admission and Exclusion gender relations on police teams to the an approach to sociology characterized of both overly strong Black women and at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton (Houghton influence of professional status hierar- by rigorous scientific theorizing accom- irresponsible Black men hinge on notions Mifflin, 2005) is a co-winner of the 2007 panied by systematic empirical research. Distinguished Book Award. In an epic His influence has spread beyond his narrative, The Chosen tells the story of intellectual home in social psychology to admissions policies and practices in many other subfields of our discipline. America’s elite colleges over the 20th Berger is most strongly identified with century. With meticulous documentation, expectation states theory, a set of interre- The Chosen shows how, over the first two- lated theories that focus on the conditions thirds of the 20th century, Harvard, Yale, and processes by which status character- and Princeton invented a selective admis- istics affect evaluations of competence sions process that emphasized “charac- and performance expectations, the main- ter” over academic excellence as way of tenance of those expectations, and the defending the positions and pretensions consequences of those expectations for of both their own institutions and those interpersonal behaviors. The foundation of an American elite. The Chosen goes on of this theory, first explicated by Berger to show how, in the final third of the 20th and his colleagues in the mid-1960s, have Clockwise from left [back row]: Edward Kain (Southwestern University), Joseph Berger (Stanford century, even after the breakdown of the been extended through his own program University), Andrew Beveridge (Queens College, City University of New York), Robert Dentler most egregious barriers to the admis- of research as well as those of scholars (University of Massachusetts-Boston), Jerome Karabel (University of California-Berkeley), Patricia sion of Jews, African Americans, Asian concerned with power and prestige, Hill Collins (University of Maryland-College Park), Patricia Yancey Martin (Florida State Americans, and women and even with University), Wendy Roth (University of British Columbia), Jorge Bustamante (University of Notre distributive justice and reward expecta- a growing commitment to some forms Dame). Not pictured: Malcolm Gladwell, New Yorker Magazine. tions, legitimation processes, and status of diversity, America’s elite universities construction. The resultant programs of continue to operate in the reproduction chies on the functionality of teams of research engage fundamental sociological of hypersexuality that were part of an of social class. At the same time exposé, health-care workers. They serve as the questions about how social interactions earlier era of racial oppression. Black history, and analysis, The Chosen has far foundation for a nationally and interna- maintain and legitimate larger systems of Sexual Politics is a call to reinvent Black reaching implications for our under- tionally renowned instructional program inequality. sexual identities, allowing for agency and standing of education, racism, social that promotes equity in diverse elemen- In addition to yielding a deep under- innovation, reflecting the needs of lived mobility, and social change. In addition tary and middle-school classrooms. standing of how social distinctions—such Black experience, and free of implication to the ASA Distinguished Book Award, Both by example and through his writ- as gender, race, and educational attain- in a system of domination. The Chosen has been selected for the ings on cumulative theory development, ment—shape behaviors and expectations, Collins received her BA from Brandeis 2006 National Jewish Book Award, the Berger has made lasting contributions to Berger’s research program ushered in a University in 1969. After receiving an 2006 Weber Award of the ASA Section formal theory and mathematical sociol- new methodological approach to socio- MAT from Harvard in 1970, Collins on Organizations, Occupations, and ogy. His first book,Types of Formalization logical social psychology. Expectation worked for six years in community Work and the 2006 Willard Waller best in Small Groups Research, linked math- states theory’s general principles sup- schools in Boston, MA. She was direc- book award of the ASA Section on the ematical reasoning to the goals of formal port precise predictions about the social tor of the African American Center Sociology of Education. theory. He followed this book with influence one would expect in situations at Tufts (1976-80) and completed her Karabel received his BA (1972) and several co-edited volumes including the involving persons with different status PhD at Brandeis in 1984. From 1982 PhD (1977) from Harvard and now recent New Directions in Contemporary characteristics. To test those predictions, until 2005, Collins was on the faculty teaches in the Department of Sociology Sociological Theory (with Morris Zelditch, Berger developed a standardized experi- at the University of Cincinnati in the at the University of California-Berkeley Jr., 2002), which built the case for theo- mental situation that is now used widely. Departments of Sociology, where she and is a Senior Fellow at the Rockridge retical research programs to advance the Although experimental methods were was the Charles Phelps Distinguished Institute, also in Berkeley. Before joining discipline. Rather than despair the lack of considered novel at the time, Berger’s Professor of Sociology and African the Berkeley faculty in 1984, Karabel was theoretical progress in our field, Berger adoption and advocacy of them encour- American Studies since 1995. She is now a Senior Research Associate and Principal identifies exemplary theoretical programs aged a broadening of the methodological a Distinguished University Professor Investigator at the Huron Institute in and, thereby, provides a blueprint for tools available to sociologists interested in the Department of Sociology at the Cambridge, MA. Karabel is the editor, disciplinary growth. in social inequalities. University of Maryland. with A. J. Halsey, of Power and Ideology Berger has remained as prolific in Berger’s research serves as a model Collins’ first book, the widely read, in Education (1977), a reader which has retirement as he was in the earliest years of collaborative sociology. Virtually all deeply influential, and now clas- helped shape the sociology of educa- of his career. His recent publications of his published works are co-authored, sic Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, tion over the last quarter century. He is include a stunning defense of the poten- although his unique contributions Consciousness, and the Politics of also the author, with Steven Brint, of The tial for growth in sociological theory shine through. Graduate students from Empowerment (1990), excavated the “sub- Diverted Dream: Community Colleges and (with Willer and Zelditch in Sociological Stanford University and beyond testify jugated knowledge” of Black women. the Promise of Educational Opportunity Theory, 2005) and a formal theory of to the enormous influence he has had on She helped develop a distinctive Black in America, 1900-1985 (1991), which the social construction of diffuse status their developing careers, from brief spon- feminist epistemology by placing Black characteristics (with M. Hamit Fisek in women’s experience at the center of its See Awards, page 8 November 2007 Footnotes
Techniques for Teaching Sociological Awards, from page 7 Concepts.” He is the author of multiple articles in Teaching Sociology including 2007 ASA Award Recipients Honored received the Outstanding Book Award “Building the Sociological Imagination of the American Educational Research Through a Cumulative Curriculum” and unconscious thinking. For the award, delighted that such an able exponent of Association. His scholarly articles have (1999) and “Bridging the Gap Between however, we focus on his contributions to sociology should be the first winner of appeared in the American Sociological Cultures of Teaching and Cultures of The New Yorker, which expound and elabo- the Award for the Excellence in Reporting Review, Harvard Education Review, Journal Research” (2006). Quite simply, Kain has rate in novel ways the works and ideas of of Social Issues. of Blacks in Higher Education, Social Force, distinguished sociologists. helped establish the standard for excel- Robert Dentler, University of and Theory and Society. He has also writ- Gladwell is a gifted writer, with a knack lence in curriculum design for the sociol- Massachusetts-Boston ten for In These Times, the Los Angeles ogy major. for grounding social controversies in every- Times, The New York Review of Books, The Kain’s leadership and active par- day experiences, thus giving his articles a Distinguished Career Award for the Practice New York Times, and the San Francisco ticipation in the American Sociological wide appeal. Gladwell not only puts social of Sociology Chronicle. Association is unparalleled. He chaired issues on the public agenda but his writing Robert Dentler is one of the great, In 1988, a few years after his arrival the Section on Teaching and Learning, style is distinctively sociological and criti- exemplary figures in the practice of in Berkeley, Karabel was appointed to completed numerous external reviews of cal. With catchy titles and alluringly writ- sociology over the last half century. chair the Admissions and Enrollment sociology departments across the country, ten, his articles are always research-based. His career has stretched from his role Committee of the Berkeley Academic served multiple terms on the editorial They are, indeed, rich social analyses in as a crime and court reporter for the Senate. In the politically tense atmo- board of Teaching Sociology, presented their own right. Whether they tackle public Chicago City News Bureau in 1949 sphere and amidst growing attacks on dozens of teaching workshops across issues such as Enron, airline safety, the to his current position as Professor California’s university system, Karabel’s the country, and served as ASA Field pharmaceutical industry or whether they Emeritus of Sociology at the University report—“Freshmen Admissions at Coordinator for the Teaching Resources treat the seemingly mundane (“The Life of of Massachusetts-Boston. Dentler’s most Berkeley: A Policy for the 1990s and Group. Kain served on the ASA Task Paper,” “Ketchup”), his articles are always important contributions have been as a Beyond”—both defended affirmative Force on the Undergraduate Major powerful social critiques. sociologist engaged in the struggle for action and proposed that it be extended and chaired Southwestern University’s Many of his columns refer to and racial justice, particularly the deseg- to include disadvantaged students, Minority Opportunities Through School elaborate the research of sociologists, thus regation of pubic schools, in which he regardless of race. As chronicled in Transformation project. He has tirelessly conveying sociological knowledge to wider has played a major role since the 1960s. Nicholas Lehman’s, The Big Test, in 1996 worked to implement curricular change, publics. Most compelling is his autobio- Dentler has walked in the footsteps of Karabel became a leader in the ulti- to mentor students, and to improve the graphical “Black Like Them,” in which he such great sociologists as W.E.B. Du Bois mately unsuccessful attempt to defeat climate for students of color. For two analyzes the reasons for different racial atti- and Robert Park. California’s anti-affirmative action decades he has taken his undergradu- tudes towards groups of African Americans Dentler’s own role in this struggle Proposition 209. With funding from the ates to present their research at regional and West Indians. In this piece, he works is the stuff of legend. His 1960s doc- Ford Foundation, he is now working on and national professional meetings. In from Mary Waters’ research and further toral seminar at the Teacher’s College, a book-length study of The Rise and Fall 1997 he received the Hans O. Mauksch elaborates it by reference to his knowledge Columbia University on urban sociology of Affirmative Action at the University of Award for Distinguished Contributions of Canada. “Six Degrees of Lois Weisberg” and education—dealing particularly with California. to Undergraduate Sociology, given by is a network analysis, incorporating Mark racial issues—rose in enrollment from Granovetter’s ideas in “The Strength of Edward Kain, Southwestern University ASA’s Section on Teaching and Learning. 