VOLUME 34 JANUARY 2006 NUMBER 1
What Research Skills Do Sociology Undergraduates Take into the Labor Market?
by William Erskine and Roberta Seniors’ Satisfaction with advising, regardless of the type of Generally, majors seem more confident Spalter-Roth, Research and Sociology Programs schools they attend. they have learned the research commu- White students responding to the nication skills presented in Figure 1— Development Department Seventy percent of students say they survey are most likely to say that they developing arguments and report are “very satisfied” with their educa- are strongly satisfied with faculty access writing—than the more technical skills ecent sociology college graduates tional experience as sociology majors. R outside of class (68 percent), while such as learning statistics and statistical are highly satisfied with their under- There are, however, significant differ- African American graduates are most software. graduate experience, according to a ences in satisfaction with aspects of likely to say they are strongly satisfied African American and Hispanic survey of 1,777 graduates in 2005, sociology programs across type of with course availability (65 percent). graduating seniors are more sanguine although the skills and concepts they schools. Almost 80 percent of majors There are no significant differences than whites about their quantitative take away from their programs may not graduating from baccalaureate-only between men and women regarding skills. About two-thirds strongly agreed, show up on their resumes. As part of a departments report strong overall overall satisfaction with their sociology compared to 55 percent of whites, that National Science Foundation-supported satisfaction, compared to about 70 program. they could interpret the results of data (NSF) survey, ASA asked seniors why percent at master’s comprehensive, and gathering. Half of African American they majored in sociology, what skills doctoral institutions. Majors at baccalau- Seniors’ Skills students, compared to 40 percent of and concepts they learned, what reate-only schools are particularly Hispanic and 36 percent of white activities they participated in, and their satisfied with access to faculty outside of Senior majors seem confident in a students, strongly agreed that they could post-graduation plans. Email addresses class, teaching quality, availability of number of skills they gained from their discuss percentages and tests of signifi- for majors graduating during the 2004/ technology, ease of obtaining the courses sociology baccalaureate programs. cance in a bi-variate table. No significant 2005 academic year were provided by 96 they needed to graduate, and interaction Figure 1 presents in descending order differences were found between men schools. Students completed an online with fellow majors. About two-thirds of the research-related technical and and women concerning statistical questionnaire hosted by Indiana respondents from masters and doctoral communication skills seniors strongly software skills. University’s Center for Survey Research. universities report strong satisfaction agree that they learned. About 70 Despite their relative pessimism This article focuses on the relation with the quality of teaching, availability percent of participating graduates about their statistical skills, graduating between skills learned and those of technology, and faculty access. strongly agree that they can identify sociology majors strongly agreed that featured on their resumes. Relatively few graduating majors are ethical issues in research, develop they learned conceptual skills that help satisfied with career or graduate school evidence-based arguments, evaluate methods, write reports, and form causal them to explain relationships between hypotheses. On the other hand, fewer institutions, social processes, and Teresa Sullivan Selected as Provost of graduates express a high comfort level individuals, and to understand how to with statistical software and statistics. change society. More than 80 percent The University of Michigan Less than half strongly agree that they strongly agree that they learned about could use leading statistical packages. See Research, page 6 Teresa A. Sullivan has been selected forward to working with President as provost and executive vice president Coleman, the vice presidents, deans and for academic affairs of the University of others in helping move UM into a bright Social Science Consortium Hosts U.S. Michigan in Ann Arbor (UM). Since future.” 2002, she has served as the Executive Science Advisor, NSF, and NIH Social Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of Labor Scholar Science Leadership* the University of Texas System, where Sullivan will also hold a tenured she was the first woman to serve in this faculty position as professor of sociology his past fall, the Consortium of Marburger reiterated the “value of the role. T at the University of Michigan. She has Social Science Associations (COSSA), of social sciences” and lamented that the Sullivan was chosen after an eight- distinguished herself as an outstanding which ASA is a founding member, held U.S. goverenment does not sufficiently month national search. The provost is scholar in labor force demographics, another well-attended annual meeting in utilize social science research approaches the chief academic and budgetary officer with a particular focus on economic Washington, DC, hosting four notable or findings. He also indicated that and is responsible for sustaining and marginality and consumer debt. Her national science policy leaders. Among solutions to today’s challenges could enhancing the University’s academic other interests include social the leaders presenting to the 70-plus more effectively arise if policymakers teaching, research, and demography, law and society, audience of COSSA societies’ representa- were to better “use the knowledge and creative excellence. She will and the sociology of cultural tives were John Marburger, the techniques developed in these fields.” oversee the activities of UM’s institutions. Most recently, President’s science advisor (a.k.a. Marburger pointed out that the social 19 schools and colleges as her research has focused on Director of the Office of Science and sciences are participating in a broad well as numerous interdisci- credit and debt in America. Technology Policy (OSTP)); David transformation that is affecting all plinary institutes and Author of six books, her Lightfoot, the director of the National sciences and that this is “changing the centers. latest include The Social Science Foundation’s (NSF) Social, tools, methods, and sociology of every “I am extremely pleased Organization of Work (2002) Behavioral and Economic Sciences field.” He attributed this transformation that Terry Sullivan will be and The Fragile Middle Class: Directorate (SBES); David Abrams, the to “extraordinary enhancements” in our joining the University and