Volume 39 • Number 7 • September/October 2011
103rd ASA President Erik Olin Wright: Reinventing Sociology inside Michael Burawoy, University of lining up with hundreds with his animated graduate California-Berkeley of others to give testimony students. Wherever he rik Wright, the 2012 President of that would prolong the goes, wherever he stays, Sociologist Heads NRC 3 Ethe ASA, was born in Berkeley, encampment. He then took Wright stirs up intellectual STEM Education Report CA, grew up in Kansas, was off for Germany to explain ferment. And so he will Report suggests policy educated at Harvard, Oxford, and Madison’s “Cairo” to schol- over the next year as he recommendations to Berkeley and has spent the last 35 ars at the Rosa Luxemburg prepares us for the 2012 help students become Foundation. This is typical, ASA Annual Meeting in years teaching at the University Erik Olin Wright scientifically literate. of Wisconsin-Madison. He is not developing projects in Denver. Madison and then lectur- only one of the most prominent The Birth of a Sociological ing about them to audiences all over Thinking About sociologists on the planet, but one Career 4 the world. “Interrogating who manages to be both a local and Wright brings the local to the I am unable to pinpoint where his Inequality” in 2013 a cosmopolitan. sociological career began. Maybe it A few months ago he could be global, but he also brings the global Invited session proposals to the local. For 28 years he has was at the childhood dinner table are solicited for the 108th found among the thousands of where each member of the Wright Madison citizens in their 17-day headed the Havens Center at the Annual Meeting program. University of Wisconsin, inviting family had to give an account of occupation of the capitol build- their day’s activities or as a Harvard ing, protesting Governor Walker’s leading intellectuals from all corners Conference Challenges of the world to Madison, where they undergraduate where he became 5 offensive against public sector aware of structural functionalism Constraints on Women unions and state spending, and are treated to an intense questioning The triennial Women’s World and have the privilege of working Continued on Page 8 Conference celebrates diversity. J. Milton Yinger (1916-2011) 7 Learning to See the Sociologists Explore Conflict Other Side’s Perspective at ASA Annual Meeting in A Towering A sociologist working in the area of reproductive Las Vegas Sociological Figure justice discusses her lessons from a Small learned when you listen Daniel Fowler, ASA Media Relations and to those with whom you Public Affairs College disagree. hat happens in Vegas when Stephen J. Cutler, University of Vermont Wmore than 5,000 sociologists descend on a city known for its ociology bright lights, grand hotels, great Slost one of From the Executive Officer...... 2 restaurants, celebrities, and casinos? its most active Science Policy...... 3 Given that it had never happened and influential ASA Forum...... 12 before, nobody was quite sure. figures with the death Announcements...... 13 As it turns out, the result th of J. Milton Obituaries...... 18 was a highly successful 106 Annual Meeting of the American Yinger, the 68th J. Milton Yinger Sociological Association. President of Originally scheduled for Chicago, the American the Association decided to move its Sociological Association, on July 28, 2011, at the age of 95 in Oberlin, Annual Meeting to Las Vegas for Randall Collins presented his Presiden- Ohio. Always ahead of the curve, first time in ASA history in response tial Address following the ASA Awards to a protracted labor dispute involv- Ceremony. Milt espoused interdisciplinarity ing hotels in the Windy City, includ- long before it became fashionable, ing the two that had been scheduled labor union action against Chicago he championed social justice well to host the meeting. hotels, that many ASA members before efforts to eradicate inequality “The shift in our meeting site felt was important to honor,” said came to be branded in this particu- from Chicago to Las Vegas was the ASA President Randall Collins, lar way, and he was the consummate result of a conflict—an unsettled University of Pennsylvania. mentor of students and colleagues Continued on Page 6 Continued on Page 10 footnotes • September/October 2011 To view the online version, visit
from the executive officer
Promoting Transparency and Accountability at the ASA
or non-profits, transparency about the ASA which we hope lay respondingly. The activities of discipline as a whole? (see pp. Fin organizational management out clearly and comprehensively the ASA have also expanded over 23-25) has been linked to increased trust, all the important aspects of the time. Together, these changes • What is the ASA doing to raise loyalty, and engagement Association’s governance, pose a new challenge to commu- awareness of sociology and by those who have a stake activities, and finances nication—namely, information increase coverage of sociological in their missions and to help members and overload. How do we provide, at findings in the media? (see p. 30) activities. But what is prospective members least once a year, comprehensive • Which articles were down- organizational transpar- assess ASA’s successes information about the work and loaded the most in 2010 for ency and how is it measured? and challenges. For many years, organizational well-being of the each of the association’s five Brad Rawlins (2008) focuses on the state of the Association has ASA to our members and other journals? (see p. 7) information sharing (positive been communicated annually to audiences so that it is in one • How does the Association sup- and negative) that is extensive, members and other interested place, not too long, and provides port departments of sociology? accurate, timely, balanced, and audiences through a variety of links to the electronic location of (see p. 13-14). unequivocal. The purpose of shar- separate activities: oral reports more detailed information? Feedback ing such information, he says, is to from officers at the Association’s This new ASA Annual Report enhance the ability of stakehold- annual business meeting; print is our first attempt at producing We will assess the results of ers to make reasoned judgments copies of ASA Council min- such a comprehensive print and releasing this report in order about their organizations and hold utes and the ASA Audit in our electronic document that, we to decide how to structure a them accountable, thereby sup- Association newsletter, Footnotes, hope, increases transparency of 2011 Annual Report. We are in porting stakeholders’ trust, loyalty and its predecessors; and sub- our vibrant and complex schol- an exploratory mode, and we and engagement. The success of stantive reports and articles in arly organization. The data cover have chosen to err on the side transpar- Footnotes. 2010; the financial information is of providing more informa- ency can be These for calendar/FY 2009, which was tion in the 2010 report than in measured important the last year for which audited typical corporate annual reports. by whether While you might not docu- data were available before We hope that you will find the information immediately think of an Annual ments were going to press. (After Council content interesting, as well as accurate, substantial, useful, is truthful, Report as fascinating reading, the moved reviewed and approved the FY substantial online 2010 audit during the recent and balanced. Ultimately, the ASA Annual Report provides and useful; during the Annual Meeting, it was made Association is accountable to each if stake- succinct answers to many last decade available on the ASA website. Go of its members for its actions and holders can questions that you and other with the to www.asanet.org — click on policies. We invite you to read the report and think about the participate members might have asked about intent of “About ASA,” then “Governance,” in identify- expand- and then “Audits of Financial three parts of the ASA mission: ing what the Association. ing and Records.”) to serve sociologists in their information improving While you might not immedi- work; to advance sociology as a they want; their acces- ately think of an Annual Report science and a profession; and to and if the sibility. as fascinating reading, the ASA promote the contributions and reporting is balanced. The Association website has also Annual Report provides succinct use of sociology to society. Based At this summer’s Annual given us a venue for quickly plac- answers to many questions that on what you read, do you see Meeting, the ASA released its ing new, timely and time-sen- you and other members might the ASA’s activities and policies first published “Annual Report.” sitive information online about have asked about the Association. advancing our mission? Do you I hope you picked up a copy at Association deadlines, programs, For example, think the Annual Report contains registration, the ASA Bookstore, and important professional and • ASA is a membership organi- the information you need? Please the Business Meeting or at various disciplinary news (www.asanet. zation, but to what extent do let me know what you think. You other venues. But, if not, the 2010 org). members really participate? can email me at executive.office@ Annual Report is now posted as How is the ASA organized? asanet.org. The Challenge of New an interactive PDF file on our What are all those ASA com- Reference Communications Technology website (see www.asanet.org/ mittees and to whom do they The continued evolution Rawlins, Brad L. 2008. “Measuring the about/annualreport.cfm). The report? (see pp. 33-34) relationship between organizational ASA is happy to mail a hard copy of sophisticated communica- • How many people belong to the transparency and employee trust.” to any member who requests it, as tion tools has made possible ASA? How has membership Public Relations Journal 2(2):1-21. long as supplies last. widespread digitization, rapid changed over time? (see p. 35) This Annual Report repre- search functions, and Web 2.0 • What led to the recent dues technology. Digital storage is no Sally T. Hillsman is sents another step forward in restructuring, and is the ASA the Executive Officer promoting and maintaining longer an issue and the volume financially healthy? (see pp. of information made available of ASA. She can be transparency at the ASA. The 4-5, 39-41) reached by email at report consolidates in one place (and maintained) by the ASA • What information does ASA (and others) has increased cor- executive.office@ various types of information have about the health of the asanet.org.
2 footnotes • September/October 2011 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association The Importance of STEM Education Highlighted in NRC Report ccording to a just-released report Successful K-12 STEM Education audience of Aissued by the National Research focuses on the science and mathemat- 350 educators Council (NRC), Successful K-12 ics parts of STEM and on criteria for and business STEM Education, the primary identifying effective STEM schools professionals— drivers of future economic growth and practices. It gives an overview of a standing and job creation will be innovations the landscape of K-12 STEM educa- room-only largely derived from advances in tion by considering different school crowd. science and engineering. The report, models, highlighting research on This event authored by the NRC Committee effective STEM education practices, brought on Highly Successful Schools or and identifying some conditions together STEM Programs in K-12 STEM Education, that promote and limit school- and educators to states that “the stakes are high.” student-level success in STEM. put the ideas Photo courtesy Science Foundation Photo of the National “A growing number of jobs—not The report identifies key elements from the report Presenters at the STEM Education Report event included NSF just those in professional science— of high-quality STEM education to into action. Deputy Director Cora Marrett (left) and Chair of the report, Adam require knowledge of STEM fields,” which policymakers at the state and A full day of Gamoran (right). Also in attendance was sociologist Robert Hauser said Adam Gamoran, Chair of the national level as well as schools, and events pro- (center)National Research Council. committee that wrote the report districts could target improvements. moted a rich PowerPoint can be found at
National Children’s Study Is different yet compatible information the main study. For more informa- tan area, and all counties and places Upgrading its Data Gathering, systems to identify those that will best tion, visit
footnotes • September/October 2011 3 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org Think Ahead to 2013! Invited Session Proposals Are Solicited for the 108th Annual Meeting Program!