15 students in1962 to 200 in 1967. He His work has been recognized by teaching Weak Ties,” to explain the effectiveness of became staff director for a team work- Distinguished Contributions to Teaching awards at both Southwestern University a woman in Chicago at shaping the city’s ing for the New York Commission of Award and Cornell University. Kain is an innova- cultural life. Gladwell devoted an entire Education, aimed at the desegregating The Distinguished Contributions to tive leader who is adept at balancing both article to Erik Klinenberg’s Heat Wave. In New York public schools as early as 1963. Teaching Award honors outstanding the instrumental and the socio-emotional “Blow-Up,” he lays out the sociological This was followed by an endless stream contributions to undergraduate and/or aspects of leadership. approach to risks, accidents, and catastro- of work as an advisor, analyst, and graduate teaching of sociology. The Ed has been characterized as the phes—using the work of Charles Perrow expert witness in desegregation efforts award recognizes contributions that philosophical “work horse” of the ASA and Diane Vaughan. He draws out the all across the country: New York, Buffalo, have made a significant impact on the teaching movement. He brings the skills implications of organizational and tech- Rochester, White Plains, NY; Bridgeport manner in which sociology is taught. and expertise of a scholar together with nological complexity as causes of catastro- and Stamford, CT; Harrisburg, PA, Los Edward L. Kain, Professor of Sociology the passion of commitment to change. His phes as compared with the more common Angeles and San Bernardino, CA, and and University Scholar at Southwestern teaching workshop titles are illustrative psychological explanations. Amazingly, he in may other communities. In 1972, University, has promoted excellence in of the depth and breadth of his contribu- wrote a piece about Saturday Night Live on he became Dean of Education and teaching sociology at all levels—regional, tions: innovative teaching techniques; innovation and group processes, which is University Professor of Education and state, national, and international. This preparing for program reviews; teaching loaded with references to philosophers and Sociology at Boston University. Within award recognizes his contributions in a introductory sociology for the first time; scientists, taken from Randall Collins’ book, a year he had been appointed to the wide range of venues, including prepara- quantitative literacy; teaching sociology in The Sociology of Philosophies. Boston Mayor’s Commission on the tion of teaching and curriculum-related an international program; undergraduate Gladwell’s talent for bringing sociologi- Public School, and was engaged for materials and publications, participation research training; integrating race, class, cal analysis to social issues is amply dis- years in the intense battle for desegrega- in the scholarship of teaching and learn- and gender in the curriculum; teaching played in the article “Designs for Working” tion in Boston. In the 1980s he worked ing, development and communication of large classes; curriculum transformation; about the design of the new workplace, as a desegregation consultant in cases innovative teaching techniques, leader- and preparing graduate students to teach. introduced and framed throughout with in St. Louis and Kansas City, MO; Little ship in teaching workshops and sympo- He has been involved in professional reference to Jane Jacobs’ The Death and Rock, AK; Mobile, AL; and De Kalb sia, involvement in innovative program activities at the national level as workshop Life of American Cities. Here is the last County, GA. In 1979, he worked on the development, and contributions to the organizer, presenter, plenary speaker, pro- paragraph. desegregation of the 16 campuses of the gram reviewer, task force member, session The point of the new offices is to com- enhancement of teaching within profes- pel us to behave and socialize in ways that University of North Carolina system, and organizer, ASA section officer, committee sional organizations. we otherwise would not—to overcome in 1994 he worked on desegregating the Kain has published more than 75 member and chair, and newsletter editor our initial inclination to be office subur- schools in Rockford, IL. In all of these books and articles, many of which are every year since 1985! Kain’s service to banites. But, in all the studies of the new years Dentler produced a steady schol- excellent examples of the scholarship the discipline enriches us all and passes workplaces, the reservations that employ- arly stream of books, articles and reports. of teaching and learning sociology. The on the discipline at its finest. ees have about a more social environment He has published 15 books, including Big editor or co-editor of six ASA Teaching Kain embodies the core of the ASA tend to diminish once they try it. Human City Dropouts and Illiterates (1967), Schools behavior, after all, is shaped by context, Resources Center publications, Kain is Distinguished Contributions to Teaching on Trial: An Inside Account of the Boston Award. He is a thoughtful scholar with a but how it is shaped—and whether a leader in establishing the standard we’ll be happy with the result—we can Desegregation Case (1981), University on for excellence in sociology curriculum lifelong commitment to improving teach- understand only with experience. Jane Trial: The Case of the University of North design. He is a co-author of Liberal ing in the discipline. Ed Kain has truly Jacobs knew the virtues of the West Village Carolina (1983), and Practicing Sociology Learning and the Sociology Major Updated, made a difference in the lives of teachers because she lived there. What she couldn’t (2002). He has published dozens of arti- perhaps the single most influential docu- and learners in our discipline and beyond. know was that her ideas about community cles and reports, including articles in the ment on sociology curriculum for under- He is to be admired for his dedication, would ultimately make more sense in American Sociological Review, Daedalus, The graduates. This volume literally defines his innovative leadership, creativity, and the workplace…. The reason Americans Urban Review, the Sociology of Education, modeling of the scholarship of teaching are content to bowl alone (or, for that the core of excellent sociology curricula matter not bowl at all) is that increasingly, and many others. and provides the basis for evaluating and learning. they receive all the social support they A very remarkable aspect of Dentler’s sociology programs. Kain also co-edited Malcolm Gladwell, Author need—all the serendipitous interactions career has been his unwavering devotion the original ASA Manual for Departmental that serve to make them happy and pro- to the idea of sociological practice. He Evaluation Visits, which provides the Excellence in the Reporting of Social Issues ductive—from nine to five. has served as President of the Society for guidelines used by ASA-trained con- Award Gladwell here and elsewhere displays Applied Sociology and as Chair of the sultants who review. Along with Liberal Malcolm Gladwell has been actively that rare sociological imagination that ASA Sociological Practice Section. He was Learning and the Sociology Major, this reporting on social issues in The New illuminates social processes by seeing Editor of the ASA’s Sociological Practice manual is the most influential curricu- Yorker since 1996. He is also the author of what social principle they share, that is Review from 1989-92. Since 1989 he has lum publication for U.S. sociologists and Tipping Point (2000), which inquires into by discovering unexpected links between served as Associate Editor of Equity and sociology programs. In addition, Kain social epidemics and social change, and disparate situations, links that render deep Excellence in Education and as Associate co-edited two editions of “Innovative Blink (2005), a book about social context insights into human interaction. We are Editor of Evaluation Review from 1982-85. November 2007 Footnotes
breaking research, teaching, and service Border while at the Colegio in Tijuana. in this area began early in his career. His He has been invited to teach courses on 2007 ASA Award Recipients Honored dissertation fieldwork included partici- Mexican immigration at the University pant observation as an undocumented of Paris, University of La Coruña, Spain, In recognition of these achievements he and the CUNY Research Foundation, is immigrant. This led to several publications and throughout Mexico and the United received the Distinguished Career Award probably unique to the social sciences as including the highly praised AJS article, States. from the Sociological Practice Section of he and his graduate and undergraduate “Wetback as Deviant: An Application Bustamante is currently a professor the American Sociological Association students remain on-call and commit- of Labeling Theory.” Throughout his and researcher at El Colegio del Frontera in 1993 and the William Lloyd Garrison ted to keeping the Times abreast of what career, Bustamante has investigated how Norte and is the Eugene Conley Professor Award of the Massachusetts Educational they believe to be newsworthy. He has undocumented workers have been used of Sociology at the University of Notre Opportunity Association in 1992. met with over one hundred reporters as scapegoats during economic crises. He Dame. A nomination letter for Dentler by and editors to explain how data could be has documented a precise pattern of anti- Joyce Ann Miller, President of Keystone used to document changing social and immigrant rhetoric in Congress and the Patricia Yancey Martin, Florida State Research Corporation stated: demographic patterns and expose condi- border states occurring in every U.S. reces- University As one of his missions in life, his work tions of gross inequality in the city. In this sion throughout the 20th century. Jessie Bernard Award involving school desegregation provides role, he developed news stories about Bustamante has made significant a model for all applied sociologists. It such topics as social inequality, immigra- Patricia Yancey Martin, Professor shows a dedication to a cause, his use of research contributions to studying tion and housing, diffusing sociological of Sociology and Department Chair sociological knowledge and skills to ana- migration flows from Mexico to the research to the public. Feature stories, at Florida State University, is the 2007 lyze a problem area, and an intellectual United States. He developed a unique recipient of ASA’s Jessie Bernard Award. capacity to understand how to apply his many with front-page coverage, include research method to document the flow Pat Martin has a terrific and well- analysis to affect change. His life’s work a series on social class; race and income; of undocumented crossing into the U.S. as a sociologist also illuminates the ways family size and affluence; population deserved reputation as an activist, using a photographic technique for his mentor, and scholar whose work is at in which the practice of sociology can growth; profiling Muslims in the post- project, “Quantitative Observations at contribute to the betterment of the human the forefront of studies of gender. Her 9/11 environment; immigrant family Zapata Canyon. The Use of Photographic condition. career has been path-breaking in explain- patterns and retirement; the demograph- Techniques.” This method, conducted over The Distinguished Career Award for the ing gender as an institution, rather than ics of crime; aging in the suburbs; and a year, led to the first scientifically based Practice of Sociology is not meant simply simply a form of stratification. Martin’s occupational mobility of women. estimate of the volume of undocumented to honor an individual’s life achievements, research on masculinity in fraternal Beveridge more directly disseminates immigrants to the United Stated from but also to inspire and inform others gang rape and her writings on gender sociologically informed analysis through Mexico. His national research design was who might seek to devote their career to and complex organizations are classics his own column in the respected website, implemented by the national census in sociological practice. It would be hard to in the field. She has tirelessly nurtured GothamGazette.com, begun in 2001. In Mexico to count immigrants in the United imagine a better example of what sociolog- generations of future scholars, estab- over 40 columns, he described chang- States and serves to help both countries ical practice is than that offered by Robert lished a reputation as an active mentor of ing demographics and analyzed social understand the actual magnitude of the Dentler. issues in the New York metropolitan women scholars even of her generation, migration flows. His theoretical contribu- fought for pay equity for women in her Andrew Beveridge, City University of area. Recent articles include the impact tions include the identification of “cir- of the sale of Stuyvesant Town and Peter university, and promoted gender equity New York-Queens College cularity” of migration and his notion of through her service to a wide range of Cooper Village to developers on the the “dialectics of vulnerability” to frame Public Understanding of Sociology Award availability of affordable housing for cer- professional organizations. She has been the politics of undocumented migration an active contributor to public sociology The pages of the New York Times are tain demographic groups in Manhattan; from the same base that sociologists use to through consultation with numerous enriched by Andrew Beveridge’s research the implications of federal policy propos- understand other vulnerable populations agencies focused on sexual violence, and and analysis of U.S. Census data, making als on undocumented immigrants for unable to defend themselves. her research illustrates that it is possible it possible for the public to understand populations in New York City; and esti- Over the years, he has served as a con- to combine basic knowledge with a com- demographic trends, patterns of inequal- mates of future population growth and sultant for numerous human rights NGOs mitment to social justice. ity and forces of social change in the New demographic characteristics in the New and workers unions. He was appointed as In the 1970s, she led the way in stud- York metropolitan area and the nation. York City metropolitan area. United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur ies of sex role attitudes; in the 1980s, Under a long-term contract with the With the support of the National on Human Rights of Migrants, created by she broke ground in studying violence Times, Beveridge and his Queens College Science