he substantive program for the timely topics which may or may not requires pre- T2013 Annual Meeting is now relate to the theme. They gener- registration taking shape under the leadership ally address sociological issues, and a small fee. of President-elect Cecilia Ridgeway whether in research or its applica- If you have and the 2013 Program Committee. tion, of importance to the discipline cutting-edge The theme of “Interrogating or of interest beyond. Proposals methodologi- Inequality: Linking Micro and for sessions co-sponsored with cal or theoreti- Macro” invites participation across sister sociological associations are cal knowledge the discipline and provides many usually accommodated under this in an impor- opportunities to bring together component. tant area a variety of sociological work in Regional Spotlight Sessions please submit a diverse formats. provide opportunities to look at proposal for a The spectrum of sessions on the issues pertinent to the host site for pre-conference Annual Meeting program reflects the Annual Meeting. With New course. Course the ASA’s commitment to facilitate York City as the site of the 2013 leaders receive New York City. intellectual communication and Annual Meeting, there are many reimbursement the transmission of knowledge, opportunities to develop interesting for one night goals, and intended audience for information, and skills relevant to session topics with invited panelists, of lodging at any ASA conference the workshop; the field of sociology and aligned as well as ideas for local tours and hotel. Serving as a course leader • Rationale for inclusion of the social sciences. site visits. does not count as one of the two topic on the 2013 program; At this time members are Author Meets Critic Sessions allowed program participations. • Recommendation for workshop encouraged to submit session are designed to bring authors of Guidelines for Session organizer/leader, including proposals for the components recent books deemed to be impor- Proposals address, telephone, and e-mail of the program where participa- tant contributions to the discipline information; and Thematic Session, Special tion is by invitation only. That is, together with discussants chosen • A list of potential co-leaders or Session, and Regional Spotlight proposals should include both the to provide different viewpoints. panelists, if desired. Session proposals must include: topic for this session and the name Books published between 2010- Pre-convention course proposals • Designation of the session of individuals who will be invited 2012 are eligible for nomination. must include: type: Thematic Session; Special to speak at the session.Those Only ASA members may submit • Working title for the course; Session; or Regional Spotlight who wish to volunteer to serve nominations; self-nominations are • Brief description of the focus, Session; as organizers for Regular Session not accepted. content, and learning goals; • Working title for the session; topics, which are open to paper Workshops provide practical • Rational for requiring attendees • Brief description of the substan- submissions, should watch for an advice or instruction to soci- to preregister and pay a small tive focus; announcement in mid-December ologists at every professional level. fee; • Rationale for inclusion of the 2011. Workshop proposals should address • Rationale for inclusion of the topic on the 2013 program; The ASA meeting is a program one of four broad categories: depart- topic on the 2013 program; and • Recommendation(s) for session of the members, by the members, mental management and leadership; • Recommendation for course organizer, including address, tele- for the members. But a meeting of professional development; research instructor, including address, phone, and e-mail information; this size and scope requires advance and policy; and teaching workshops. telephone, and e-mail and planning. Think ahead and propose If you have insights on faculty poli- information. • A list of potential participants. session topics and organizers now. cies or curriculum development, Organizer Eligibility. All session Author Meets Critics Session With the collective input of ASA have insightful career advice, have organizers must be members of proposals must include: members, the 2013 Annual Meeting expertise in grant writing or a large ASA. Students are not eligible to • Name and affiliation of book program will achieve a high mark of data set to share, or have tried a serve as sole organizers of invited author(s); excellence. pedagogical approach that has been sessions. • Complete title of the book; There are six different types of effective, please submit a proposal Deadlines. Proposals for • Publication date and name of invited sessions: for a workshop. Workshops are Thematic Sessions are due by publisher; Thematic Sessions examine open to all attendees; no fees are November 11, 2011. Proposals for • Brief statement about the book’s the meeting theme. These sessions involved. all other invited sessions are due by importance to the discipline of are broad in scope and endeavor Pre-convention Courses February 3, 2012. sociology; to make the theme of the meet- take place on the day prior to Submission. Proposals should • Rationale for inclusion on the ing come alive. Ideas for Thematic the official start of the Annual be submitted through the e-mail 2013 program; and Sessions are due by November 11 Meeting. They provide a unique link located on the 2013 Annual • Suggestions for critics and session 2011. The ASA Program Committee opportunity for an extended (4 to Meeting website. This will ensure organizer. works actively on these sessions, 6 hour) examination of a special the proper transmission of propos- Workshop proposals must but proposals from members are topic or method within the field als to the Program Committee. include: welcome. of sociology in a format akin to Do NOT mail or e-mail proposals • Working title for the session; Special Sessions focus on new an advanced graduate seminar. directly to Program Committee • Brief description of the focus, areas of sociological work or other Course attendance is limited and members.
4 footnotes • September/October 2011 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association
2013 Annual Meeting Theme to find answers to essential ques- tions about the mechanisms that Interrogating Inequality: Linking Micro and Macro create, that reproduce, or that potentially could change multiple 108th ASA Annual Meeting ∙ August 10-13, 2013 ∙ New York, NY forms of inequality. Processes at o set of questions is more funda- the cross-cutting inequalities based one another to shape the social multiple levels of analysis typi- Nmental to sociology than those on significant group identities, such organization of society and life cally work together to support or about inequality—what is it, why is as gender, race, ethnicity, or sexuality. chances within it? Social status, for undermine durable patterns of it, how does it come about, and what They include culturally and inter- instance, is a form of social inequal- inequality between individuals and can we do to change it? The theme personally based forms of inequality ity based on shared cultural beliefs between social groups. Institutional for the 2013 meetings represents a such as social status in addition to but that interpenetrates material and organizational processes, for promising new effort to address these material forms of inequality based on systems of inequality and plays an instance, shape, but also are shaped core questions of our discipline. We positions of power and resources. important role in group identity by, key interpersonal encounters will focus on coming to grips with We need to ask, what are the based inequalities like gender and within them. These in turn jointly how inequality, in all its multi- mechanisms by which each of these race. Through what processes does shape, and are shaped by, individ- dimensional complexity, is produced types of inequality is produced? this work? How can we intervene ual selves and choices. Our task at in contemporary societies. To do so, Are the mechanisms that produce in those processes? How do these these meetings is to locate the key we will focus in particular on linking one type of inequality similar or processes interact to create the inter- junctures among these multi-level micro and macro processes and different than those that create other sectionality that people experience processes that provide the levers by perspectives on inequality. types of inequality? Are the mecha- in their everyday lives? which different sorts of inequalities The first part of this task is to nisms that initially create a form The search for mechanisms by among people and groups are sys- collectively interrogate the diverse of inequality different from those which different types of inequality tematically made or unmade in the range of inequality processes that that sustain it? And, most impor- are “made” leads to my second and contemporary context. This is the characterize contemporary societies. tantly, how do these different types major goal for the program—to essential first step towards changing These include the familiar processes of inequality and ways of making alert us to the need to look across those inequalities. of socioeconomic inequality but also inequality interpenetrate and affect micro and macro levels of analysis —Cecelia Ridgeway, 2013 ASA President
International Diversity at the Women’s Worlds Conference Ann Denis, University of Ottawa more inclusive and equitable future. tion by scholars and activists on ers, there were conversations among By having the four “breaking” selected aspects of that theme and presenters on a structured series of omen’s Worlds is an interna- themes, the organizers had envi- how it could be applied within their themes; and in others the organizer tional interdisciplinary confer- W sioned an innovative and dynamic personal context (scholarly and/or led a focused discussion/reflection ence on women, held every three approach to the conference. But, personal). This was complemented with those in attendance. Some years. This year it was held in the there were two (perhaps unantici- by a plethora of concurrent sessions, sessions reported initiatives aimed Ottawa-Gatineau (Canada) metro- pated) challenges to this goal: for in which the community and the at greater autonomy or participation politan area, co-hosted by two uni- some it was difficult to decide how academy were often in dialogue. In by women. Participants had diverse versities—Carleton University and to structure their proposal, so that, some sessions, traditional confer- understandings about feminism the University of Ottawa/Université as required, they could associate it ence papers were presented; in oth- d’Ottawa, with the support of two Continued on Page 9 with one of the breaking themes, others, Université du Québec en especially if they felt (as many did) Outaouais and St. Paul University. that their work cut across themes. Held July 3-7, with participation Looking Ahead to 2012: The other challenge was that ses- from 92 countries, the international sions that might interest the same Changes in ASA Membership breadth of the conference was clear, participants tended to be clumped with 2,000 attendees and some 800 In 2013, there will be a new dues structure, as approved in the during the same day. With a choice presenters including scholars and recent member referendum. Two smaller changes, however, will of more than two dozen concur- community members from widely go into effect a year early in 2012: rent sessions at any time, some diverse disciplinary and interest frustration was inevitable, but the • New category for unemployed members: ASA members who backgrounds. program format probably exacer- are not employed can join or renew for dues of $20. In addi- The theme this year of trilingual bated it. tion, members in this category will receive significantly reduced (English, French and Spanish) con- This was, however, a rich oppor- journal subscription rates. ference was “Connect, Converse. tunity to dialogue and learn from Inclusions, Exclusions, Seclusions: • New benefits for emeritus/retired members: Any member each other, both in the formal ses- Living in a Globalized World.” Thus who has retired can now change to emeritus status, eliminating sions and more informally. diversity and the international were the previous 10-year full membership requirement. In addition, Within each of the broad themes, in the fore-ground. There was one emeritus membership will now include online access to all ASA sessions focused on such substantive theme each day: breaking cycles, journals at no charge. areas as socioeconomic develop- breaking ceilings, breaking barriers, ment, women and power, HIV- Questions about these changes or any aspect of ASA member- and breaking ground. The theme AIDS, women and the arts, and ship can be sent via e-mail to [email protected], or call challenged constraints on women many more. The plenaries offered all (202) 383-9005 x389. and encouraged innovations for a a directed conversational reflec-
footnotes • September/October 2011 5 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org
Annual Meeting timely topics as same-sex mar- mom attitude from Page 1 riage, the recession, war, religion, that work and immigration, race, bullying, crime, home lives can And thus, although unplanned, families, politics, relationships, be blended the relocation to Caesars Palace in technology, poverty, health and with relative Las Vegas tied together nicely with healthcare, education, and many ease showed the meeting theme: “Social Conflict: others. higher levels Multiple Dimensions and Arenas of On August 21, following the of depression Social Conflict.” ASA Awards Ceremony, Collins than working “While we would have preferred gave his Presidential Address on moms who that the labor situation in Chicago the time-dynamics of conflict. expected to didn’t necessitate the move to Attendees had an opportunity to forego some Las Vegas, it reinforced the fact congratulate Collins and the award aspects of Attendees pick up their registration material. that social conflict is happening winners at the Honorary Reception their career all the time,” said ASA Executive that followed. or parenting including the United Kingdom’s Officer Sally T. Hillsman. “Las Perhaps not surprisingly, it wasn’t to achieve a work-life balance. BBC, Daily Mail, Telegraph, Vegas proved to be an exciting and strictly business in Las Vegas. At the Williams and Peguero found Guardian, Press Association, dynamic host city for practitioners Welcoming Reception, ASA mem- that bullying victims often suffer and Daily Mirror; Canada’s Globe of sociology—there was sociology bers were treated to performances academically, particularly high and Mail, Calgary Sun, Toronto in action literally around every by Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank achieving blacks and Latinos. Sun, (Montreal) Gazette, and corner—and we think meeting Sinatra (OK, maybe they were Davis Wilcox and Cherlin found that Vancouver Sun; India’s The Times attendance reflected that.” and Sinatra impersonators). And, less-educated Americans are of India and Indian Express; New Despite the change in location, in what might be an ASA first, two turning their backs on religion. Zealand’s New Zealand Herald; 5,225 sociologists attended the 2011 sociologists allegedly tied the knot Perrin found that American vot- and Ecuador’s El Telegrafo all Annual Meeting, an increase of at the meeting’s conclusion. ers sympathetic to the Tea Party published stories on research more than 600 from 2010 when the movement reflect four primary Sociologists Make News presented at the meeting. meeting was in Atlanta. cultural and political beliefs. Sociologists were not the only Building Community and Meeting Highlights And, Demantas and Myers found people who came to the Annual shifting domestic roles for men Looking Ahead Attendance wasn’t the only thing Meeting. Twelve members of the who lost jobs in the current Through the use of social media, that grew in Las Vegas. The meet- media—including reporters from recession. especially Twitter (twitter.com), ing featured 563 sessions and 3,462 the Las Vegas NPR affiliate,The The ASA Public Information the ASA (@ASAnews), attendees, presentations—both numbers Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Department oversaw the produc- and even those unable to attend the were increases from 2010 when Higher Ed, and Science News— tion and distribution of 13 press meeting, built a real-time online there were 546 sessions and 3,194 attended this year’s meeting. releases about research presented at community. According to Nathan presentations. Even more impressive were the the Annual Meeting—an increase Jurgenson, University of Maryland, Among the sessions were three hundreds of media outlets that ran from eight in 2010—and responded there were 559 twitterers using the plenaries focusing on sociological stories about research presented to dozens of media inquiries. hashtag #ASA2011 and 3,475 total traditions, the changing landscape at the meeting. A study by Dmitry In addition to The Chronicle of tweets. Twitter users posted their of sexual politics, and advance- Tumin and Zhenchao Qian, both of Higher Education, Inside Higher session notes, general observations ment in social movement research. Ohio State University, was the sub- Ed, and Science News, articles about the conference, photos from The three presidential panels ject of more than 345 news articles, tied to the meeting appeared in the conference, meet-ups, and other explored the collapse of the Soviet according to a Google News search. media outlets including: the Wall short remarks using the meeting Union 20 years later, mafias, and Their study, which was featured Street Journal, USA Today, the Los hashtag. the future of capitalism. Other in an ASA press release, found Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, While the 2011 meeting con- sessions and papers covered such that large weight gains are most the Associated Press, MSNBC. cluded only weeks ago, planning likely for men after divorce and for com, CNN.com, Time.com, the for the 2012 Annual Meeting, from women after marriage. Huffington Post, the New York August 17-20, in Denver is already Among those sociologists whose Daily News, the New York Post, well underway. Erik Olin Wright, studies received substantial media Yahoo!News, ABCNews.com, the who officially succeeded Randall coverage were Katrina Leupp, Houston Chronicle, the Chicago Collins as ASA president at the end University of Washington; Lisa M. Tribune, the Boston Herald, the of the 2011 meeting, and members Williams, Ohio State University, Orlando Sentinel, WebMD, U.S. of the 2012 Program Committee and Anthony A. Peguero, Virgnia News and World Report, FoxNews. are busy developing an exciting Tech; W. Bradford Wilcox, com, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, program around the theme, “Real University of Virginia, and the Providence Journal, the Las Utopias: Emancipatory Projects, Andrew Cherlin, Johns Hopkins Vegas Sun, the Milwaukee Journal Institutional Designs, Possible University; Andrew Perrin, Sentinel, the Chicago Sun-Times, Futures.” ASA will post the call for University of North Carolina; and many others. papers on the Association website and Ilana Demantas, University Interest in studies presented (www.asanet.org) on October 28, of Kansas, and Kristen Myers, at the Annual Meeting wasn’t and will launch the online paper Northern Illinois University. limited to the American press submission tool on December 8. Attendees socializing at the ASA Annual Leupp found that working either. International media outlets See you in Denver! Meeting mothers who expressed a super-
6 footnotes • September/October 2011 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association On Reproductive Justice and the Importance of Listening to People with Whom We Disagree Jeanne Flavin, Fordham University about the importance of listening to including members of my family and prosecutions of pregnant women people, including and especially those peoplewith whom I grew up. based on radical expansions of child am a professor of sociology at with whom we disagree, and the Living in the “liberal Northeast,” I endangerment and drug trafficking Fordham, a Catholic university. I also I conversations that are possible when also sometimes feel like an outsider. laws. Many arrests and prosecutions am president of the board of directors we do. I find it galling that in many circles, of pregnant women involve exagger- for National Advocates for Pregnant Find points of agreement and it is still acceptable to deride the ated claims about fetal harm. Part Women (NAPW), a non-profit shared concern. Not long ago, Serrin accents, lifestyles, and values of of NAPW’s work involves educat- organization devoted to reproductive Foster of Feminists for Life of America people from rural areas. As Carol ing the public about the facts and justice using strategies of national and (FFLA) spoke at Fordham on “the Mason, a fellow NAPW board social reality of drug use, pregnancy, community organizing, public educa- feminist case against abortion.” member, and I noted in a recent and parenting. In 2007 and 2008, tion, and legal advocacy. I am equally Among other things, she emphasized essay, mentioning a southern state Oklahoma allies and NAPW joined proud of both affiliations. that universities should better support or rural area all too often calls up forces with local sponsors to orga- Teaching at a Catholic institution, I pregnant and parenting students, thus under-examined dynamics of racism, nize two public education forums encounter many students who oppose obviating their need for abortions. Her poverty, and patriarchy. Such places in an attempt to shape and shift the abortion. Fordham is a university appearance reminded me that while are written off by many scholars and conversation from one about mur- in the Jesuit tradition, and as such, much about FFLA can be, and should activists as being too entrenched derous and indifferent mothers to emphasizes progressive ideals such as be, subject to critique, FFLA advocates in conservatism to teach or live one about the pressing need to create social justice, a preferential option for share concerns about the lack of social there, much less address reproduc- greater access to appropriate health the poor, and respect for the dignity and economic supports for young tive injustices that exist there (and care (including drug treatment) for of the whole person, all of which are women who carry their pregnancies elsewhere). No one is served well by pregnant women. This public educa- very much consistent with the values to term. Perhaps it would do well for biased assumptions and stereotypes; tion was instrumental in helping of NAPW. me – and my blood pressure – to focus they distract us from the effective secure the release from prison of Working in these two settings, I on these. advocacy that does take place. Theresa Hernandez, charged with have become acutely aware of the With some noteworthy exceptions Consider Oklahoma. Like many murder in the wake of a stillbirth. divisiveness of the rhetoric defining (e.g., organizations or individuals other states, Oklahoma features a These and other, ongoing grassroots much of the abortion debate. The who espouse violence and hate), it is lack of access to prenatal care and efforts also put a stop to new arrests rhetoric obscures the reality that nearly always worth the effort to seek drug treatment, coerced steriliza- on similar grounds and supported most women who have abortions and find points of agreement. People tions, tightly restricted access to local leaders in advocating for treat- are—or go on to become—mothers. across a spectrum of beliefs often abortion, bans on comprehen- Many people concerned about the recognize the unreasonableness of sive sexuality education, and the Continued on Page 12 health and well-being of pregnant expecting a woman to overcome an women do not speak to one another, addiction during the relatively short much less work together on shared call for submissions term of a pregnancy when, as a society, concerns. There is a lack of awareness we do not offer her drug treatment or that efforts to legally separate the guarantee safe and healthy conditions Carla B. Howery Teaching Enhancement fetus from the pregnant woman have for her or her unborn child. And consequences not only for women Grants Program people of all political stripes recognize who seek to terminate a pregnancy, the shortcomings of policies that deter Deadline: February 1, 2012 but also for many women who con- pregnant women from seeking prena- tinue their pregnancies to term. Applications are being accepted for the Carla five pages and should: (a) include an overview tal care or press them to seek an abor- B. Howery Teaching Enhancement Grants of the project, describing the problem it This is where NAPW comes in. tion to avoid risking arrest. Common Program. This small grants program supports addresses, the approach to addressing NAPW defends the humanity and ground exists if we look for it. teaching projects that advance the Scholar- the problem, and the empirical basis for dignity of all women, especially preg- Respect the experiences, the intel- ship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) within evaluating that approach; (b) briefly locate nant women who are poor, addicted ligence, and the range of opinions of the discipline of sociology. the project in the Scholarship of Teaching and to drugs, mentally ill, or who hold Learning literature as well as other relevant those who differ from us. The charac- Carla B. Howery Teaching Enhancement certain religious beliefs. These literature; (c) describe the expected benefits terization of abortion providers and grants can support an individual, a program, women are particularly vulnerable to of the project, including systemic impacts; (d) pregnant women who are addicted to a department, or a committee of a state or state intervention e.g., arrests, deten- regional association. ASA will award up to provide a detailed budget; and (e) indicate illegal drugs or who refuse a cesarean tions, prosecutions, child welfare two grants, of up to $2,000 each. Competitive whether, in the event the project is funded, a section as “depraved” or “murder- involvement, and/or forced medical proposals describe projects that will advance check should be made payable directly to the ers” troubles me. I grew up on a farm project leader or to an affiliated institution. interventions based on junk science, the teaching and learning of sociology, will in rural Kansas approximately 130 as well as stereotypes about preg- continue to have an impact over time, and Applications should be sent as a PDF file to miles from where Dr. George Tiller, nancy, drug use and mental illness optimally, will lead to systemic change. The [email protected]. Only electronic submis- a late-term abortion provider, was criteria are intentionally flexible in order to sions will be accepted. Notification of awards rather than empirical evidence. Many murdered. I respect the need for the accommodate innovative proposals. will be sent out in early April 2012. For more of these women have been branded as services he and his colleagues com- information about the Carla B. Howery criminals. They have been subjected Applications should consist of a project passionately provided, as well as the description, CVs for all project leaders, and Teaching Enhancement Grants Program to gross violations of privacy and gap in services left by his death and IRB documentation where appropriate. The and required application materials, visit the bodily integrity, and have lost years funding page at www.asanet.org or e-mail the closing of his clinic. My position project description is limited to a maximum of of their lives to incarceration. What [email protected]. is at odds with that of many people, follows are some lessons I’ve learned
footnotes • September/October 2011 7 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org
Wright Developing his Theoretical Reflecting on Real Utopias standing among the disciplines, from Page 1 Foundations His new project began in 1991 classical sociology often covered its Wright’s empirical analysis of with the inauguration of a series value foundations under a mask of at the tail end of Talcott Parsons’ capitol and labor sparked many of conferences on “real utopias” scientific virtuousness and virtuosity, luminous career. Perhaps it was at invigorating debates about the designed to discuss specific propos- whereas Wright—far more confident Oxford where he was inspired by the meaning of class. Wright was always als for an alternative world, yet the about the scientific foundations of great Marxist historian Christopher willing to shift his framework as proposals had roots in the actually sociology—inverts the balance by Hill and learned from the sociologist others made compelling criticisms. existing world. Held at the Havens explicitly formulating values and and political theorist Steven Lukes. If there is one feature that threads Center at Madison, each conference then deploying science to work Then again, maybe it was when he through his scholarly work—and assembled scholars from various dis- out the means for their realization. entered a Unitarian-Universalist indeed through his life—it is his ciplines to respond to a specific “real Wright’s sociology does not sideline seminary in Berkeley and worked at determination to get things right. utopia” proposal. Over the years, but instead explicitly foregrounds San Quentin as a student chaplain to This meant not only developing as conference topics have included questions of social justice—ques- avoid the draft and joined an activist close a correspondence as possible associative democracy, market tions that motivate many to enter organization devoted to reforming between theoretical elaboration socialism, participatory democracy, our discipline, only to later discover prison conditions. At the seminary, and empirical research, thereby con- universal income grants, and gender their marginalization. With Wright he organized his first seminars on fronting and resolving anomalies, equality. The conference papers were at our side we have no need to be utopian thinking and soon after but also working exhaustively on published in a book series culminat- embarrassed by our devotion to this wrote his first book,Politics of the internal logic of his theoretical ing in one authored by Wright him- risky, relatively low-status discipline. Punishment, co-authored with some framework. The result was a series self, Envisioning Real Utopias (2009), He shows us how sociology’s abiding of the San Quentin prisoners and of books with various permutations which reconstructs Marxist theory concerns, as well as its theories and prison-rights activists. on the word “class:” Class, Crisis to accommodate real utopias. its methods, can have immediate Perhaps the most formative of his and the State (1978), Class Structure Building on these confer- relevance to an expanding world of early experiences was as a graduate and Income Determination (1979), ences, the theme of the 2012 ASA concatenating crises. student at Berkeley in the early 1970s. Classes (1985), The Debate on Annual Meeting is “Real Utopias: Wright has been practicing real In those heady days, students were Classes (1989), Class Counts (1997), Emancipatory Projects, Institutional utopias most of his life. For starters, more concerned about changing Approaches to Class Analysis (2005). Designs, Possible Futures.” Real he is a superb teacher. I know no the world than about their future In 1981, Wright joined a group utopias have no special affiliation more lucid expounder of complex careers. Faculty were still in a state of of brilliant social scientists and phi- with Marxism. Rather, they return ideas, no one more open to explor- shock at the disturbances on campus, losophers among whom he was most to the abiding themes of classical ing alternatives to his own views. He which opened up space for graduate influenced by philosophers G.A. sociology. Taking value commit- can be unsparing in pursuit of non- students to teach their own courses. Cohen and Philippe van Parijs and ments as a point of departure— sense within sense, but is also adept Wright and his fellow students the economist John Roemer. Through always central concerns for Marx, at finding sense in nonsense. Legions conspired to put together a course the 1980s and into the 1990s they Weber, Durkheim, De Tocqueville of graduate students have passed on Controversies in Marxist Social pioneered what they called analyti- and others—Wright continually through his courses on Marxist Science, whose descendant Wright cal Marxism, or more