Foundation, Beveridge devel- the Commission on Human Rights. As the against women; and in the 1990s, she students help journalists interpret data on oped a website that allows anyone to Special Rapporteur, Bustamante examined became a leader in studying organiza- societal changes regarding racial segre- query data about any census tract or “ways and means to overcome the obsta- tional process, gender relations, and gation in housing, immigration, voting county in the United States. The site cles existing to the full and effective pro- identity. Her work on gender has long patterns, distribution of income, family offers hundreds of interactive data maps tection of the human rights of migrants, been noted for the inclusion of men as composition, crime incidents, women in including historical information and including obstacles and difficulties for the being at least as important as studying the labor market, and aging. His observa- future projections and is sustained by return of migrants who are undocumented women. Her current research on mascu- tions and maps provided the foundation sponsors, the New York Times and the or in an irregular situation.” linity in corporate settings is a continua- for stories on the displacement of popula- National Science Digital Library. His awards and honors are numer- tion of this interest. Looking at how men tions by Hurricane Katrina, dramatically Beveridge’s projects have involved ous. He served as Honorary Consul in groups do not “see” women in the illustrating the costs of race and class in many graduate and undergraduate General of Japan, and Chairman of UN way that women perceive and accommo- America. Beveridge’s unique contribu- students who have learned how to apply Intergovernmental Group of Experts date to men gives rise to interesting new tion enables the Times to regularly publish sociological perspectives in helping the on International Migration and Human questions about gender perceptions and features with sociological dimensions. public understand contemporary social Rights in Geneva, Switzerland. He organizational processes. Andrew Beveridge (BA, MPhil, PhD, issues. Beveridge is also the author of served as a member of the core group Martin’s newest book, Rape Work, is Yale University) spent most of his profes- a number of articles in refereed jour- of Mexican scholars appointed by the an outgrowth of her decades of study of sional life in the New York City area, teach- nals, book chapters, and a book, African Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico for rape processing in organizations, assess- ing at Columbia University before moving Businessmen and Development in Zambia the Binational Study of Migration between ing the factors that contribute to mak- to Queens College and the Graduate (1979). Mexico and the United States. He was ing local communities more responsive School and University Center, City Jorge Bustamante, University of Notre the first elected president of the Border to the victims in rape cases. She shows University of New York (CUNY), where Dame Environmental Cooperative Commission how the organization of hospitals, police he is Professor of Sociology. Beveridge’s created by North American Free Trade stations, and courts has unanticipated scholarly work and contributions to the Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award Agreement and a Founding Member of the consequences. Hospitals that use nurse- Times are closely related to his active Jorge Bustamante is the 2007 recipi- Mexican Academy of Human Rights. He practitioners to administer the rape kit community involvement. As President of ent of the ASA’s Cox-Johnson-Frazier was a member of the Joint Public Advisory are more responsive to rape victims’ the Yonkers (NY) Board of Education, he Award. His lifetime contributions in Committee of the Trilateral Commission of needs, not because of the gender of the fought to bring the school system into full research, teaching, and service in the field Cooperation for the Environment U.S.- care-giver (women doctors are often least compliance with court decisions mandat- of international migration and human Canada-Mexico. He was elected to serve responsive), but because the organiza- ing integration. He frequently serves as rights exemplify the very best of the Cox- on the Advisory Council to the Helen tional factors allow prompter responses an expert witness in court cases involv- Johnson-Frazier tradition. Kellogg Institute for International Studies, and more time with the victim. ing housing discrimination, affirmative Earning a PhD in the United States was appointed Regents Lecturer at the Martin has been recognized nation- steering, rent stabilization, and afford- and fighting racial discrimination University of California-Riverside, and has ally for her gender work. In 2006 she ability in support of such organizations throughout his academic career, he has received the National Award in Science by received the Feminist Activism Award as the ACLU, NAACP, New York City left an important legacy to our under- the President of Mexico. from Sociologists for Women in Society Environmental Justice Alliance, U.S. Justice standing of undocumented migration As an educator, Bustamante has more (SWS) and the Distinguished Feminist Department Civil Rights Division, and the nationally and globally. He has been a than 30 years of research and teaching Lecturer Award in 2001, also from SWS. legal services programs of several cities pioneer in the promotion of relations experience. He became the first President She has an accomplished service record and counties. He has applied his expertise between Mexico and U.S. Chicano-Latino of the graduate school he established in the ASA, has served as President of the in sociology to informing numerous fed- organizations, including the struggle in Tijuana, Baja California, which is the Southern Sociological Society in 2002-03, eral and state jury system challenges and against school segregation, recogni- premier urban planning school along the and is a prominent and well-regarded court cases on employment and religious tion of workers’ rights, and the fight for border training masters and PhD students member of SWS, the Society for the Study freedom discrimination. human rights violated in Proposition 187 on binational issues. He helped established Beveridge’s contractual relationship and Operation Gatekeeper. His path- the journal Frontera Norte/the Northern See Awards, page 12 since 1993, between the New York Times 10 November 2007 Footnotes
Call for ASA Award Nominations
The award is not designed to recognize outstanding teaching ability at one’s own W.E.B. DuBois Career of Distinguished Scholarship institution unless that is part of a career with a broader impact. Individuals, depart- ments, schools, or other collective actors are eligible. Nominations should include This award honors outstanding contributions to sociological practice. The award the name of the nominee and a one to two page statement explaining the basis of may recognize work that has facilitated or served as a model for the work of the nomination. Nominations should also include a vita, if applicable, and relevant others; work that has significantly advanced the utility of one or more specialty supporting materials. areas in sociology and, by so doing, has elevated the professional status or pub- lic image of the field as a whole; or work that has been honored or widely recog- Jessie Bernard Award nized outside the discipline for its significant impacts, particularly in advancing human welfare. The recipient of this award will have spent at least a decade of The Jessie Bernard Award is given in recognition of scholarly work that has enlarged substantial work involving research, administrative, or operational responsibili- the horizons of sociology to encompass fully the role of women in society. The ties as a member of or consultant to private or public organizations, agencies, or contribution may be in empirical research, theory, or methodology. It is presented associations, or as a solo practitioner. Nominations should include a one to two for significant cumulative work done throughout a professional career. The award page statement and the vita of the nominee. Nominations remain under active is open to women or men and is not restricted to sociologists. Only members of the consideration for five award cycles. Association may submit nominations for the Jessie Bernard Award. Nominations for career achievement should include a letter of nomination, a copy of the vita of the Cox-Johnson-Frazier Award nominee, and examples of relevant scholarship or other materials. This award honors the intellectual traditions and contributions of Oliver Cox, Award for Public Understanding of Sociology Charles S. Johnson, and E. Franklin Frazier. The award is given either to a soci- ologist for a lifetime of research, teaching, and service to the community or to This award is given annually to a person or persons who have made exemplary con- an academic institution for its work in assisting the development of scholarly tributions to advance the public understanding of sociology, sociological research, efforts in this tradition. Nominations should include a summary of the nominee’s and scholarship among the general public. The award may recognize a contribu- career or achievement, and the way in which it is consistent with the traditions tion in the preceding year or for a longer career of such contributions. Nominations of these outstanding African-American scholars and educators. should include the nominee’s vita and a detailed one to two page nomination state- ment that describes how the person’s work has contributed to increasing the public Distinguished Career Award for the Practice of Sociology understanding and knowledge of sociology. This award honors outstanding contributions to sociological practice. The award Dissertation Award may recognize work that has facilitated or served as a model for the work of others; work that has significantly advanced the utility of one or more specialty The ASA Dissertation Award honors the best PhD dissertation from among those areas in sociology and, by so doing, has elevated the professional status or pub- submitted by advisors and mentors in the discipline. Dissertations from PhD lic image of the field as a whole; or work that has been honored or widely recog- recipients with degree awarded in the 2005 calendar year will be eligible for con- nized outside the discipline for its significant impacts, particularly in advancing sideration for the 2006 ASA Dissertation Awards. Nominations must be received human welfare. The recipient of this award will have spent at least a decade of from the student’s advisor or the scholar most familiar with the student’s research. substantial work involving research, administrative, or operational responsibili- Nominations should explain the precise nature and merits of the work. Six copies of ties as a member of or consultant to private or public organizations, agencies, or the dissertation must be submitted. associations, or as a solo practitioner. ASA Award for Excellence in Reporting of Social Issues Distinguished Scholarly Book Award The Award for Excellence in the Reporting of Social Issues honors individuals for This award is given for a single book published in the two calendar years preced- their promotion of sociological findings and a broader vision of sociology. The ASA ing the award year (e.g., nominations for 2008 award should be published in would like to recognize the contributions of those who have been especially effec- 2007 or 2006). Nominations must come from members of the Association and tive in disseminating sociological perspectives and research. The ASA is cognizant of should include the name of author, title of book, date of publication, publisher, the fact that there are many professionals (e.g., journalists, filmmakers) whose job it and a brief statement about why the book should be considered for this award. is to translate and interpret a wide range of information, including sociological per- spectives and research, for the general public. This award is intended to promote a Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award broader vision of sociology, and to gain public support for the sociological discipline. The ASA Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award honors outstand- ing contributions to undergraduate and/or graduate teaching of sociology. The award recognizes contributions that have made a significant impact on Send nominations for all awards to: the manner in which sociology is taught at a regional, state, national, or inter- American Sociological Association national level. These contributions may include preparation of teaching- and 1307 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 700 curriculum-related materials and publications, participation in the scholar- Washington, DC 20005 ship of teaching and learning, development and communication of innovative Phone: (202) 383-9005/E-mail: [email protected] teaching techniques, leadership in teaching-related workshops and symposia, Online Submission Form:
Rural, from page 5
An Invitation to Dialogue Berkeley and Past-President of ASA; and References Larson, O.F. and J.N. Zimmerman. 2003. John Gaventa, Professor and Research Sociology in Government: The Galpin-Taylor For those interested in rural sociol- Burawoy, M. 2005. “For public sociology.” Years in the U.S. Department of Agriculture American Sociological Review 70: 4-28. ogy, the 2008 annual meeting of RSS will Fellow in the Institute of Development 1919-1953. University Park, PA: The Buttel, F.H. 2002. “Environmental sociol- Pennsylvania State University Press. be held July 28-31 in Manchester, NH Studies at the University of Sussex. We ogy and the sociology of natural resources: hope that the time and location of the Lobao, L. 1996. “A sociology of the periphery (see
our inaction, so that we can test these ideas in our project? Then, sociologist Public Sociology Penelope Canan, Director of the Global Carbon Project at the National Institute of Environmental Studies in Japan (Footnotes, January 2005), invited me to give a Sociology translates to public action . . . lecture at a conference on networks and global environmental change in Japan. Comparative Climate Change Project This occasional column highlights sociologists who successfully engage sociol- ogy in the civic arena in service to organizations and communities. Over the Thus inspired, I began to organize the comparative climate change project. years, members of ASA and sociologists as individual professionals and citizens I applied for the Abe Fellowship from the Japan Foundation and Social Science have sought to make the knowledge we generate directly relevant to our com- Research Council to conduct a year’s preparatory research on climate change politics in the United States, Japan, Germany, and Austria, examining the interac- munities, countries, and the world community. Many sociologists within the tion of corporatist institutions and reciprocity networks. academy and in other sectors practice the translation of expert knowledge to To increase funding likelihood, I included China, India, numerous critical issues through consultation, advisement, testimony, com- and Brazil. At an INSNA (International Network for Social mentary, writing, and participation in a variety of activities and venues. Readers Network Analysis) conference, I found collaborators—net- are invited to submit contributions, but consult with Managing Editor Johanna workers from Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and Greece. Olexy ([email protected], 202-383-9005 x312) prior to submitting your draft With the Abe Fellowship and a year’s sabbatical sup- (1,000 to 1,200 words maximum). port from my university, I had two years to work on this project. Editor’s Note: The following Public Sociology piece by Jeffrey Broadbent What do sociologists of science have to say about cli- describes his “mini-odyssey” across several countries, as he organizes a global mate change internationally? Plenty. To begin the project, I public sociology endeavor. His effort is not unique in that sociologists through- organized a conference featuring social scientists working out the world are answering the call to make their studies relevant to global and on the science/policy interface, as well as comparative Jeffrey Broadbent and international environmental politics and culture. The local problems while maintaining rigorous scientific standards. These standards conference, “Risk and Response to Global Warming and Environmental Change,” remain at the core of their methods, but engagement in Public Sociology under- took place January 25-28, 2007. In addition to public meetings, which drew state- takings often requires a bold leap into the unknown, challenging our capacities, level political, media, and public participation, we hosted a workshop for the and placing us outside our comfort zones, says Broadbent. growing country team participants and network experts in the project. Scholars from European, Asian, and South American countries agreed to lead teams for the project. Social and natural scientists from the University of Minnesota also joined us (papers are available at
UIC, from page 6
Marching for Change keynote speech before a full house. In addition to the aforementioned Nilda Flores-González at (312) 996-5373 On the one-year anniversary of With the research projects nearing departments, UIC’s College of Liberal Arts or [email protected]. For more information the first mega-march, the IMP hosted completion, the IMP is entering its final and Sciences has provided sustained sup- on UIC’s Sociology Department, visit “Marching for Change: Chicago in the phase. Two years of intense research port for the IMP. In numerous ways, this www.uicsociology.org. will culminate in a comprehensive, research project exemplifies the commit- National Immigrant Movement,” a two- The author is third-year sociology gradu- theoretically, and empirically grounded ment of UIC’s Sociology Department to day conference at UIC with 300 com- ate student at the University of Illinois- analysis of the Chicago-based immigrant public sociology. The IMP, and the dynamic munity member, activist, and student Chicago and a member of the Immigrant attendees. In the spirit of dialogue, rights mobilizations. This edited vol- social movement it examines, has already ume will be divided into four thematic made a significant impact. This suggests at Mobilization Project. He can be reached at presenters and attendees joined together [email protected]. to reflect on the movement’s achieve- sections: Agency, Strategies and Actions; the very least that Chicago continues to be Subjectivity and Representation; Institutions a great place for sociological research. 1 Flores-Gonzalez, Nilda, et al. (2006) ments and shortcomings. During the “UIC Immigrant Mobilization Project: closing session, long-time Chicana activ- and Organizations; and Collaborations and For more information on the UIC General Survey Findings.” Unpublished ist, Dolores Huerta gave an impassioned Comparisons. Immigrant Mobilization Project, contact: Manuscript. 12 November 2007 Footnotes
Awards, from page 9
Council Highlights of Social Problems, and the International Roth found that for non-migrants, Sociological Association. She also has an education shapes the conception of race During the 2007 Annual Meeting in New York, the 2006-2007 ASA Council admirable record of service at the univer- they evoke when they identify with their held its final meeting under the chairmanship of Frances Fox Piven. The follow- sity, community, and state levels. nationality. Education also positions ing day, the 2007-2008 ASA Council held its initial meeting under the leadership Martin’s teaching contributions to migrants in different streams of social of Arne Kalleberg. Meeting face-to-face only once every six months there is gender scholarship have been tremendous. interaction, permitting those at the upper never a shortage of issues for consideration; these meetings were no exception She has prepared a new generation of end of the class spectrum to interact with a with each session having a full agenda. The following is not an exhaustive list feminist scholars at her institution and by wider variety of racial and ethnic popula- of everything Council accomplished during the August meetings, but a selected mentoring and supporting young scholars tions than those at the lower end. Lower list of important items. Full minutes of the meetings will be posted on the ASA nationwide. At Florida State, for example, SES migrants are likely to think of them- website when they are approved by Council. Martin has chaired 20 dissertation commit- selves in national/ethnic terms (as Puerto tees and served on over 50 others; she has Rican or Dominican), while the higher • Accepted the audit of 2006 financial activities. chaired nine thesis committees, and served SES groups are attracted to the pan-ethnic • Agreed to participate in the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Integrity on over 20 additional ones. With four uni- identifier “Latino.” Working Group on the use or misuse of federal social science data. versity-wide teaching awards, she clearly Roth’s remarkable and ambitious • Approved a 2.7% cost of living adjustment in the dues rate for 2008. knows how to teach, but note also that research agenda makes it possible to see • Established sub-committees to: (1) review the criteria for an ASA award, this acclaimed teaching comes in research that these experiences are transmitted back (2) investigate future funding options for the MFP program, and (3) methods and gender courses at the gradu- to people who have never moved, but are review the current policies and procedures for certifying and decertifying ate and undergraduate level. She frequently influenced by friends and relatives who sections. publishes with her students and supports have. Interestingly, though, it appears that • Approved two new Sections-in-Formation: Disabilities and Society, and them as junior faculty in other schools. this process of pan-ethnicization is more Society and Human Rights. Junior faculty members report that Martin widespread in Puerto Rico and resisted in • Went on record rejecting the use by governments or their agents of congratulates them whenever she sees the Dominican Republic. To explain this scholarly concepts, writing or research contacts as the basis upon which progress they have made, and has always divergence, Roth explores the political and to monitor, detail or incarcerate social science researchers or instructors; been willing to assist them, despite her own historical relations between sending and and asserting that the use of social science scholarship, concepts, and field busy research, teaching, and administrative receiving societies, which have left their contacts to generate criminal suspicion or accusation grossly violates the life. tracks in the variable nature of contact, the principle of academic freedom and integrity of scientific practice. Martin is the sort of eminent gender support new identities receive from local • Adopted a resolution to thank Craig Calhoun for his hard work in the scholar whose entire career has demon- institutions and media representations, compilation and editing of the Association and Centennial volume on strated the depth of her commitment to and the timing of migration streams. Sociology in America. feminist ideals. Her scholarship on the If identity were merely a subjective • Endorsed a proposal from the Editors of the Rose Series for an annual gender practices of men and women, on orientation, this dissertation would have meeting session in the program devoted to highlighting the Rose Series. the politics of rape, and on the organiza- been interesting, but it’s implications for • Approved creation of a Program Committee to develop the 2009 Annual tional contexts in which male dominance is life chances would have been unclear. Meeting around the theme of “The New Politics of Community.” institutionalized has been at the forefront of One of the most remarkable features of • Approved minutes of previous Council votes regarding the purchase and the field for 30 years and remains the gold the research, however, is its emphasis on financing of a permanent ASA headquarters in downtown Washington, standard. Her teaching, mentoring, and economic incorporation. Past research DC. community activism at the state and uni- established that Latinos who self-iden- versity level have been crucial in improv- tify as White or who have light skin are ing women’s lives. Her career reflects the more likely to find their way to higher generosity of spirit, the personal integrity, education, high status occupations, higher and the commitment to public sociology for incomes, and less segregated neighbor- Regional Sociological Association which Jessie Bernard stood. Jessie would hoods. Roth’s dissertation provides the have been proud. first data to measure of the color composi- Schedules tion of migrant and non-migrant social Wendy Roth, University of British networks. She does not find that migrants’ Eastern Sociological Society: February Bridgewater State University. Theme: Columbia networks become more homogeneous “in 21-24, 2008—New York, NY. Theme: “The Immigrant Experience.”
Reaction to ASA Council’s Response to Professor Resolution on Israeli Public Forum Leslie Irvine Boycott I was drawn to the unsparingly critical and negative remarks Professor Leslie We applaud the Council’s August 15, Irvine made about China in the July/ 2007, resolution reiterating its commit- position to take in response to the influencing public policy relative to August Footnotes (p. 9). Professor Irvine ment to academic freedom by “deploring UCU blacklist proposal is to follow the African Americans. Without a link to demonized China, and the Chinese people, restrictions on the free movement of schol- February precedent. It should straight- the work of these scholars, the award on the basis of China’s human rights ars and students and barriers to scholarly forwardly and unconditionally affirm the becomes generic, and it is no longer record, its mistreatment of animals, and inquiry and exchange.” position it took in 2006 of its “ongoing “stigmatized” with any association to the other allegations. One can always summon It was an appropriate response to a support for the protection of academic African Americans for whom the award statistics for such arguments. But after boycott—effectively, a blacklist—of Israeli independence and the integrity of scien- is named. spending the last six months in China, vis- academics and academic institutions tific research through the open movement Likewise, when the member- iting several cities, and engaging in deep proposed by the leadership of the British of faculty and students between universi- ship, through ballot initiative, named and extensive dialogues with my newly University and College Union (UCU). ties irrespective of nationality or political the distinguished career award the found Chinese friends, I feel the need to The ASA thus stands alongside sister views.” Full stop. There is still time for W.E.B. DuBois Career of Distinguished counter some of Professor Irvine’s claims. professional associations such as the the Council to do so. Scholarship Award, the rationale pre- I was in China on a Fulbright and taught American Federation of Teachers, the (A news update: The UCU leader- sented to the