colloquially enquires into the institutional pos- social science, theories of the state still teaches today at Madison. “no bullshit Marxism,” clarifying sibilities for realizing them. What and economic sociology. Whether In his own work, Wright’s dis- the foundations of Marxism in a would such institutions look like? they agreed or disagreed with what sertation challenged mainstream no-holds barred London grilling of What are the conditions of their he had to say, they received an sociology not on ideological each other’s work. This group became reproduction and dissemination? unforgettable education in think- grounds but on scientific grounds, a second intellectual home for Wright What are their internal contradic- ing, writing, and reading that they demonstrating that a reconstructed and one inspiration for his subse- tions and dynamics? He scours the carried with them to universities all Marxist definition of class could quent turn to the moral foundations earth in search of embryonic real over the globe. For some students, better explain income disparities of Marxism. utopias, putting them under his Wright can be intimidating, but he than existing models of stratifica- The second inspiration has to do analytical microscope and elabo- can also be the gentlest, kindest, and tion and human capital theory. with the intersection of history and rating more general designs. His most generous of teachers. What he added to Marxism was biography. Even before the collapse favorite examples include partici- Despite all evidence to the con- the notion of contradictory class of Soviet communism, the Marxist patory budgeting in Porto Alegre, trary, Wright is an inveterate opti- locations of which there were three: resurgence within academia had Brazil; the production cooperatives mist about the capacity of human Small employers between the petty begun to decline. As Wright’s theories of Mondragon, Spain; and even beings to come to rational consen- bourgeoisie and large scale capital, of class became part of mainstream the collective self-organization of sus about the state of the world and supervisors and managers between orthodoxy, standard items on prelim Wikipedia. The next meetings of the what should be done about it. That capital and labor, and semi-auton- reading lists, they now attracted a ASA in Denver will be awash with is what drives his passion for social omous employees (professionals) bevy of critics who announced the real utopias, featuring 20 panels, science, as well as his organizing between labor and the petty bour- end of class, and the plurality of each devoted to a specific real energy for innumerable workshops geoisie. This breakthrough soon identities. Sociology was taking its utopia proposal, some 50 thematic and conferences. Obviously, such led to conducting social surveys neo-institutional and cultural turn, panels on broad topics connected enthusiasm for rational delibera- designed to map class structures and in so doing lost sight of alterna- to real utopias and social justice, as tion privileges the intellectual over and their material and experiential tives to capitalism. In response, well as three plenaries focused on other dimensions of social life. All correlates—first in the United States Wright redirected his energies toward real utopias in the areas of environ- real utopias have their limitations, and then replicated in a dozen other imagining such alternatives, directly ment, equality, and democracy. but that never stopped Erik Wright countries—providing a global plat- challenging the metaphysical pathos This is nothing short of reinvent- from trying to realize their possibili- form for his scientific Marxism. of the new conservatism. ing sociology. Insecure about its ties.
8 footnotes • September/October 2011 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association
To help separate your personal/pro- Not Everyone is Your “Friend” in an Online World fessional life in the social media world, Michelle Dupray, ASA Information in its benefits. personal information could be stored ask yourself what are you going to use Services Department When you become a member of improperly. This is also important to your account for before you set it up and stick to it. Do you want to engage inkedIn. Facebook. Twitter. any social network, you are submit- note when you are purchasing some- ting your personal information to a thing online. The browser should have your students in an extension of your LListservs. Google Plus. YouTube. classroom lecture? Then, you should In all its forms, social networks help database to which you do not have https:// in the URL as an indication proprietary rights. Before you sign up the transaction will be secure. try to keep pictures of your spouse, their members get jobs, increase children, or grandkids off the account. their professional network, and stay for any social network, think about Choose what you post to a social what information you would want network carefully and assume that Have separate accounts or profiles for connected to family, friends, and your professional life and personal students. Social networks also have to share with a stranger. It is usually what you post is seen by everyone, a bad idea to submit your address or despite privacy settings. If it is some- interests. blurred the once solid separation As social networks evolve and new of a personal and professional life, phone number because your social thing you wouldn’t share with your network page, including your resume pastor, parent or boss, it shouldn’t be ones emerge, the technology will leading students and professors to become more ingrained in our culture know details about each that were listing in a job board, can be indexed on a social network. If you choose by Google. If you are uncomfortable to delete any photo or comment you and way of life. Whether a teacher or previously unacceptable. Despite a student, everyone should take full this negative consequence, social with a stranger having access to this submitted, it may have been deleted information, it shouldn’t be shared in on the screen, but not in the social advantage the benefits of social media, networks have the ability to increase with the precaution of only posting student engagement, help numerous an electronic format. network’s database. In one social When you set up a personal network, it can take up to several content you feel comfortable sharing professionals get jobs, and are inte- with everyone. If it is not something grated into most Americans’ profes- account in a social network, look at months for a photo to be deleted the URL in the browser. It should from its server. If you are uncomfort- you would want your parent/child or sional and personal lives. With some employer to see, think twice before forethought, social network users can begin with https://; the “s” means it able this lack of control over how is on a secure server. If it is not, don’t something is shared, you should updating, blogging, tweeting, upload- minimize the negative consequences ing, or posting. of social networking while engaging proceed as there is a risk that your think twice before posting.
Women’s Conference are leaders in the international In addition to the confer- house visits to selected local groups from Page 5 disability community were featured ence sessions, Women’s Worlds and programs that serve women and in another session, which included 2011 participants joined with the support women’s equality. and the inclusion of women (or its reflections about the extent to Canadian aboriginal community For more information about absence), which provoked lively which Women’s Worlds 2011 might to participate in a Solidarity March Women’s Worlds, including video debate amongst attendees. serve as a model of conference from the conference venue to the clips and a discussion forum, and Themes within Sessions accessibility and inclusion. Canadian Houses of Parliament in the full program, which give a In fact, this conference afforded Support of Missing & Murdered more comprehensive taste of the Let me give a bit of a flavor of the particular attention to groups that are Aboriginal Women. They were range of speakers and topics, visit conference by touching on themes often marginalized, both in its organi- also invited to the 35th anniversary
J. Milton Yinger cated to Milt’s work, the Journal a hallmark of Milt’s scholarship. and Syracuse Universities and he from Page 1 for the Scientific Study of Religion Generations of Oberlin students was a Guggenheim Fellow, a Fel described him as a towering figure will recall the embodiment of this low of the National Endowment far in advance of mentorship being and a seminal contributor. emphasis in “Society, Culture, and for the Humanities, and a Fellow a topic of explicit interest. Although Milt’s interest in race Personality,” a course popularly of Clare Hall at Cambridge Uni Born in Michigan in 1916, both and minorities predated his arrival known as “SCAP” and co-taught versity. In 2007, NCSA established of Milt’s parents were Methodist at Oberlin, it’s fitting that his text by Milt with his psychology col- the J. Milton Yinger Distinguished ministers. He grew up with five book, Racial and Cultural Minori league, Ralph Turner. Career Award and, fittingly, Milt brothers and two sisters and, under ties (5th ed, 1985), co-authored Not content just to examine soci- was the first recipient. the direction of his father, he and with Oberlin colleague George E. ety, Milt also was a quiet advocate Colleague and Friend his siblings sang in scores of con Simpson, was written at the first for social change. A conscientious certs throughout the Midwest as American college to admit students objector in WWII, his concern with These professional achievements, the Yinger Singers. without regard to race. The book social justice and societal well- albeit important, provide only a Milt entered DePauw University won the 1959 Anisfield-Wolf award being were consistent engines driv- partial glimpse of the man. I suspect in 1933, where he studied sociol for the best scholarly work on race ing his teaching and scholarship. if he were asked how he would like ogy and economics. A member relations. (Milt noted with quiet As recently as 1996, in a lecture to be remembered, his scholarship of DePauw’s track team, he once pride that he and George shared presented to the Friends of the would surely be high on the list. But raced against Jesse Owens, a con- this award with another author, Oberlin Library, he identified what he’d also want to be remembered tact Milt fondly described as last- Martin Luther King Jr.) One soci- he considered to be the world’s for the kindness he and his wife, ing all of 6.2 seconds. He received ologist has spoken of how “frustrat- three leading problems: “1) how to Winnie offered friends and acquain- a master’s degree in sociology from ing” Racial and Cultural Minorities increase justice among societies, tances, and for his generous support Louisiana State University in 1939, was because it contained so many ethnic groups, races, classes, ages, of colleagues. My family and I where he studied with T. Lynne good ideas that it was difficult to sexes; 2) how to attain peace, the benefitted from this kindness and Smith and Rudoph Heberle, and come up with anything new to say! elimination of the use of organized support throughout the 15 years I earned a doctorate in sociology Milt’s interest in race and ethnicity and official violence as the way to taught at Oberlin. from the University of Wisconsin ultimately led to another widely attempt to settle disputes; and 3) Those who knew him will recall in 1943. A student of Hans cited book, Ethnicity: Source of how to protect the environment his wit and love of puns. On the Gerth, Howard Becker, and John Strength? Source of Conflict? (1994). from over-crowding, the deple- occasion of George Simpson’s retire- Commons, among others, he was In 1960, Milt published an tion of irreplaceable resources, ment, Milt told a variant of the tale a member of a cohort of graduate American Sociological Review and pollution.” But in Milt’s view, of the African king who kept his students that included C. Wright article in which he introduced the merely identifying these problems throne in the attic, only to have it Mills. Milt began his professorial concept of a “contraculture.” Later, was insufficient. He said, “Values crash down on him during a violent career at Ohio Wesleyan Univer he slightly altered the label he used without knowledge are blind; storm. The moral: People who sity in 1941, and then moved to to describe a subcultural group for knowledge without values is empty; live in grass houses shouldn’t stow Oberlin College in 1947 where he whom resisting specific aspects of both without policies are futile.” thrones. Or patiently listening and remained until retiring in 1987. the dominant culture was a motivat- Milt, along with George then appreciatively and uproari- ing force, and the term “counter- Simpson, Dick Myers, and later ously responding to my 12-year-old A Career of Scholarly and daughter’s very long joke ending Educational Contributions cultures” entered the sociological Kiyoshi Ikeda and Al McQueen, lexicon. Milt’s work on this topic formed the core of the Department in “Oh, no, I left my harp in Sam Milt’s scholarly contributions culmi nated in his ASA presiden- of Sociology-Anthropology Clam’s disco.” And, of course, Milt would be considered outstand- tial address, “Countercultures and at Oberlin College that was would want to be remembered as a ing by any standard. That he was Social Change” and in Countercul unmatched in the numbers and darn good tennis player! as productive and influential a tures: The Promise and Peril of a prominence of the social scientists Milt’s wife of 61 years and best scholar as he was, while spend- World Turned Upside Down (1982), it spawned. A gifted teacher and friend, Winnie McHenry Yinger, ing his entire academic career at which one reviewer described as a lecturer, Milt’s four decades at died in 2002. He is survived by liberal arts colleges, is all the more book “of immense range, erudition, Oberlin correspond to the times daughters Susan Johnson of Ober remarkable. and sophistication.” when the college was unsurpassed lin, and Nancy Yinger of Oakton, Coming from a family of minis- Sociologists are coming to rec- in the number of students who VA; son, John Yinger of Fayetteville, ters—and named for the poet John ognize that advances in knowledge went on to receive sociology PhDs. NY; and five grandchildren and Milton—it is not surprising that often take place at the intersection four great-grandchildren. Milt also Awards a major theme of Milt’s scholarly of disciplines rather than solely is survived by a legacy of major work was the sociological study of within them. But Milt was well In recognition of his distin sociological contributions and by religion. His doctoral dissertation ahead of his time in arguing for guished contributions, Milt was generations of students who learned examined the historical and con- interdisciplinarity. Toward a Field elected to serve as President of how to view and understand society temporary involvement of religion Theory of Behavior: Personality and the North Central Sociological through a sociological lens thanks and churches in economic and Social Structure, published in 1965, Association (NCSA) in 1950-51, to Milt’s teaching and writing. political struggles. Subsequently makes the case for multi-level Secretary of ASA in 1971-74, and If you would like to make a memorial published as Religion in the Study analyses bringing together the President of ASA in 1976-77. This donation, a small scholarship fund is of Power (1946), it was followed by perspectives of sociology, anthro- last honor is all the more notable being established to support Oberlin Religion, Society, and the Individual pology, and psychology. This given that Milt is the only ASA sociology students’ term projects. (1957); Sociology Looks at Religion co-mingling of theoretical, concep- President to have spent his entire Please send a Memorial Contribution (1963), and The Scientific Study of tual, and analytical approaches teaching career at undergraduate to Oberlin College, 50 W Lorain St, Oberlin, OH 44074, with “In memory of Religion (1970). In 1978, on the from a variety of disciplines was liberal arts colleges. He received occasion of a symposium dedi- honorary degrees from DePauw J. Milton Yinger” in the memo line.
10 footnotes • September/October 2011 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association Memories of J. Milton Yinger Friends, colleagues, and family share their reflections once mentioned to Milt Yinger that College Department of Sociology Association, is noted for University of Wisconsin. II thought his decisions had been and Anthropology. On the first the following: At Oberlin They were married for important for the development of day of a class we team-taught, Milt College, Milton served as 61 years, until she passed the discipline. He looked puzzled so announced, “This class will be taught a major force as a member away in 2002. So far as my I had to explain what I meant. First, by Professors Yinger and Elder. This of the collegial faculty in sisters and I could tell, their he spent almost his entire career at may be confusing because Professor demanding and promot- love and devotion to each Oberlin. His involvement insured Elder is younger than Professor ing as a colleague leader to other only increased over that sociology was an integral part of Yinger while Professor Yinger is work with the administra- the years. He was also a the undergraduate curriculum that older than Professor Elder” (followed tion, the president, and the J. Milton Yinger devoted father, with plenty was widely admired and copied by by a collective groan from the class). Board of Trustees to find of time for family summer other institutions. Second, his own At the ASA meetings in 1976 I mutually acceptable policies and vacations to all parts of the country, intellectual interests tended to focus had the pleasure of introducing Milt practices in maintaining a produc- games of catch in the side yard, and on “neglected” areas. Neglect is in the Yinger as he became the new presi- tive environment. I shared teach- answers to the endless questions that eye of the beholder and time based, dent of the American Sociological ing and co-teaching with Milt and his children asked him. He had a but sociology can often be subject to Association. In my introduction I social psychologists in psychology professorial habit of rubbing his chin fads. So his work on racial and ethnic stressed Milt’s view of a world full of and learned to appreciate what a and looking up when he answered minorities and in the sociology of conceptual continua that required deep and well-rounded experience our questions, so one time my sisters religion,had been critical in encour- one to be cautious about even data- interdisciplinary teaching can be for and I pasted a lot of stock answers on aging others to study these areas. based generalizations. myself and the students. the ceiling to tease him. You know, Religious behavior had been slighted, Twenty years later Joann and Milton developed and maintained stuff like, Πr2, 250 million, 1941, perhaps in our quest for respect- I enjoyed welcoming Milt to his student instruction, both within and and aluminum. He didn’t need our ability. His work tied us back to our PhD alma mater, the University of outside of the classroom, to stimulate help of course, as his knowledge and European ancestors, such as Weber Wisconsin- the students to wisdom far exceeded our own, but he and Durkheim. Milt’s work showed Madison. work to their laughed as hard as anyone at the joke. that knowledge insures respectability. Milt returned My father was the kindest man best ability. He My father was the kindest man Milt also accepted responsibility to deliver a encouraged I have ever known. I don’t think I in disciplinary organizations, even Distinguished I have ever known. I don’t think I them to enjoy ever heard him say a bad word about in difficult times. He was President Speakers ever heard him say a bad word their strengths anyone—just like I never saw him of ASA l976-77 at the same time that lecture. about anyone—just like I never saw and their resi- make a bad call on the tennis court. I was the ASA Executive Officer. He Joann, as the him make a bad call on the tennis dential college, As many of you know, he was by no was able to combine openness with Sociology- to partake of means a milquetoast, and he would a focus on resolving the issues of the undergraduate court. equality and vigorously defend his point of view time. We all benefited from his skill. advisor, —John Yinger equity in gen- (and vigorously compete on the ten- He was a valued colleague. I’m glad I became his der and color nis court). But his arguments never had the opportunity to tell him so. hostess. Milt relationships. became personal, and he went out Russell R. Dynes, University of Delaware took us on His contribu- of his way to be kind and respectful a tour past the apartment where he tion was to understand the social and to his opponents—while demolish- had lived as a graduate student in the cultural environment that affects the ing their arguments or their serves. Professor J. Milton Yinger began 1930s and to the Memorial Union social psychology of individuals and I know these things from personal teaching in Oberlin College in 1947, where he had courted (and won) his collections of groups and communi- experience. the same year Joann Finley and I wife Winnie McHenry. ties within their history and lives. My father was also a profound enrolled as freshmen. Before Joann After Milt retired from his teach- Many of these students continue their and prolific scholar. I have a box and I graduated four years later, both ing career in Oberlin, his apartment interests as graduates and as partici- in my office that used to sit on my of us had taken several of Yinger’s in Kendal at Oberlin became a pants in their future lives. father’s desk. He typed out and taped classes, been in his and Winnie’s visitors’ center for four decades of His work on religion and society to this box a quotation from the poet home, met their kids, Susan, John, Oberlin’s sociology majors between led to supportive colleagues and John Milton, after whom he was and Nancy, and decided to major in 1947 and 1987 that included Joann election to state and regional societ- named, which seems to me sum up Sociology. and me. We will long remember Milt ies. Combined with his major writing the way he thought about his schol- Two years later Joann Finley, now Yinger for the continuing interest he and thoughts and the individual in arship. The quote is, “By labour and my wife, and I were back in Oberlin took in the two of us, for his friend- societies and cultures, election moved intent study (which I take to be my after teaching in high schools in ship, and for his models of socio- to the Presidency of the American portion in this life), joined with the India under the Oberlin Shansi logical imagination and sociological Sociological Association. Milt enjoyed strong propensity of nature, I might Memorial Association. Both of us rigor. the Presidency and shared his thoughts perhaps leave something so written had gathered data in India that Milt Joseph W. Elder, University of Wisconsin- and sentiments as President. to after times as they should not Yinger helped us convert into our Madison Kiyosh Ikeda, University of Hawaii at willingly let it die.” As it turns out, I master’s theses. Milt convinced us Manoa think my father’s scholarly work will that we needed to keep a file card on be around for a long time. everything we read. Professor John Milton Yinger, John Yinger, extracted from his eulogy Five years later I was Milt prior to and during his Presidency My dad met my mother while they delivered at First Church in Oberlin, Yinger’s colleague in the Oberlin of the American Sociological were both graduate students at the August 3, 2011
footnotes • September/October 2011 11 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org
Rwanda’s economic ambitions. She Finally, according to a recent receiving a generous grant from does not explain that English is the United Nations Human Rights the National Science Foundation dominant language of the elite RPF report, Rwanda’s government has to develop sociologically oriented and Tutsi Ugandans in Rwanda, been engaged in a sort of “retalia- curriculum materials for use in high helping secure their access to the tory genocide” in East Congo, school social studies courses. From benefits of Rwanda’s economic raping women and children 1966 to 1969, I was employed by the Another Look at Rwanda: development. This leaves French- and massacring Hutu civilians project funded by that grant. Under In the May/June 2011 issue speaking Hutus as well as Tutsis en masse (www.ohchr.org/EN/ the leadership of Robert Angell, of Footnotes, Jeanne Ballantine who survived the genocide behind. Countries/AfricaRegion/Pages/ Sociological Resources for the Social reflected on her experiences in It is a form of symbolic violence that RDCProjetMapping.aspx). In one Studies (SRSS), as it was called, Rwanda, asking “Is Rwanda a further disenfranchises those not section of the U.N. document, 460 developed a number of two-week success story?” She described a connected to the regime. Banyarwanda Hutu are reported episodes and a one-term textbook. sociologist’s view on time spent in Moreover, Dr. Ballantine suggests bludgeoned to death with hammer It is my recollection that the materi- the country. I would like to offer a that Rwanda is progressing politi- blows after being bound together by als were generally well received, but different picture, also based on my cally and asks whether President Kagame’s troops. Is this progress? that the grant expired just when the 1 time in Rwanda and my research on Kagame, as a benevolent dictator, is Recent articles and books point materials were becoming avail- race, politics, and genocide in the necessary for the country to move to renewed conflict and ongoing able and there was never enough Great Lakes region of Africa. ahead. Yet evidence indicates that struggles between Rwanda’s RPF effort expended to promote their In Rwanda, ethnicity remains Kagame’s stronghold is beginning elite and those who continue to suf- use. This, coupled with the fact that deeply politicized and ethnic to crumble. Last summer, in the fer from various forms of domina- virtually no provision has never conflict is very much in living lead-up to Rwanda’s first presiden- tion: economic, political, symbolic, been made to train and hire high memory. Survivors and perpetra- tial election since the law against and physical. It is a stretch to say school teachers who are qualified to tors of the 1994 genocide comprise divisionism was passed, the govern- that “Rwanda is on the brink of pos- teach our subject matter, resulted in the majority of the population, and ment charged opposition candidate, itive, significant change.” Instead, I resumed inattention to the matter. they are struggling to come to terms Victoire Ingabire, with genocide encourage sociologists interested in Toward the end of the 20th with the past. Ballantine writes that ideology, imprisoning her and ban- the Great Lakes region of Africa to century there seems to have been a “Rwandans have been ordered by ning her candidacy. Green Party investigate this subject further. revived attempt to this situation and, the government to not discuss that candidate Andre Kagwa Rwisereka Aliza Luft, University of Wisconsin- among other things, I served from nightmare lest they be deemed trai- was decapitated in South Rwanda, Madison 1989 to 1993 on ASA’s Committee tors to the country.” However, the his body dumped on the side of 1 See Remaking Rwanda: State Building on Sociology in Elementary and Rwandan government, under the the road. In South Africa, there and Human Rights after Mass Violence, Secondary Schools. However, in was an attempted assassination of edited by Scott Straus and Lars Waldorf 1994 I became caught up in other leadership of Paul Kagame and the (2011), for an excellent review. RPF, controls most state institutions Lt General Nyamwasa who, along important issues and lost track of and use laws against “divisionism” with several other senior military Sociology in Secondary this issue. I am encouraged by the and “genocide ideology” to maintain officials, fled Rwanda after disagree- Schools report by Hayley Lotspeich in the control over politics, education, and ments with President Kagame. The May/June Footnotes, and I hope newspaper editor who requested Some of us, including myself, that this time there continues to the burgeoning economic sector have long been concerned about of Rwanda. Those who criticize or an investigation in to the General’s be steady progress toward what I death was gunned down in front the state of sociology in American see as an important goal – namely, question the government’s policies secondary schools. More than a are arrested, killed, or disappeared. of his home in Kigali. Nyamwasa’s providing high school students with colleague, General Patrick Karegeya, half-century ago Paul Lazersfeld, as adequate insight into society and its Ballantine compliments president of the ASA (1960), sur- Rwanda’s transition from French has been calling for a violent organization. overthrow of Kagame’s regime ever veyed the situation and took steps to English—a move that President that resulted, ultimately, in ASA F Lincoln Grahlfs, Kagame asserts will further aid since. [email protected]