membership was based for almost six months at Fudan University. British Academy, the American Political ship recently withdrew its proposal to upon two facts primarily: (1) Dubois in I taught a course on political sociology and Science Association, the American debate the boycott policy upon advice many ways is the father of American lectured about the values of democratic Psychological Association, and the of its attorneys that its anti-Israel initia- sociology in that his Philadelphia Negro societies. My students were very attentive American Association of University tive violated British equal opportunity was the discipline’s first empirical socio- to my presentations, and they engaged me Professors, which have repudiated this or legislation and subjected union members logical study; and (2) that his scholarship in critical discussions about democracy an earlier boycott initiative, and along- to anti-discrimination lawsuits. Quite so. in terms of both quality and quantity versus modern China. They were respectful side at least 300 presidents of American Nonetheless, the ASA Council still bears of research and writings are unparalled and they listened. No one ever prevented universities whose published statement the responsibility to take an unequivocal among American sociologists. DuBois has me from providing a clear and extended unconditionally rejected the latest effort. stand on behalf of academic freedom.) no peer. The membership acknowledged defense of democracy and democratic Academic freedom does not exist if it is Sincerely yours, this when they voted “yes” to change the rights. This atmosphere of exchange and conditional on scholars’ nationalities, their name. Yet, his name was mentioned only Paul Burstein, University of Washing- dialogue, at the heart of the Fulbright pro- personal political opinions, or the policies in the context of the title of the award. ton-Seattle; Cynthia Fuchs Epstein, City gram, was important to my teaching and to of their governments. There was no recognition of the signifi- my ability to connect with students. Regrettably, however, the ASA’s University of New York; Claude S. Fischer, cance of DuBois’ seminal contributions to I also met many fine people outside resolution, unlike those of other academic University of California-Berkeley; Chad the field. Consequently, with no descrip- the University. Every morning a group associations, included an additional Alan Goldberg, University of Wisconsin- tion of the award’s namesake, any stan- of older gentlemen gathered outside my paragraph that, in effect, subverts its Madison and Hebrew University (Spring dards will obtain. The only tribute to one residence and listened to and admired purpose. That paragraph refers to charges 2008); Judith Lorber, Graduate Center and of sociology’s founders with regard to their pet birds, which hung on the wire that the Israeli government restricts the Brooklyn College, City University of New this award was when the award recipient fences and sang. People walked by in the educational opportunities of Palestinian York; Ann Swidler, University of Califor- spoke passionately about how Sorokin mornings—women with their beautifully students. Whatever the merits of that nia-Berkeley; Jeff Weintraub, University of had been his inspiration. groomed dogs—and they all seemed as charge and whatever the impulse for sup- Pennsylvania I want to thank Professors Aldon ordinary as Americans. Though I do not posed “balance,” introducing that contro- Morris and Michael Schwartz for thrust- speak Chinese, we managed to exchange versy undermines a principled defense of ing DuBois to the forefront of recognition smiles and small gestures every morning. academic freedom. by the ASA. I had my reservations about The Invisible Namesakes: Because of my research interests, I spent The essential issue raised by the naming the award after DuBois because a great deal of time observing people in proposed boycott is whether academic In Recognition of African I could not see a narrowly focused aca- parks and on streets. One of my great freedom is universal or whether some demic making the breadth of contribu- American Founders in discoveries was Lu Xun Park. This is a exception should be made based on tions as had DuBois. This is particularly remarkable park, not only because of the scholars’ nationalities, politics, or their ASA? true given that his work was not just beautiful grounds, but also because of the governments’ policies. The boycotters In 1952, Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible about understanding things as they are variety of cultural activities, ranging from assert that one exception should be made: Man won the Pulitzer Prize, an excep- but he used the craft to change our social tai chi to ballroom dancing to calligraphy Israel of all nations and Israeli scholars of tional achievement in itself but even more world. On the other hand, I realize the done on the walks in the park. I was usu- all scholars in the world are so heinous so for a person of African descent at the opportunity to heighten knowledge of ally accompanied by several of my Chinese that they uniquely ought to be stripped of time. As a “Negro,” his main character the DuBois legacy by bringing to the graduate students, and they provided such freedom. The proper riposte of the was invisible to white America. Similarly, discipline’s attention his work, his legacy, regular translations for me. On one of my scholarly community to such discrimina- the contributions of African Americans and our mission as sociologists. With the park visits, while watching some of the fan tion has been, quite thoroughly, to reiter- to the discipline were “invisible” at this presentation of this career award being dancers, a Chinese man about my age came ate the universality of academic freedom year’s awards ceremony of the American “sanitized” of its relationship to DuBois, over and in well-spoken English started free from political litmus tests. What the Sociological Association Annual Meeting. the African American founder of the a conversation. At one point, he turned inserted paragraph in the ASA resolu- I was troubled by the manner in which field, it is as though the award had no to me and said: “Do these people look tion does is link the defense of Israelis’ the distinctive contributions of African relevance to DuBois. oppressed?” They certainly did not. In fact, academic freedom to a presumed policy American sociologists were both ignored As sociologists, we know that “things to the contrary they looked quite joyful. of their government. In doing so, the ASA and obscured. The Cox-Johnson-Frazier don’t just happen.” There is agency. I hope Professor Irvine could someday appears to endorse making academic Award was given to an eminent sociolo- Someone, or someones, made the deci- spend some time on the ground in China, freedom politically conditional. What gist on Latin Americans and immigration, sion to exclude any reference to African as I have. Fifteen years after the end of the ASA should have done, clearly and Jorge Bustamante. In the presentation of Americans in these presentations. To World War II, I found myself in Germany. unequivocally, was to reject the dangerous this award, there was no mention that have awards with African American As a Jew, this was personally difficult, but precedent of punishing academics and the award’s namesakes were African namesakes and not pay honor to their I felt compelled to see the country. I spent educational institutions for the policies of American sociologists, what their contri- contributions had to be a conscious act. four months working there in 1961, just the governments under which they live. bution to the discipline was, or why the Ignoring the fact that these namesakes before the Berlin Wall was erected. While Consider what the ASA did in an analo- award recipient’s work was an exemplar were African American is somewhat rem- there, I made a few friends, and often asked gous case. In February 2007, the Council in that tradition. iniscent of James McKee’s Sociology and them about the War and the Jews. People issued a statement dissenting from Bush This award was established by ASA the Race Problem: A Failure of Perspective. did not tell me much; but I discovered that, administration policies that restrict travel to reward scholarship, teaching, and His critique of the discipline when it because of the Holocaust, it was essential and intellectual exchanges between the service by “public sociologists” whose comes to race is that it operates from for me, as a Jew, to confront these dangers. United States and Cuba. It affirmed that work aided in the struggle of African a failed paradigm—an assimilationist I did this by talking to people, by trying to the “free flow of scholars and scholarship Americans to be full members of the paradigm. On the other hand, applying break down whatever barriers lay between across national boarders is a fundamental society and the ASA. That goal was, and this ideological perspective to the issue of us, by engaging in dialogue, and I did it as tenet of academic freedom.” Rightly, the is, appropriate. The award was to recog- “race” has made explanation and policy a an act of personal discovery. That, it seems Council saw no need to “balance” this nize sociologists making contributions bit more problematic. The award descrip- to me, is the essence of what it means to be statement with another paragraph criticiz- in the tradition of Cox-Johnson-Frazier tions and presentations were generic to a human being and what social science is ing suppression of academic and intel- in spite of the fact that they may be the point that these eminent sociologists all about. I write this letter because a young lectual freedom by the Cuban state. They employed at Historically Black Colleges and their contributions were made to Chinese student from my Department was recognized that the second issue, while and Universities (HBCUs) with heavy appear as though they were key players offended by Dr. Irvine’s comments, but important, has no bearing on the first one. teaching loads or at institutions where in shaping the “mainstream” of the disci- could not herself easily respond. This does The same principle applies to this latest research is not the primary mission. In pline. In effect, the legacy of DuBois, Cox, not let the Chinese government off the hook; resolution. addition to their original research and Johnson, and Frazier became invisible to rather it amplifies what China means both to We hope that the Council, upon reflec- teaching, the works of these scholars the audience and the award recipients. the Chinese and to the world at large. tion, will realize that the most principled were often through public service and Robert Newby, Central Michigan University Anthony Orum, University of Illinois-Chicago 14 November 2007 Footnotes
for submissions of proposals is February [email protected], or President Larry Isaac tive. Manuscripts should not exceed 30 Fraser Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045-2172 by Correction 1, 2008. Contact: ISPP Central Office, at [email protected]. double-spaced pages of text, inclusive of February 1, 2008. Manuscripts must in- Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs, notes and references, and should follow clude a 200-word abstract. Include author In the American Academy of Arts & Maxwell School, Syracuse University, 346 Terrorism & Justice-The Balance for the “Notice to Contributors” guidelines at contact information and email address. Sciences Fellows article in the Septem- Eggers Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244; ispp. Civil Liberties, a Multidisciplinary
February 25-May 4, 2008. Scientists and Detention.”