Disagree prosecutors alike—less experience invited into the conversation. Our and the abuse of detainees at Abu from Page 7 or less knowledge than us. People efforts were rewarded with a standing Ghraib, I promptly de-friended her. need room to reconsider; it’s hard to room-only crowd of over 115 students, (Way to be mature, Aunt Jeanne). ment rather than punishment. reconsider if you’re being shouted at staff, and faculty. In addition to being But the more we practice principles Be patient with people’s mistakes. or shamed. a thoroughly thought-provoking edu- of respect, flexibility, and inclusive- We are all works in progress. It is not We also need to learn how to discuss cational experience, the event modeled ness, the easier it gets. only journalists, lawmakers, social hot button issues. To that end, I recently for students the kind of constructive Achieving reproductive justice workers, and health care workers organized an event at Fordham, titled dialogues on emotionally charged requires us to recognize that everyone who need to rethink using language “Pro-Life or Pro-Lives: What the subjects that are possible. is a work in progress and that we like “crack babies” or appreciate the Difference Means for Pregnant Women Mind you, while I have come share a stake in ensuring the health differences between drug use with and their Families.” Lynn Paltrow, a long way, I still shout too much and well-being of women and girls. addiction, but also our putative allies. Executive Director of NAPW, was and get annoyed too easily. I am I like to think that these are The work of NAPW requires us to be the featured speaker. Her respondent not always the person I want to principles upon which we can all tolerant of others’ learning curves, was from the philosophy department be. For instance, when my niece’s agree. especially if they involve people who and the moderator directs Fordham’s Facebook profile photo featured her Jeanne Flavin, Fordham University. also have less power or—as is sometimes Center for American Catholic Studies. standing proudly with one of the is president of the board of directors for the case with defense counsel and I wanted to signal that everyone was architects of the invasion of Iraq National Advocates for Pregnant Women.
12 footnotes • September/October 2011 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association ASA Member-Get-A-Member Campaign a Success
Elizabeth Grauerholz Kristin Park he 2011 ASA Member-Get-A-Member campaign concluded on July 22. Twyla J. Hill Robert Nash Parker TSeventy-eight current ASA members (see list below) sponsored 90 new Sally T. Hillsman Daniel H. Poole members for 2011. James A. Holstein Gordana Rabrenovic For every new non-student member sponsored during the Shirley A. Jackson Mindy J Rhindress campaign, sponsors will receive a $10 discount on their 2012 Paul A. Jargowsky Keith A. Roberts member dues. In addition, every member who sponsored a new Vincent Jeffries Evren Savci member (student or non-student) was entered into a drawing to win Karen M. Jennison John J. Schneider a new Amazon Kindle 3G+Wi-Fi, plus a $50 Kindle gift certificate. Tamara Kay April M. Schueths Congratulations to this year’s winner, Marybeth Mattingly (University of Verna M. Keith Randa Bassem Serhan New Hampshire). Erin Kelly Mark A. Shibley The ASA extends its gratitude to all participating sponsors in the 2011 Pavel Krotov Jean H. Shin Member-Get-A-Member campaign and throughout the year. Michele Lamont Katherine Stovel Erin Leahey Victoria Strelnikova Matthew T. Lee Maryanne Theobald Kevin B. Anderson Daniel Thomas Cook J. Scott Lewis Melissa Thompson Pamela J. Aronson Teresa M. Cooney Nolan J. Malone Chris Tilly Mikael Bask Martha Copp Marybeth J. Mattingly Steven A. Tuch Janeen H. Baxter Heather E. Dillaway John Bryce Merrill Jeremy E. Uecker Anna Bellatorre Jo M. Dohoney Roslyn A. Mickelson Margareta Bertilsson Michael O. Emerson Michael Micklin Margaret Weigers Vitullo Miriam W. Boeri Eugene P. Ericksen Mairead Eastin Moloney Edward T. Walker John Boli James A. Evans Veronica Montes Lillian Marie Wallace David E. Boyns Peter B. Evans Matthew D. Moore Beth Williford Tony N. Brown Dana R. Fisher Matt G. Mutchler Fletcher Winston David L. Brunsma Mark Frezzo Adina Nack Jason Wollschleger Martin Bulmer Janet Zollinger Giele Kumiko Nemoto James D. Wright Phillip Arnold Carey, Jr Andrew Golub Hyeyoung Oh Min Zhou
announcements
dedicated to “pure sociology,” the Send a proposal of no more than 900 Submissions should be limited to 20 Call for Papers groundbreaking theoretical paradigm words and a two-page CV to Kevin pages, including works cited. Deadline: Publications developed by Donald Black. The Fitzpatrick at [email protected]. For November 6, 2011. Contact: Francois tentative title of the special issue is more information, visit
footnotes • September/October 2011 13 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org announcements addresses one perennial struggle information, visit
14 footnotes • September/October 2011 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association announcements process is organized in cooperation Office of the Director in partnership November 2, 2011. Contact: ysp@fcd- fellowship proposals that address with the German Studies Association. with the various NIH Institutes, Centers us.org. For more information,
Washington University, wrote a July 19 U.S. News and World Report article Rogelio Saenz, University of Texas-San enous Politics, and Legal Mobilization article in The National Interest, “Throw- about his Social Psychology Quarterly Antonio, wrote a July 11 San Antonio in Ecuador, 1970-2008,” and Cristina ing Pakistan into the Arms of China.” study, which found that mothers who Express-News op-ed criticizing the Lucier, Boston College, for her paper, Nancy Foner, Hunter College and held negative attitudes toward their Texas legislature for massive cuts to the “Obstacles to Precaution and Equity Graduate Center CUNY, was quoted in mentally ill children could impede the public K-12 system. in Global Environmental Governance: a June 18 Washington Post article about recovery of their children. Abigail Saguy, UCLA, was quoted Applications to the Basel Convention,” children left behind in their native Douglas S. Massey, Princeton Univer- in a May 19 Libération article, May 20 were co-winners of the ASA Section on countries and later reunited with im- sity, wrote an August 5 New York Times articles on the French news site Media- Environment & Technology Marvin E. migrant parents in the United States. op-ed about the decline in wealth Part and in the Ottawa Citizen, and a Olsen Student Paper Award. Roberto Gonzales, University of Chi- among Latino populations. May 26 article in the French magazine Carol J. Auster, Franklin and Marshall cago, was mentioned in a July 26 Inside Janice McCabe, Florida State Univer- Politis about differences in French and College, received the 2011 Christian Higher Ed article about his American sity, was quoted in the August issue of U.S. approaches to sexual harass- R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Sociological Review study, which found Glamour magazine about the disparate ment, in light of the scandal involving Award for distinguished teaching. that education doesn’t yield better jobs number of male animals compared Dominique Strauss-Kahn (DSK). She Steve Carlton-Ford, University of for undocumented youth. He was also with female animals in children’s books also participated in a May 24 televised Cincinnati, and Morten Ender, West interviewed on August 1 on KUOW throughout the 20th century, a finding debate about the DSK scandal, titled Point Military Academy, received the 94.9 in Washington about the study. from her recent study in Gender and “Deux Justices?,” part of the news series Outstanding Book of the Year award by Society. “Toutes les Frances,” on France O and the Peace, War, and Social Conflict sec- Thomas M. Guterbock, University of was interviewed in a June 16 Swiss Virginia, was quoted in a July 22 Sci- David S. Meyer, University of tion of the American Sociological As- news report on French female politi- sociation for their book, The Routledge ence magazine article about separating California-Irvine, wrote an August 12 cians’ response to the DSK scandal. knowledge and belief questions in Washington Post op-ed, “Americans Are Handbook of War and Society. surveys. Angry. Why Aren’t They Protesting?” His Saskia Sassen, Columbia University, Andrew Cherlin, Johns Hopkins op-ed was mentioned in an August 14 and Richard Sennett, London School University, was named the 2011 Ernest Roderick Harrison, Howard University, of Economics and New York University, and John Logan, Brown University, Huffington Post article. Burgess Fellow by the American Acad- wrote an August 11 New York Times emy of Political and Social Science. were quoted in an August 2 USA Today Christine Morton, California Maternal op-ed about the cause of the riots in article about how the most successful Quality Care Collaborative /Stanford London. Stephen J. Cutler, University of Ver- blacks and Hispanics are more likely to University, was quoted in a June 12 mont, received a Fulbright Award for have poor neighbors than are whites. Daily Beast article about the rising ma- Amy Schalet, University of Massachu- the 2011-2012 academic year. He will setts-Amherst, wrote a July 24 New York A Journal of Health and Social Behav- ternal mortality rate in California and be affiliated with the Faculty of Sociol- the finding from the recent California Times op-ed about parental involve- ogy and Social Work at the University ior study was mentioned in a June 19 ment in the sex lives of teenagers. Madison.com article about demo- Department of Health report that of Bucharest in Romania. graphic characteristics and lifestyle cardiovascular disease was a leading Christopher J. Schneider, University Allen Fremont, RAND Corporation, factors that lead to good health. cause of pregnancy-related death. The of British Columbia-Okanagan, was received a Bronze medal award from report, which she contributed to, was quoted in a June 16 New York Times Mark Juergensmeyer, University of RAND for his leadership in the develop- also the subject of articles in a number article about the hockey riot in Van- ment and success of the Right Care California-Santa Barbara, was men- of other media outlets after its release couver, British Columbia. His remarks tioned in a July 31 Associated Press Initiative (RCI), an innovative public- in April, including PBS, Mother Jones, about the riot were featured in dozens private partnership to improve the article, “‘Christian Terrorist’? Norway and the Associated Press. of print, radio, and television news Case Strikes Debate.” health of Californians. Zachary Neal, Michigan State Uni- outlets across Canada, including both Satoshi Kanazawa, London School of The Globe and Mail and the National Jan Marie Fritz, University of Cincin- versity, was quoted in the State News nati, is the recipient of the Fulbright Economics, was mentioned in a June about the East Lansing, Michigan City Post, Canadian Broadcast Corporation’s 16 post on the New Statesman’s “The The National, and in a nationally tele- Distinguished Chair in Human Rights Council’s approval of a downtown and International Studies. She will be Staggers” blog about his Social Psychol- mixed-use development. vised live interview on CTV National ogy Quarterly study, which reported Headline News. at the Institute for Human Rights in Co- Sandi Kawecka Nenga, Southwestern penhagen, Denmark. Fritz also received a link between atheism and social Kim Scipes, Purdue University North liberalism. University, was quoted in a June 26 the Ohio Mediation Association’s 2011 Boston Globe article about her summer Central, was interviewed on June 7 Better World Award. Samantha Kwan, University of camp research. about Iraq, Afghanistan, and U.S. For- Houston, and Mary Nell Trautner, Uni- eign Policy on “Veterans Unplugged,” Teresa Gowan, University of Min- versity at Buffalo-SUNY, were quoted Aaron Pallas, Teachers College Co- WIMS, AM-1420, Michigan City, IN. nesota, received the Community and in a July 12 post on the New York Times’ lumbia University, wrote a July 22 New Urban Sociology Section Robert E. York Times letter to the editor about Kristin Springer, Rutgers University, Park Book Award for her book, Hobos, “Arts Beat” blog about their Contexts was quoted in a June 24 Vancouver Sun article on discrimination against those the Atlanta school system cheating Hustlers, and Backsliders: Homeless in scandal. article about her Journal of Health and San Francisco. who are overweight. Social Behavior study, which found that Jerry M. Lewis, Kent State University, Dudley L. Poston, Jr., Texas A&M older men with stereotypically mascu- Kevan Harris, Johns Hopkins Univer- did several Canadian press and radio University, wrote a July 11 Houston line attitudes are less likely than their sity, received the US Institute of Peace interviews, including being a featured Chronicle op-ed, “Puerto Rico Gain as peers to seek preventive health care. Jennings Randolph Peace Scholarship guest on the CBC’s “Cross Country a State Could Be Loss for Texas: An Ad- Springer’s study was also the subject for 2011-2012. Checkup.” The interviews dealt with the dition Would Lead to Subtraction.” He of articles in a number of other media Scott R. Harris, Saint Louis University, sociological aspects of fan violence in was also quoted in a July 5 Puerto Rico outlets, including the Montreal Gazette received the 2011 Cooley Award from the Vancouver hockey riot. Daily Sun article, “PR Statehood Would on June 24 and the Ottawa Citizen on the Society for the Study of Symbolic Reduce Other States’ Representation.” June 26. John Logan, Brown University, was Interaction, for his book, What Is Con- quoted in an August 1 Washington Jake Rosenfeld, University of Wash- Peggy A. Thoits, Indiana University, structionism? Post article about racial segregation ington, and Bruce Western, Harvard was quoted in a June 19 post on Huff- Gary T. Marx, Massachusetts Institute patterns in housing being unrelated to University, were quoted in an August 2 ington Post’s “AOL Healthy Living” blog of Technology, received the Lifetime income. Salon.com article about their American about her Journal of Health and Social Achievement Award from the Society Sociological Review study on unions. Behavior article, which examined four for the Study of Social Problems. Alair Maclean, Washington State Their study was also mentioned in an decades of sociological stress research. University-Vancouver, was quoted in August 5 Mother Jones article. Laura Miller and Rajeev Ramchand, a July 24 Columbian article about how both of RAND Corporation, received a the middle class in Clark County, WA, is Victor Roudometof, University of Awards Gold medal award from RAND for their feeling squeezed. Cyprus, was quoted in an August 6 New Maria Akchurin, University of Chicago, in-depth investigation of increased York Times article about the Republic of for her paper “Constructing the Rights civilian suicides at certain air logistics Fred Markowitz, Northern Illinois Cyprus’ cabinet reshuffle. of Nature: Environmentalism, Indig- University, was quoted in a June 9 centers.
16 footnotes • September/October 2011 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association announcements
Andrew V. Papachristos, University of Public Policy and Public Service, also Melanie E. L. Bush, Everyday Forms (Oxford University Press, 2011). Massachusetts-Amherst, received the at Washington State University, and is of Whiteness: Understanding Race in a nd Kari Marie Norgaard, University of Or- Community and Urban Sociology Sec- concurrently a Visiting Scholar at the “Post-Racial” World, 2 ed. (Rowman & egon, Living in Denial: Climate Change, tion Jane Addams Best Paper Award Woods Institute for the Environment at Littlefield, 2011). Emotions and Everyday Life (Cambridge, for his paper, “Murder by Structure: Stanford University. Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis, MIT Press, 2011). Dominance Relations and the Social Kim Scipes, Purdue University North Santa Fe Institute, A Cooperative Spe- Structure of Gang Homicide.” Victor M. Rios, University of California- Central, was promoted to Associate cies: Human Reciprocity and Its Evolution Santa Barbara, Punished: Policing the Brian Powell, Indiana University, Professor and granted tenure by the (Princeton University Press, 2011). Lives of Black and Latino Boys (New York Catherine Bolzendahl, University of Purdue University Board of Trustees. Francesco Duina, Bates College, University Press, 2011). California-Irvine, Claudia Geist, Univer- Jackie Smith has moved to take a Institutions and the Economy (Polity sity of Utah, and Lala Carr Steelman, Zakia Salime, Rutgers University, position as Professor of Sociology at Press, 2011). Between Feminism and Islam: Human University of South Carolina, received the University of Pittsburgh. the 2011 Midwest Sociological Society Jennifer Earl, University of California- Rights and Sharia Law in Morocco (Uni- Distinguished Book Award. ‘Dimeji Togunde has joined Spelman Santa Barbara, Katrina Kimport, versity of Minnesota Press, 2011). College in Atlanta, GA, as the Gordon- University of California-San Francisco, Robert B. Smith, Social Structural Christopher J. Schneider, Univer- Zeto Dean of Global Education and Digitally Enabled Social Change: Activ- sity of British Columbia-Okanagan, Research Inc., Social Structural Research, a tenured Professor of International ism in the Internet Age (MIT Press, 2011). Multilevel Modeling of Social Problems: A was chosen as the recipient of the Studies. 2010/2011 university-wide Award for Daniel E. Hood, SUNY-Farmingdale, Causal Perspective (Springer, 2011). Teaching Excellence and Innovation Addiction Treatment: Comparing Steven Stack, Wayne State University Award–Junior Faculty. People Religion and Science in Application & Center for Suicide Research, and (Transaction, 2011) and Redemption Gregory Squires, George Washington Wendell Bell, Yale University, was the Barbara Bowman, Center for Suicide subject of a special issue of the August and Recovery: Further Parallels of Reli- Research, Suicide Movies: Social Pat- University, received the Lynd Lifetime gion and Science in Addition Treatment Achievement Award from the Commu- 2011 Futures. The issue deals with some terns, 1900-2009 (Hogrefe, 2011). of his seminal work on nationhood and (Transaction, 2011). nity and Urban Sociology section. Javier Treviño, Wheaton College, The democratic changes in the West Indies, Emma L. Jeanes, University of Exeter, Van C. Tran, Harvard University, his contributions to the foundational Social Thought of C. Wright Mills (Pine David Knights, University of West Forge Press, 2011). received the Best Student Paper Award principles of the new field of futures England, and Patricia Yancey Martin, from the Community and Urban studies, and some of his consulting Florida State University, Handbook of Ieva Zake, Rowan University, and Sociology Section for the paper “Spatial work on the sociology of the future. Gender, Work, & Organization (Wiley, Michael DeCesare, Merrimack College, Assimilation or Spatial Inequality? 2011). New Directions in Sociology: Essays on Second-Generation Neighborhood Japonica Brown-Saracino, Boston University, was elected Secretary-Trea- Theory and Methodology in the 21st Attainment and Mobility Trajectories in Lane Kenworthy, Progress for the Poor Century (McFarland, 2011). Young Adulthood.” surer of ASA’s Community and Urban (Oxford University Press, 2011). Sociology Section. Ralph LaRossa, Georgia State Univer- New Publications Transitions Tracy L. Dietz, University of North sity, Of War and Men: World War II in Texas, was voted Vice President-Elect Secularism and Nonreligion. The Michael DeCesare was awarded ten- the Lives of Fathers and Their Families of the Society for the Study of Social (University of Chicago Press, 2011). world’s first journal dedicated to the ure and promoted to associate profes- Problems. exploration of secularism and nonreli- sor in the Department of Sociology & PJ McGann and David J. Hutson, gion will begin publication in January Criminology at Merrimack College Jeanne Fleming and Leonard both of University of Michigan, Eds., 2012. The new journal is a partnership Schwarz are the authors of Money Advances in Medical Sociology, Vol 12: of the Institute for the Study of Secular- Riley E. Dunlap has been appointed Manners, a syndicated newspaper the Laurence L. and Georgina Ina Sociology of Diagnosis (Emerald, 2011). ism in Society and Culture (ISSSC) column that King Features began dis- and the Non-religion and Secularity Dresser Professor at Oklahoma State tributing in April. The column appears Timothy McGettigan, Colorado State University. University-Pueblo, Good Science: The Research Network (NSRN). The scope in papers in the United States and of the international academic journal Davita Silfen Glasberg has been Canada, including the Toronto Star, the Pursuit of Truth and the Evolution of Reality (Lexington Books, 2011). will be interdisciplinary. Its aim is to named Associate Dean for the Social Denver Post, the Kansas City Star and advance research regarding all of Sciences at the University of Con- the Sacramento Bee. Sharon Erickson Nepstad, University the various aspects of “the secular” necticut. Philip Kasinitz, CUNY-Graduate of New Mexico, Nonviolent Revolutions: across societies and cultures. Articles Charis E. Kubrin is joining the Depart- Center, was elected Chair-Elect of the Civil Resistance in the Late 20th Century published in the new journal will focus ment of Criminology, Law and Society ASA Community and Urban Sociology at the University of California-Irvine. Section. D. Michael Lindsay has been named Barbara R. Keating, Minnesota State President and Professor of Sociology at University-Mankato, was elected the Gordon College. 75th President of the Midwest Socio- Kari Marie Norgaard joined the De- logical Society. partment of Sociology at the University of Oregon. New Books Mari Plikuhn joined the Department Patricia A. Adler, University of of Law, Politics, and Society at the Colorado, and Peter Adler, University University of Evansville as an Assistant of Denver, The Tender Cut: Inside the Professor of Sociology. Hidden World of Self-Injury (New York University Press, 2011). Victor M. Rios, University of California- Santa Barbara, was promoted to Peter L. Berger, Boston University, Associate Professor. Adventures of an Accidental Sociolo- gist: How to Explain the World without Eugene (Gene) A. Rosa has been Becoming a Bore (Prometheus Books, selected as the Boeing Distinguished 2011). Professorship in Environmental Sociol- ogy at Washington State University. Steven M. Buechler, Minnesota State He simultaneously holds the Edward University-Mankato, Understanding R. Meyer Professorship in Natural Social Movements: Theories from the Resource and Environmental Policy Classical Era to the Present (Paradigm, in the Thomas S. Foley Institute for 2011).