Jacqueline Angel, University of Texas- 2007. He was quoted in an article on the 27 Chronicle of Higher Education Review, Margarita Mooney, University of North reports that was also picked up by the Austin, was cited in the San Antonio arrest on terrorism-related charges of two which featured his new book, Brewing Carolina-Chapel Hill, had her research Chicago Tribune and other local papers. Express-News on August 12, 2007. foreign students in The Post and Courier on Justice: Fair Trade Coffee, Sustainability, featured in the New York Times op-ed September 1, 2007, and interviewed for and Survival. He was also interviewed column, “The Catholic Boom,” on May Craig Robertson, University of North Vern Baxter, University of New Orleans, a radio program on the sociological rel- on a report about fair trade that aired on 25, 2007. Alabama, was quoted in The Times Daily and Steve Kroll-Smith, University of evance of the movies of Alfred Hitchcock Michigan Public Radio on April 2. on October 1, 2007, in an article on vio- North Carolina-Greensboro, were quoted for Radio City (Ecuador), August 13, 2007. Edward Morris, Ohio University, ap- lence on television. by KRQE-TV on September 13, 2007, in a He was quoted in an article on an alleged Guillermina Jasso, New York University, peared on National Public Radio’s News story on whether allowing employees to plot to overthrow the government of Laos was cited in a July 25 Financial Times and Notes on June 20, 2007, to discuss Ruben Rumbaut, University of Cali- nap during the workday is productive. in The Fresno Bee, June 7, 2007. article for her research on the previous school discipline and African American fornia-Irvine, and Alejandro Portes, illegal experience of legal immigrants. girls. He was also quoted in a Philadelphia Princeton University, were quoted in an Andrew Beverdige, Queen’s College - Peter Dreier, Occidental College, wrote, Daily News article on June 28, 2007. August 5 New York Times Magazine article CUNY, was interviewed by the New York “Separate and Unequal,” that appeared Thomas M. Kersen, University of North by Alex Kotlowitz on a town in Illinois’ Times on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Ameri- in the September 13 Pasadena Weekly on Alabama, was quoted in The Times Daily Katherine S. Newman, Princeton Univer- crackdown on illegal immigrants. can Community Survey. He also had his how Pasadena is the most economically on September 11, 2007, on how the Sep- sity, was quoted extensively in an August analysis on wages in big cities discussed unequal city in California. The September tember 11th terrorist attacks were dif- 26 New York Times article on the missing Robert Sampson, Harvard University, in an August 3 New York Times article. 10 Nation published his article, “Progres- ferent from other attacks on the United class between middle and poverty level. was quoted on October 1, 2007, in the sive Jews Organize,” about the growing States. Dallas Morning News on crime rates in Suzanne Bianchi, University of Mary- wave of inter-faith community organizing Orlando Patterson, Harvard University, Dallas, Texas. land, was quoted in USA Today on among Jewish synagogues. Akil Kokayi Khalfani, Essex County wrote an opinion piece for the New York September 12, 2007, on U.S. Census data College, was quoted in the Star Ledger Times on October 1, 2007, on the Jena 6. Laurie Schaffner, University of Illinois- that shows young adults are delaying Elaine Howard Ecklund, University at about a class he is running out of the Chicago, was quoted in the Chicago marriage. Buffalo-SUNY, and Christopher Scheitle, Urban Issues Institute. Lisa Pearce, University of North Carolina- Tribune on July 16 in a story about girls Pennsylvania State University, had their Chapel Hill, was quoted in an August in trouble with the law. Wayne Brekhus, University of Missouri- article, “Religion among Academic Eric Klinenberg, New York University, 24 Washington Post article on an Associ- Columbia, was quoted in an August 31 Scientists: Distinctions, Disciplines, and was quoted in The Los Angeles Times on ated Press and MTV poll that found Michael Schwartz, University at Stony St. Louis Post-Dispatch article about the Demographics,” from Social Problems September 6, 2007, about the heat wave that religious teens are happier than the Brook, was interviewed on Between the contemporary relevance of Laud Hum- covered by ABC News, U.S. News & World in Southern California. non-religious. Lines last week on August 6, discussing phreys’ landmark study Tearoom Trade Report, and Xinhua News Agency. his article “Benchmarks that Matter,” (1970) to conservative Idaho Senator Jerry Krase, Brooklyn College-CUNY, H. Wesley Perkins, Hobart & William about the failure of President Bush’s surge Larry Craig’s arrest for lewd behavior in Susan A. Eisenhandler, University of and Philip Kasinitz, CUNY Graduate Smith Colleges, was quoted in the Boston strategy in Iraq. a Minneapolis airport restroom. Connecticut, was quoted by the Associ- Center, were quoted in a USA Today cover Globe on April 29 about his research on ated Press, on September 2, 2007, in an story on ethnic relations in Brooklyn, how most college students overestimate Pepper Schwartz, University of Wash- Diane Brown, University of Medicine article on why people need to have large NY, on August 15, 2007. Krase was also drinking levels of their peers and effective ington, appeared on the Oprah show on and Dentistry of New Jersey, was quoted homes. quoted by the Gannett News Service on strategy to reduce problem drinking. He September 25, 2007, to talk about the in an August 20, 2007, Star Ledger article the growing diversity in Coney Island, was also quoted in the New York Sun on importance of sex at midlife. She was also on the racial disparity in infant mortality Gary Alan Fine, Northwestern Univer- Brooklyn, NY. May 10 on the same topic. quoted on October 1, 2007, in Men’s Health among African American women. She sity, was cited in an August 5 Washington Magazine on how to jump start your sex was also quoted on September 6, 2007, Post op-ed article on black Americans and Jerry Lembcke, Holy Cross College, Allison Pugh, University of Virginia, was life and interviewed by The Chronicle of on the importance of the social and envi- urban myths. had his op-ed, “The Horror of War can quoted in an August 27 Washington Post Higher Education on September 10, 2007, ronmental factors that may contribute to be Catnip for Young Men,” published in article on the reasons that people pur- on her new book Prime. the greater mortality from breast cancer Herbert Gans, Columbia University, and the May 25 edition of National Catholic chase certain needless high-tech items. documented among African American his book The Levittowners was mentioned Reporter. Marcia Texler Segal, Indiana University- women. on July 29, 2007, in a New York Times article Rachel L. Rayburn, University of Cen- Southeast, was quoted in the New Albany on how the town of Levittown, in Long Lisa Martino-Taylor, University of Mis- tral Florida, wrote a letter to the editor Tribune and Jeffersonville Evening News on Robert Bullard, Clark Atlanta Univer- Island, remains a model for neighborhood souri-Columbia, was interviewed in an about a biannual citizens survey, which June 3, 2007, in an article on the newly sity, was profiled on CNN’s People You developers. international documentary, Auslandsre- appeared in the August 2 issue of The opened Creation Museum. The museum Should Know on July 17, 2007. The piece porter, which aired on German Public Florida Today. supports a literal interpretation of Genesis highlights his pioneering work in envi- Theodore P. Gerber, University of Television on July 7, 2007. The subject was and features an exhibit of dinosaurs and ronmental justice and a recent report he Wisconsin-Madison, wrote a column in the Monsanto Company and the manu- Barbara Risman, University of Illinois- human beings living together. co-wrote called “Toxic Wastes and Race at the Washington Post on August 3, 2007, facture and use of chemical weapons. Chicago, appeared on the NBC Weekend Twenty, 1987-2007: Grassroots Struggles on whether there is another Cold War Today Show on August 25 on women jug- Emerson Smith, Metromark Market Re- to Dismantle Environmental Racism.” looming. Douglas Massey, Princeton University, gling work and family and on September search Inc., was quoted by The Hartford was quoted in The Arizona Daily Star on 25 on a segment about a Census finding Courant on September 10, 2007, in an Karen A. Cerulo, Rutgers University, and Gary Gereffi, Duke University, and August 3, 2007, in an article on the ris- that indicates more than half of married article on personal privacy and confi- her book Never Saw It Coming: Cultural Guillermina Jasso, New York University, ing number of women who are trying to Americans don’t reach their 25th wedding dentiality. Challenges to Envisioning the Worst were along with non-sociologist colleagues, cross into the country illegally through anniversary. She also appeared on CBS the topic of an editorial in the Times of had their research on the possibility of the Arizona desert. News with Katie Couric and was quoted in Paul Starr, Princeton University, wrote India on how the book’s lessons could a reverse brain drain due to the large a New York Times article about the census an opinion piece in The Chronicle of Higher be used to avoid disasters. She was also visa backlog for skilled immigrants has Susan McDaniel, University of Utah, quoted in USA Today regarding the ways received worldwide press coverage in was quoted by Canadian Press on Sep- in which blind optimism fuels risky September. tember 12, 2007, on Canadian Census spending. data that shows more Canadians are John L. Hammond, Hunter College and living alone. Katherine K. Chen, William Paterson the CUNY Graduate Center, wrote a letter University, was interviewed on a call- to the editor that appeared in the August Micki McGee, Fordham University, in hour-long segment on Radio West, a 27 New York Times on the application published a commentary essay in The NPR-affiliate KUER & XFM radio. She of human intuition in airport security Nation on June 4, 2007, regarding political discussed her forthcoming book on the checks. organizing and the rise of self-improve- annual Burning Man event. ment culture. She was also interviewed Eszter Hargittai, Northwestern Univer- by the Toronto Globe and Mail on June 22, Andrew Cherlin, Johns Hopkins Uni- sity, had her research on people’s web use 2007, about positive psychology and the versity, was quoted in USA Today, on skills, which was published in the June new cult(ure) of happiness. September 11, 2007, in an article on U.S. 2006 issue of the Social Science Quarterly, Census data that says young adults are featured in an article in the November Stjepan G. Mestrovic, Texas A&M Uni- getting married later than before. issue of Women’s Health magazine. versity, was quoted in Time magazine on the Abu Ghraib trials on August 28, Nicholas A. Christakis, Harvard Uni- John Hipp, University of California-Ir- 2007. versity, wrote an op-ed for the August 24 vine, was featured in a Los Angeles Times New York Times on doctors’ tendency of article on September 22 discussing the Tatcho Mindiola, University of Houston, avoiding making negative prognoses for study he conducted on viewing inter- and was quoted in an August 28, 2007, Hous- seriously ill patients. intra-group violent crime events between ton Chronicle article on Alberto Gonzales’ African Americans and Latinos in the resignation and what effects it has on the Dalton Conley, New York University, southern portion of Los Angeles. Hispanic community. appeared on NPR’s On Point with Tom Ashbrook on October 1, 2007, to discuss Lynne G. Hodgson, Quinnipiac Univer- Barbara Ann Mitchell, Simon Fraser what it is like to date when the woman sity, was quoted by The Hartford Courant University, was quoted on September makes more money than the man. He also on September 12, 2007, on U.S Census 12, 2007, by the Can-West News Service wrote an article on how voters can protect data that shows more Americans are on Canadian Census data that shows against their inner bias for the August 10 working past the traditional retirement Canadian families are more diversified Chronicle of Higher Education. age of 65. now than before. She was also quoted by CTV on how Canadian young adults are Shannon N. Davis, George Mason Uni- Darnell Hunt, University of California- living at home longer. versity, had her study on married men Los Angeles, was quoted by the Associ- and housework featured in USA Today ated Press on August 29, 2007, in a story Mansoor Moaddel, University of Michi- and CBC Canada on August 28, 2007. about Hurricane Katrina and the prob- gan, had his research on Iraqi Arabs lems the Gulf Coast faces today. mentioned in The Economist on September Mathieu Deflem, University of South 6, 2007. Carolina, was interviewed on the remem- Katherine Irwin, University of Hawaii- brance of 9/11 on The Midday Show, XM Manoa, was quoted by the Associated Phyllis Moen, University of Minnesota, Satellite Radio, September 11, 2007. He Press and The Hawaii Herald Tribune, on was interviewed by CBS News on Sep- was also quoted in related news stories: September 11 in an article on a new policy tember 10, 2007, on dual-career couples “Six Years Later: What Is 9/11?” on Real- to search kids’ lockers in school. and who should retire first. Her com- ClearPolitics.com, September 11, 2007, and ments were mentioned by numerous “Attacks in Mind, But Life Goes On,” The Daniel Jaffee, Michigan State University, print and broadcast news outlets across Spartanburg Herald-Journal, September 9, was the subject of a column in the July the country. November 2007 Footnotes 17