footnotes • September/October 2011 17 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org announcements on the secular at one of three levels: has lost one of the great originals of the giving of reasons as grounds for knowledge in the sciences and profes- the micro or individual level, the meso American social theory in the twenti- judgments was a paramount activ- sions, Garfinkel’s initiatives stimulated or institutional level, or the macro eth century. His perspective, expressed ity, and Garfinkel coined the term wide-ranging empirical work in the or national and international level. in language of radical originality and “ethnomethodology” to capture the sociology of science and, through Submissions should explore all aspects singular power, has had immense influ- ways in which the jurors’ reasoning conversation analysis, the sociology of what it means to be secular at any of ence across the social sciences and has about motives and circumstances of interaction. Perhaps inevitably, this the above-cited levels, what the lives been widely absorbed into the fabric of was shared, commonsensical, and yet colossus of practical reasoning could of nonreligious individuals are like, and sociological theory. methodical. This ethnomethodologi- be endearingly impractical. “Oh, is that the interaction between secularity, Born into a large Jewish community cal reasoning would be the focus of how it works,” said in tones of wonder- nonreligion and other aspects of the in Newark, NJ, Garfinkel studied busi- the large bulk of his research career at ment about a commonplace gadget, world. Articles will explore the ideol- ness and accounting at the University UCLA. It was in these years that, with was a not uncommon response en- ogy and philosophy of the secular, of Newark before a burgeoning interest the help of UCLA undergraduates from countered by friends and colleagues. secularism, nonreligion, and atheism. in sociology took him, in 1939, to How- his classes, he deployed the quasi- But behind his long struggle to bring Although Secularism and Nonreligion ard Odum’s Department at the Univer- experimental breaching procedures practical reasoning under descrip- will adhere to a traditional blind, sity of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. There that were a prominent feature of his tive control was a well-concealed peer-review referee process, it will be he worked on a study of intra- and published research. humanistic impulse that, in resisting an open-access journal. Article will be interracial homicide trials for a Master’s Studies in ethnomethodology the possibility of exhaustive descrip- freely available and will be download- thesis. The study, later published in emerged during a time of turmoil and tion, resisted too the subordination able from the journal’s website. For Social Forces, showed quite distinctive change in the academic social sciences of human initiative to the hegemony more information, visit
18 footnotes • September/October 2011 footnotes.asanet.org American Sociological Association announcements on these subjects were published in William A. Corsaro, Indiana University- was a lifelong aficionado of folk dance cally reinterprets Mannheim, moving Language as Social Resource (Stanford, Bloomington, with help from Katherine and taught at the Door County Folk the sociology of knowledge sharply 1981). Allen combined his interests O’Donnell, Hartwick College Festival for many years. away from, for instance, phenomenol- in social conflict and language in his Warren is survived by his spouse, ogy and toward a more Mead/Dewey widely cited, edited volume Conflict Warren N. Kubitschek Catherine Kubitschek, his mother, view of human nature. The book was Talk (Cambridge, 1990). 1954-2011 Jenny Kubitschek, two sisters, Carolyn intent upon explicating how and why sociologists (and other social Later, Allen turned his attention to It is with deep sorrow that the Kubitschek and Wendy Culp, and a professional discourse, and embarked brother, Craig Kubitschek. A memorial scientists) should and do create more faculty and students in the Center for “objective knowledge” (a phrase em- on an influential research project Educational Opportunity (CREO) and celebrating Warren’s life was be held at where scholars from different disci- the University of Notre Dame on July ployed in the book). Certain objective the Sociology Department mourn social science knowledge is essential plines were asked to analyze the same the loss of our friend and colleague, 16, 2011. transcript of a doctoral dissertation de- in advanced industrial-urban orders. Warren Kubitschek, who died on April Maureen Hallinan, University of Notre fense. The result was publication of the To achieve this goal sociologists must 3, 2011. Warren’s illness was untimely Dame come to terms with the complex monograph Collegial Discourse: Profes- and brief, leaving us little chance to sional Conversation Among Peers (Ablex, interplay among theory, methods, and prepare for missing of an outstanding Roger W. Nett data, while taking account of the social 1989) and the edited volume What’s colleague, wise mentor, expert statisti- Going on Here? Complementary Studies 1921-2011 context in which they carry out their cal consultant, knowledgeable data activities. of Professional Talk (Ablex, 1994), which analyst, and quintessential sociologist. Upon learning of Roger Nett’s death continue to be major contributions to But more than that, Warren was a loyal on May 9, 2011, I was reminded that we This book’s framework comes into the field of sociolinguistics. and trusted friend. His gentle, respect- were among the first four doctoral stu- sharper focus if one examines specific Allen taught undergraduate or gradu- ful, and humble personality made him dents of the Department of Sociology social research issues that confront ate courses on language, social con- beloved by all. at Washington State University, having modern industrial-urban orders. Con- flict, social psychology, cross-cultural graduated together in 1949. sider Rating Agencies. As a result of the Warren was born in Chicago, received severe economic depression of 2007 or research methods, the city in India, and his BA in Sociology from Grinnell Col- At WSU, Roger and I spent countless war as a social problem. He was named hours in the student union talking 2008 and onwards we learned that the lege, his MA in Sociology from the Uni- “objective evaluation” of major finan- a Lilly Foundation Teaching Fellow in versity of Akron, and worked toward about our sociological endeavors, the 1983-84. Katherine O’Donnell, whose courses we were taking, and so forth. cial instruments by Rating Agencies a PhD in Sociology at the University was severely flawed. Certain groups PhD thesis was directed by Allen, of Wisconsin-Madison. He began his A memorable feature of our conversa- noted, “Allen was an exacting but sup- tions (my wife often being present) have thus called for a fundamental professional career as an Assistant restructuring of how the data utilized portive mentor to graduate students. Professional Specialist at the University was listening to Roger discuss the He was a real ally. He loved hearing our children’s story he was writing. One by these Agencies are collected and of Notre Dame in 1985 and later was analyzed. Second, consider the current tales from the field and regaled us with promoted to an Associate Professional of the more memorable characters his stories, holding court at the ASA was Aardvark, who inhabited the rethinking of how and why the GDP Specialist. He remained at Notre Dame should be reconstructed. A commis- and AAA conferences. His disdain for for the rest of his life. Palouse Hills around Pullman. I never injustice and fascination with language imagined that Roger would have his sion was established by the French Warren published several papers in and culture were palpable.” book, and yet Thorntree Meadows ap- government to do just that. The work leading sociology journals. Much of peared in l957 under the imprimatur of the commission was spearheaded Allen was deeply involved in build- his recent work involved collaborative of a major publisher. Roger was very by such luminaries as the economists ing the Department of Sociology at analyses of achievement data that Indiana University to one of the best talented in a number of ways. Joseph Stiglitz and Amartya Sen. Third, he and Maureen Hallinan collected consider Fukushima. .Social scientists in the country. He took very seriously After leaving Pullman, Roger first in the Chicago Catholic schools. This collecting data on this nuclear disaster the cultivation and evaluation of junior taught at Oklahoma State University in study, funded by the U.S .Department will almost surely encounter major faculty. His deep and imposing voice Stillwater, then the University of Pitts- of Education, examined achievement ethical and political pressures to shape brought faculty meetings to order and burgh, and after that the University of gains in the Chicago Catholic schools. their findings so as to support particu- he was usually the first to ask penetrat- Houston. There were a number of side In addition, with data generously lar interests. Addressing these kinds ing and challenging questions to job journeys along the way. provided by Tony Bryk, the Catholic of foundational issues is an essential candidates and visiting speakers. Allen school gains were compared to growth Roger Nett was above all a creative was an avid raconteur with a rapier wit feature of the methodology book in achievement in the public schools sociologist. In l959 Roger and Stanley that Roger Nett and I co-authored. that was best appreciated when it was to determine whether the “Catholic A. Hetzler, co-authored An Introduction not aimed in your direction. The book was translated into Spanish school advantage” continues to char- to Electronic Data Processing—a book (1980), and it was reissued (with a new Allen and his wife, Polly, were acterize Catholic schools. In addition that peered well into the future. Nett introduction) in l997. generous in their support of Indiana’s and Hetzler were the first sociologists, to this study, Warren served as project During his later academic years Department of Sociology, providing to my knowledge, to write a mono- manager and statistical advisor for a Roger wrote a manuscript on social the means to create an endowed pro- graph about this major technological set of analyses examining ability group control, but this was unfortunately not fessorship and a lecture series that bear innovation. It was a path-breaking effects on student friendship and published. He also spent a great deal of their names. Allen was also extremely accomplishment. A Spanish translation achievement time in Latin America. In the l960s he generous in providing service to Indi- appeared in 1961. Warren’s work mentoring graduate taught at the Universidad Central del ana University and to his profession. students provided a sterling example Among other items, Roger authored He chaired numerous committees of Ecuador and the Universidad Catolica of his high academic standards. He two cutting-edge essays that were de Chile. He retired from the Univer- the American Sociological Association patiently explained advanced statisti- published in the journal Ethics. The first and served as editor of the American sity of Houston as professor emeritus cal techniques to students while gently (in 1953) was titled “Conformity-Devi- in l986 and moved to Salem, OR, in Sociologist and as associate editor of insisting that they ask interesting so- ation and the Social Control Concept,” the American Sociological Review and the Northwest, a region he viewed as ciological questions as they undertook which was reprinted in W. Buckley’s home. Sociometry. edited volume, Modern Systems their master’s and dissertation theses. Nancy, Roger’s third spouse, survives Allen had to overcome the tragic loss Research for the Behavioral Scientist He was equally helpful to faculty to him. So does his second spouse, Emily of his daughter Gail in the prime of her (l968). The second (in 1971) was titled the point where everyone in CREO Nett. All six of his children survive him: life. He supported steadfastly his dearly “A Civil Right We Are Not Ready For: benefited from Warren’s statistical and John Nett, George Nett, Chewelah Nett loved wife, Polly Swift Grimshaw, as she The Right of Freedom of Movement of computer expertise at some point in Fritchman, Erika Morin-Nett, Cristabel battled and succumbed to a long and People on the Face of the Earth.” This their research projects. Nett, and Alejandra Nett Taylor. He had painful illness. Allen was also preceded essay addresses a deep-seated politi- In addition to his professional career, eight grandchildren and three great- in death by his parents, Austin and cal, economic, and moral issue in the Warren was a musician. He played the grandchildren. His children and their Elizabeth Grimshaw, and his sister, trombone in high school, learned the modern world. Anne Kempers. He is survived by sons, offspring provided him with enormous accordion and assorted other ethnic Additionally, we co-authored a meaning in life. Adam and Andrew, their wives, Ali and instruments over the years, and led a monograph-text, “A Methodology for Laurie, and his four grandsons. folk dance band in South Bend. Warren Social Research” (1968). This work radi- Gideon Sjoberg, University of Texas- Austin
footnotes • September/October 2011 19 American Sociological Association footnotes.asanet.org
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