Education on September 7, 2007, titled from the Society for the Study of Symbolic search at the National Development and Rolf T. Wigand, University of Arkansas- Latino Political Subjectivities in Chi- “The New Liberal Opportunity.” Interaction (SSSI) for his book, Terrorism Research Institutes, has won the first ever Little Rock, M. Lynne Markus, Bentley cago,” at the Latin American Studies and the Politics of Fear. He also received the Career Contribution to the Sociology of College, and Charles W. Steinfield, Mich- Association meetings, was an invited Stephen Steinberg, Queens College and SSSI’s Mentor Excellence Award. AIDS Award. igan State University, are the recipients of lecturer at the Lasallian Social Justice Graduate Center-CUNY, was interviewed a National Science Foundation research Institute, and she presented “Seizing the on September 14 by the Times Ledger Lonnie Athens, Seton Hall University, Harold Garfinkel, University of Califor- grant for $842,844. The research project Teachable Moment” as an invited lecture regarding Robert Putnam’s controver- received the 2007 George Herbert Mead nia-Los Angeles, has received the ASA is entitled, “Interorganizational Systems at the Mexican American/Raza Studies sial findings about the consequences of Award for career achievements from Ethnomethodology and Conversation Integration through Industry-wide Infor- Institute. diversity for civic engagement. the Society for the Study of Symbolic Analysis Section Lifetime Achievement mation Systems Standardization: Techni- Interaction. Award. cal Design Choices and Collective Action Rachel Gordon and Anna Guzman, Murray Webster, University of North Dilemmas.” Their article, “Standards, University of Illinois-Chicago, had their Carolina-Charlotte, was quoted in the Walter DeKeseredy, University of On- Monica Grant, University of Pennsylva- Collective Action and IS Development- paper “Why Those Baby Blues? Change in Charlotte Observer on September 26 re- tario Institute of Technology, was recently nia, won the Sociologist AIDS Network -Vertical Information Systems Standards Strain from Child Care Arrangements and garding the methodology employed in awarded the University of Ontario Insti- Martin Levine Student Essay Competition in the US Home Mortgage Industry,” in Depression among Employed Moth- a study of the Charlotte area’s transit tute of Technology’s first ever Research for her paper “Children’s Participation published in MIS Quarterly won the 2006 ers of Young Children” presented at the system. He chaired a research misconduct Excellence Award on September 5, 2007. and HIV/AIDS in Rural Malawi: The Best Paper Award by the editors of MIS International Sociological Association’s committee that investigated potential Role of Parental Knowledge and Percep- Quarterly. Research Committee on Stratification and bias in the conduct of the controversial Corey Dolgon, Worcester State College, tions.” Mobility (RC-28) in Montreal. study. was awarded an ASA Marxist Section Grace Ann Witte, Briar Cliff Univer- award for his book, The End of the Hamp- Aaron Kupchik, University of Delaware, sity, received the Distinguished Faculty Mauro F. Guillén, University of Pennsyl- Ronald Weitzer, George Washington tons: Scenes From the Class Struggle in won the 2007 American Society of Crimi- Scholar Award from the university for vania, has been appointed as Director of University, was quoted in a September America’s Paradise. nology Michael J. Hindelang Book Award demonstrating outstanding scholarship in the Joseph H. Lauder Institute for Man- 23 front-page Washington Post article that for Judging Juveniles. teaching, research, service, and commu- agement & International Studies. critically examined the sex trafficking is- Raine Dozier, University of Washington, nity-based application of knowledge. sue. He was also quoted in a September won the 2007 Sex & Gender Distinguished Pei-Chia Lan, National Taiwan Univer- Pamela Popliarz and Zachary Neal, 4, 2007, New York Times article on Internet Article Award for, “Beards, Breasts, sity, won the 2007 Sex and Gender Section University of Illinois-Chicago, published facilitation of prostitution. and Bodies: Doing Sex in a Gendered Distinguished Book Award for his book an article, “The Niche as a Theoretical World.” Global Cinderellas: Migrant Domestics and Tool,” in the August 2007 Annual Review Barry Wellman, University of Toronto, Newly Rich Employers in Taiwan. Transitions of Sociology. had his work on how Information and Russell R. Dynes, University of Dela- Communications Technology helps ware, was presented the Charles Fritz Joan Meyers, University of California-Da- Elijah Anderson has been named Profes- Jill Quadagno, Florida State University, people contact their friends and how the Award for career contributions by the vis, won the 2007 Sally Hacker Graduate sor of Sociology at Yale University. has been invited to serve on the Advisory Internet is more social than TV watching Research Committee on Disaster, Inter- Student Paper Award for her paper, “Un- Council on Seniors for the Hillary Clinton covered by the Canadian Press. He was national Sociological Association. packing Bureaucracy: An Intersectional Kevin Bales has been made Emeritus Presidential Campaign. quoted in Backbone Magazine about the Theory of Gendered Organizations.” Professor at Roehampton University- need for more nuanced social-software Helen Fein, Institute for the Study of London and Visiting Professor at the Pam Quiroz, University of Illinois-Chi- apps. His work was also covered in an Genocide, received an award from the Paul Olson, Briar Cliff University, re- Wilberforce Institute for the Study of cago, published, “Color-blind Individu- August 26 Washington Post article and in International Association of Genocide ceived the Bonaventure Award from the Slavery and Emancipation (WISE) at the alism, Intercountry Adoption and Public the Globe and Mail on August 2, 2007. Scholars for “distinguished lifetime con- university for advancing the integration University of Hull. Policy” in the June 2007 Journal of Sociology tribution to the field of genocide studies of student curricular and co-curricular and Social Welfare. Ming Wen, University of Utah, was and prevention.” She also received the experiences through the establishment Glen Elder, University of North Carolina- quoted in an August 20, 2007, New York 2007 Outstanding Achievement Award of learning communities that promote the Chapel Hill, will retire at the end of this Gene Rosa, Washington State Univer- Magazine article about increasing life of the Armenian American Society for attainment of a holistic education. academic year and assume a new role as sity, was the single academic invited to expectancy in New York City. Studies on Stress and Genocide. Research Professor. make a presentation at the Howard H. Besnik Pula, University of Michigan- Baker Center for Public Policy sponsored William Julius Wilson, Harvard Uni- Mary Frank Fox and Willie Pearson, Ann Arbor, was awarded the American Barbara Entwisle, University or North conference, “The Role of Nuclear Power versity, wrote a letter to the editor about Jr., Georgia Institute of Technology, Lisa Council of Learned Societies Southeast Carolina-Chapel Hill, was promoted to in Global and Domestic Energy Policy: HUD’s Moving to Opportunity experi- Frehill, Commission on Professionals in European Studies Program Dissertation the rank of Distinguished Professor. Recent Developments and Future Ex- ment, which appeared in the August 4 Science and Technology, Suzanne Ortega, Fellowship for, “Harnessing Tradition: pectations,” held at the Woodrow Wilson New York Times. University of Washington, Roberta Customary Law and State-Formation in Jay Howard, Indiana University-Purdue Center International Center for Scholars Spalter-Roth, American Sociological As- Albania, 1919-1945.” University-Columbus, was appointed in Washington, DC. sociation, and Marta Tienda, Princeton Vice Chancellor and Dean July 1, 2007. University, were chosen to be on the 2007 Erica Reichert, Indiana University-Pur- Laurie Schaffner, University of Illinois- National Science Foundation/Science due University-Indianapolis, won the Susan A. McDaniel has accepted a posi- Chicago, began her 2007-2008 Fulbright- Awards Resources Statistics Human Resources Sociologists AIDS Network Scholarly Ac- tion as Professor of Family Studies and Garcia Robles Fellowship in the Sociol- Expert Panel. tivity Award for her master thesis titled, Senior Investigator in the Institute for ogy Department at the Universidad de David L. Altheide, Arizona State Univer- “Race and the Experiences of Mothers Public and International Affairs at the Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. sity, received the Cooley Award for the Samuel R. Friedman, Social Theory Core with HIV/AIDS.” University of Utah. outstanding book in symbolic interaction in the Center for Drug Use and HIV Re- Steve Warner, University of Illinois- Barbara Risman, University of Illinois- Lisa Pearce, University of North Caro- Chicago, and Anne Heider presented Chicago, won the 2007 Feminist Men- lina-Chapel Hill, won an appointment a paper, “Bodily Ritual as a Foundation toring Award from the Sociologists for to the Center for Advanced Study in the of Social Solidarity: The Case of Sacred Women in Society. Behavioral Sciences. Harp,” in July at the International Society for the Sociology of Religion. It was pre- Hirohisa Saito, University of Michigan- Dudley L. Poston Jr., Texas A&M Uni- sented in form but in musical form. Ann Arbor, was awarded an Andrew W. versity-College Station, was appointed Mellon Foundation/American Council of Director of Asian Studies. Learned Societies Dissertation Comple- tion Fellowship for, “Cosmopolitan Beth Rubin and Noah Mark have joined Nationalism: The Development of Trans- the Department of Sociology at the Uni- Members’ New nationality in Japanese Children and versity of North Carolina-Charlotte. Adolescents.” Books David Sonnenfeld has joined the Depart- Laurie Schaffner, University of Illinois- ment of Environmental Studies at the Kevin Bales, Wilberforce Institute for Chicago, won the Distinguished Con- College of Environmental Science and the Study of Slavery and Emancipation, tribution to Scholarship Award for her Forestry, the State University of New Ending Slavery: How We Free Today’s Slaves qualitative research, Girls in Trouble with York-Syracuse. He serves as Professor (University of California Press, 2007). the Law, from the ASA Section on Child- and Chair of the department. hood and Youth. David L. Brunsma, University of Mis- souri-Columbia, David Overfelt, and Ste- Daniel Schensui, Brown University, was ven Picou, University of South Alabama, awarded an Andrew W. Mellon Foun- People eds., The Sociology of Katrina: Perspectives dation/American Council of Learned on a Modern Catastrophe (Rowman & Societies Dissertation Completion Fel- Littlefield, 2007). lowship for, “Remaking and Apartheid Anthony Cortese, Southern Methodist City: State-Led Spatial Transformation in University, has been appointed to a three- Werner J. Cahnman, Social Issues, Geopoli- Durban, South Africa.” year term on the Advisory Panel for the tics, and Judaica, ed.by Judith T. Marcus newly established Center for the Study of and Zoltan Tarr (Transaction, 2007). Kazimierz Slomczynski, Ohio State Latino/a Christianity and Religion in the University, was awarded an American Perkins School of Theology. William C. Cockerham, University of Council of Learned Societies Southeast Alabama-Birmingham, Social Causes of European Studies Program Conference Elaine Howard Ecklund and Michael Health and Disease (Polity, 2007). Grant. Emerson received a grant for $190,149 from the Russell Sage Foundation to fund William V. D’Antonio and Anthony J. Robert Wallace, McMurry University, a study titled, “Religion and the Changing Pogorelc, Catholic University, Voices of the received the 2007 Bennett Award, which is Face of American Civic Life.” Faithful: Loyal Catholics Striving for Change given to a faculty member for outstanding (Crossroad Publishing Company, 2007). teaching, service, and leadership. Helen Fein, Institute for the Study of Genocide, had her article, “Reading the Joe Feagin, Texas A&M University, and Kevin A. Whitehead, University of Cali- Second Text: Meaning and Misuses of the Clariece B. Feagin, Racial and Ethnic Rela- fornia-Santa Barbara, received the ASA Holocaust,” published in Peace, Justice, tions, 8th ed. (Prentice Hall, 2008). Ethnomethodology and Conversation and Jews. Analysis Section Graduate Student Paper Helen Fein, Institute for the Study of Award for, “The Use, Management and Nilda Flores-Gonzalez, University of Genocide, Human Rights and Wrongs: Reproduction of Racial Commonsense Illinois at Chicago, presented, “March- Slavery, Terror, Genocide (Paradigm Pub- in Interaction.” ing Latinidad: Mass Mobilization and lishers, 2007). 18 November 2007 Footnotes
Diana K. Harris, The Sociology of Aging Laura L. O’Toole, Roanoke College, for topics that you would like to see (Roman & Littlefield, 2007). Jessica R. Schiffman, University of Other addressed, contact: Knowledgeassets@ Summer Programs Delaware, and Margie L. Kiter Ed- saprp.org. Daniel Jaffee, Michigan State Univer- wards, Shepherd University, Gender Organizations Bradley University’s Annual Berlin sity, Brewing Justice: Fair Trade Coffee, Violence: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, The Media Research Hub is a new Seminar will be held June 22-28, 2008. Sustainability, and Survival (University 2nd ed. (New York University Press, Georgia Sociological Association. online resource for researchers, advo- This program is intended for academ- of California Press, 2007). 2007). GSA’s official journal, the Journal of cates, practitioners, and policymakers ics interested in the history and con- Public and Professional Sociology, pub- working for a more democratic and temporary culture, society, economy, Peter Kivisto, Augustana College, and Anthony Oberschall, University of lishes original works of research and participatory public sphere. It is a and politics of Germany and Europe. Thomas Faist, Bielefeld University, North Carolina, Conflcit and Peace theory focusing on both public and portal to several different services At the European Academy in Berlin- Citizenship: Discourse, Theory, and Trans- Building in Divided Societies. Responses to professional sociology. Public sociol- for the media and communications Grunewald, the seminar activities national Prospects (Blackwell, 2007). Ethnic Violence (Routledge, 2007). ogy aims to inform public debate about research and advocacy communities. include discussions with leaders from social, political, and moral issues while The Data Consortium for Media and the realms of academia, culture, and Peter Kivisto, Augustana College, Social Piya Pangsapa, University at Buffalo, professional sociology serves as the Communications Policy works for the politics. There will also be guided trips Theory: Roots and Branches, 3rd ed. (Ox- Texture of Struggle: The Emergence of traditional core of the disciplinary field. principle that public policy should be to points of historical and contemporary ford University Press, 2008); Illuminating Resistance among Garment Workers in This publication seeks articles that can made with publicly-available data-a interest. All sessions are conducted in Social Life: Classical and Contemporary Thailand (ILR Press, August 2007). inform public debate and knowledge condition mostly absent from contem- English or with a translator. The cost is Theory Revisited, 4th ed. (Pine Forge by bringing sociological expertise to porary media and communications $1,900, which includes room and board Press, 2008). Pam Quiroz, University of Illinois-Chi- the public realm. It is the position of policymaking. The Resource Database in Berlin, the seminar program, and trips cago, Adoption in a Color-Blind Society this journal that professional sociology is a community-editable field-mapping during the week. Applications are due George C. Klein, Oakton Community (Rowman and Littlefield, 2007). brings legitimacy to public sociology tool for linking people, institutions, by January 15, 2008. For further details College, The Adventure: The Quest for as public sociology brings added rel- research materials, networks, and and an application form, visit
Michigan in 1947, an MA in Sociology mographers, and I know that she stayed editor of Marriage and Family Review. He tional Sociological Association, National Obituaries from Columbia University in 1951, and in touch with many of them for years, received a number of honors including Council on Family Relations, National a PhD in Sociology from the University even after she left Georgetown.” the Ernest W. Burgess Award presented Rehabilitation Association, International Peter H. Marris of Michigan in 1958. Dr. Ridley was a Her family, friends, and colleagues are by the National Council on Family Union of Family Organizations, Society (1927–2007) member of the American Sociological saddened by her passing, but they are Relations (1980), Distinguished Scholar for the Study of Social Problems, Ameri- Association, the American Statistical As- consoled by the memory of her devotion Award, Family division (1985) and the can Public Health Association, American Peter Marris, my friend, colleague, and sociation, and the Population Association to them and to her work. Lee Founders Award (1992) both awarded Statistical Behavioral Science and Medical one of the most creative, wisest, and nic- of America. She retired from Georgetown by the Society for the Study of Social Education and Groves Conference on Murray Gendell, Georgetown University est people I have been fortunate to work University as Professor Emerita of De- Problems. He was elected to The National Marriage and the Family, and he was with, died of prostate cancer on June 25, mography in 1990. Senior Citizen Hall of Fame (1986). an honorary affiliate of the American Marvin Bernard Sussman 2007. Internationally known as a soci- She came to Georgetown in 1972 as An extremely productive scholar on Association of Marriage and Family (1918–2007) ologist and social planner, he was at the Professor of Sociology and as a Research the cutting edge of numerous areas in Counselors. time of his death Professor Emeritus of Associate of the University’s Center for Dr. Marvin Bernard Sussman, 88, died sociology, he debunked the notion that An avid sailor and former Commo- Planning at University of California-Los Population Research. Her interest in de- August 5, 2007. He was born October 27, as a result of modernization and geo- dore of the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club, Angeles (UCLA) and a past Lecturer in mography developed early, as evidenced 1918, in Bronx, New York, NY. For the graphic mobility, the nuclear family was Sussman was a long time student of Jean Sociology at Yale. by her service between 1949 and 1952 as a past 15 years he resided in Sebastian, FL, isolated. His 1951 dissertation, “Family Houston and devoted Chela (student) Born in Great Britain and educated at research assistant at the Milbank Memo- where he was associated with the Kashi Continuity: A Study of Factors Which of Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati. He endowed Cambridge University, he was initially a rial Fund (in New York City) analyzing Ashram. Survivors include his brothers Affect Relationships between Families the Marvin B. Sussman library at Ma’s colonial officer in Kenya, becoming dis- the data from the Indianapolis Study, Harvey and Jerry Sussman of Fairfield, and Generational Levels,” became recog- Providence Orphan’s Center in Uganda enchanted during the Mau uprising when an important early survey of fertility CT, four children, five grandchildren, and nized as a landmark in intergenerational which now serves over 1,500 AIDS or- Kenya’s Kikuyu sought independence behavior in the United States. Aside from three great-grandchildren. studies, influencing the developing field phans. He was a complex and concerned from British colonial rule. a study of political attitudes and behavior Professor Sussman received a bache- at the time. human being whose spiritual journey In 1955, Peter joined Michael Young at (1960-61), her research remained focused lor’s degree from New York University Long before there were affirmative led him from peace advocate in youth to the newly founded Institute for Commu- on demography, with particular attention in 1941, master’s degrees from George action policies, Sussman was concerned soul searching sage during the last two nity Studies in Bethnal Green in London’s to fertility issues. Williams College (1943) and Yale Univer- about barriers in academe and vigorously decades of his life. working class East End. There he, along Before Georgetown, she was an As- sity (1949), and a doctorate from Yale in advocated for women, minorities, and Suzanne Steinmetz and Roma Hanks, Uni- with Peter and Phyllis Wilmott, Peter sistant Professor in the Department of 1951. He was UNIDEL Professor of Hu- older returning students. He accepted versity of South Alabama Townsend, and others initiated a “school” Sociology and Anthropology at Vander- man Behavior, Emeritus, Individual and them into graduate programs, initiated of British urban (very broadly defined) bilt University (1957-1963), an Associate Family Studies, University of Delaware. research and publication opportunities, and policy-oriented sociological research. Professor of Sociology in the Sociology Previously he held the Selah Chamberlain and wrote countless support letters They carried out original and mostly Department and an Associate Professor Professor of Sociology at Case Western throughout their careers. ethnographic studies which they turned of Demography in the Graduate School Reserve University and was Professor Professor Sussman authored, edited, or Classified Ad into widely read books and influential re- of Public Health at the University of of Sociology and Chair of the Depart- co-authored/edited 53 monographs and ports. (The Institute still exists and is now ment of Medical Social Sciences at the Pittsburgh (1963-1967), and an Associate books, authored 118 chapters in books Teach online with no Internet experience! known as the Young Foundation.) Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Professor of Socio-Medical Sciences in and monographs, and published 120 ar- I am seeking a team-teaching partner for Peter was the Institute’s then most the School of Public Health and Direc- Forest University. He was on the graduate ticles dealing with the family, community, an Introduction to Sociology course. Re- prolific author. He wrote four of his nine faculty of Union Institute and University, tor of the Division of Demography in rehabilitation, organizations, sociology sponsibilities would include grading and books at the Institute, beginning with Cincinnati, OH, after he retired. the International Institute for the Study of medicine and aging. He traveled to interactions with the students. Training, Widows and their Families (1958), the first Dr. Sussman served terms as president of Human Reproduction at Columbia more than 40 countries around the world course content and support for navigat- empirical study of bereavement, and of the Society for the Study of Social Prob- University (1967-1972). to develop cross-national research in ing the institution’s course management including Family and Social Change in an Highlights from her productive career lems, Ohio Valley Sociological Society, the field. system would be provided. Ph.D. in So- African City (1962), a study of the deleteri- and Ohio Council on Family Relations. include collaboration with the eminent Dr. Sussman was a member of the ciology required. Monetary remuneration ous effects of slum clearance in Lagos. He served as editor of the Journal of Mar- biostatistician, Mindel C. Sheps, as report- Sociological Research Association, Ameri- provided. If interested, please send a C.V. His research on the British working riage and the Family, and was the founding ed in “An Analytic Simulation Model of can Sociological Association, Interna- to [email protected]. class and the displaced African poor Human Reproduction with Demographic attracted the Ford Foundation, which and Biological Components”, Population brought him to America in 1962. For the Studies (1966). They also co-edited the oft- next 10 years while working in England, cited conference report Public Health and he was a regular Ford Foundation consul- Population Change (1965), which contains tant on urban renewal and social policy papers written by more than 20 renowned (then known as social planning), also researchers. At times they were joined becoming one of a handful of sociolo- by Jane A. Menken and Joan W. Lingner, gists involved in U.S. anti-poverty policy resulting in several papers, including analysis and critique. the influential “The Truncation Effect in handles all your data. One of the products of his foundation Closed and Open Birth Interval Data” work was the classic Dilemmas of Social (Journal of the American Statistical Asso- Reform (with Martin Rein, 1967); another ciation, 1970). In 1971, Dr. Ridley wrote was a novel, The Dreams of General Jeru- a background research paper, “On the salem (1988), which allowed him to write Consequences of Demographic Change more freely about his research and policy- for the Roles and Status of Women,” for oriented work in Africa and America as The Commission on Population Growth well as his experiences in working with and the American Future. and for foundations. It also enabled him Perhaps Dr. Ridley’s most significant to practice his superb writing talent and legacy to the study of American fertility his gifts as a story teller in an era before behavior is her survey of the low-fertility “narratives” were acceptable in socio- cohorts of 1901-10, who mainly gave birth logical writing. (His last works, so far un- during the 1920s and 1930s. She wanted published, are a memoir written initially to ascertain the social, physiological, and for his daughter, and a children’s book psychological factors that enabled these entitled An Experienced Necromancer.) cohorts to achieve a lower level of fertil- In 1969, he began teaching in the De- ity than succeeding cohorts, especially partment of City Planning at Berkeley; during the baby boom. It was conducted Statistics in 1976 he settled permanently in the U.S. in 1978, while many of these women and joined the UCLA planning faculty, were still alive. The data are accessible Graphics retiring in 1991. From 1993 until 2004, he from the Inter-University Consortium taught at Yale. of Political and Social Research at the Data management Peter’s prime scholarly passion, already University of Michigan (study no. 4698). evident in his study of widows, was the One of Ridley’s research assistants on www.stata.com Matrix language analysis of attachment and loss, his work this project, Dr. Deborah Dawson, was added the social and political factors of at- struck by her “incredible attention to tachment and loss which had been absent detail” throughout the project. So it is not in psychological theories. He also sought a surprise that when the ICPSR received New in Stata 10: to show planners and policy-makers how the data file, they found it to be “in near to avoid and ameliorate the pains of loss, perfect condition.” particularly as felt by the economically Another Georgetown colleague, Dr. Multilevel logistic and Poisson Nonmetric multidimensional scaling Exact logistic and Poisson and politically exploited people he stud- Maxine Weinstein, said that “it is a testa- ied and worked for here and in Africa. He ment to her foresight and vision that more Dynamic panel-data estimators Multiple correspondence analysis Optimizer in matrix language wrote about these timeless subjects, for than 20 years after the data were collected, which he may be remembered the longest, they were still (and are still) an important Rank-ordered probit LIML and GMM linear estimators Graph Editor in his later books: Loss and Change (1974), resource.” The two of them collaborated Random-utility nested logistic Weak-instrument test More ... Community Planning and Conceptions of on a paper published in Social Biology in Change (1982), Meaning and Action (1987), 2001, “Menarcheal Age and Subsequent and The Politics of Uncertainty (1996). Patterns of Family Formation.” This was Peter is survived by his wife, Dolores one of 20 papers in which Dr. Ridley and Hayden, the author and Yale professor her collaborators reported their findings Data analysis and statistical software of Architecture, Urbanism and American from the low-fertility-cohorts survey. Studies, and his daughter Laura. Thanks to the diligent efforts of her hus- Herbert J. Gans, Columbia University band, Christy Ridley, who survives her, most of the unpublished papers have Contact us: Jeanne Clare Ridley been found and sent to the ICPSR so (1925–2007) that they may be accessible to interested StataCorp LP 800-782-8272 (USA) [email protected] researchers. 4905 Lakeway Dr. 800-248-8272 (Canada) www.stata.com Jeanne Clare Ridley died July 17, 2007, Another notable attribute observed by College Station, TX 77845 979-696-4600 (Worldwide) at her home in Silver Spring, MD, at age Dr. Dawson was “her affection for her 81, of Parkinson’s Disease. She earned a students.” Dr. Dawson adds that “she BA in Economics from the University of really tried to help them become good de- 20 November 2007 Footnotes
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