Americans in Debt (with Director of the Office of Behavioral and ability to gather, store, analyze, charac- the administration,” said UM Elizabeth Warren and Jay Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) at the terize, and communicate massive President Mary Sue Teresa A. Sullivan Westbrook, 2000), which is National Institutes of Health (NIH); and amounts of data. Because of such Coleman. The search now in its third edition and is Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). information technology advances, the advisory committee did an considered by many the leading text- These science policy leaders made social sciences, like other disciplines, are outstanding job in recruiting a large and book on the sociology of work. presentations on the role of the behav- able to more effectively participate in superb pool of candidates, from which At the University of Texas-Austin she ioral and social sciences in helping revolutionary discovery. she emerged as the clear choice for this holds appointments as professor of advance the nation’s science and Marburger revisited his April 2005 important position. Dr. Sullivan is a fine sociology and Cox & Smith Inc. faculty technology enterprises. DeLauro plea—originally delivered to the general scholar, an outstanding educator and an fellow in law. Before her current position anchored a concluding panel, which science community at the annual Policy accomplished administrator with a keen at Austin, she was the Vice President included sociologist William D’Antonio, Forum of the American Association for ability to nurture academic excellence and Dean of Graduate Studies and examining political influence of religion the Advancement of Science (AAAS)— and identify and develop strategic professor of law and sociology at Austin. in America. for the development of a new “social opportunities.” Her other administrative positions at science of science policy.” (See ASA Sullivan said of her new position, “It Austin included, vice provost, chair of Marburger on the Social Sciences Executive Officer’s column in the is an honor to join the University of the Department of Sociology, and December 2005 Footnotes, p. 2.) His hope Michigan and its excellent administra- This was Marburger’s second director of the Women’s Studies Pro- is that such a science, based partly on tive team. I am excited to get to know presentation at a COSSA annual meet- gram. She received her BA from James econometrics and partly on other social this great University and its faculty, staff ing, and he used the opportunity to Madison College at Michigan State sciences, would help national and students in depth. I am looking review progress (since his 2002 COSSA speech) relative to the social sciences. See Sullivan, page 5 See COSSA, page 4
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2 JANUARY 2006 FOOTNOTES
The Executive Officer’s Column Some Congress Members Stirred by Faltering In This Issue . . . Science & Tech Support “Congress Caps Another Disappointing Year for R&D Funding in 2006,” states a headline from the latest American Association for the Advancement of Science’s R&D funding Congressman Touts Social newsletter, characterizing the continuing flat or declining federal support of science. Meanwhile, in February, the Science Research President will unveil his administration’s vision of federal support for research in FY 2007, but no one in the science Rep. Gordon presses for social community expects deviation from the incipient declines in real and absolute dollars science in pandemic flu preparation. to many of the primary sources of the nation’s basic science funding. Such declines 3 have reset some agencies’ once-powerful research engines back to levels equivalent to those of many years ago. This is no way to fuel a first-nation society or economy, and these declines come in spite of the oft-repeated mantra in Washington that basic science is the engine that drives innovation in U.S. engineering, medicine, science, and technology. New Materials on Some in Congress are also alarmed by the trend. Senators Lamar Alexander (R- Assessment TN) Tennessee and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)—who serve on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources—with strong endorsements by House Committee on Science ASA Task Force on Assessment’s Chair Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and Ranking Member Bart Gordon (D-TN), re- 4 new materials to assist departments. quested a report last year by the National Research Council (NRC) on how to keep fuel flowing to America’s innovation, including preparing students for jobs of the future. Norman R. August- ine, retired chairman and CEO of $2-million Grant for Web Lockheed Martin Corporation and Chair of the National Academies’ Committee Archive on Prospering in the Global Economy of the 21st Century, chaired the NRC Cornell University professors receive Committee that undertook the congres- NSF grant to develop advanced web sional request. 5 The resulting report, Rising Above the tools for research. Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, is already spawning complementary bills in the House and Senate. Many science disciplinary associations hope the report will spur the Administration and the second session of the 109th Congress to take seriously ameliorative actions needed to prevent More BA and Beyond sliding into a hard-to-reverse decline. There is indication that some in the White House do not buy the Rising Storm’s conclusions and specific actions proposed to Fordham University follows ASA’s maintain U.S. leadership in the global marketplace (e.g., as presented in Rep. lead in interviewing and researching Gordon’s proposed legislation, H.R 4434, H.R. 4435, and H.R. 4596). recent graduates. The 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act (H.R. 4434), 6 for example, is intended to increase the number of U.S. math and science teachers by 10,000 annually by providing scholarships to science, math, and engineering students who commit to becoming K-12 science or math teachers upon completing college. The Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy Act (H.R. 4435) is designed to speed Rowell Is an Outstanding the commercialization of energy technologies to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy by 20 percent in the coming decade. H.R. 4596, the Sowing the Seeds Through Professor Science and Engineering Research Act, is designed to “strengthen the U.S. commitment Sociologist awarded as Community to scientific research that forms the foundation for our high quality of life, our national security, and our hopes for ensuring the well-being of future generations,” 7 College Professor of the Year. according to Gordon. This bill would implement the Committee on Science’s call to “sustain and strengthen the nation’s traditional commitment to the long-term basic research that has the potential to be transformational to maintain the flow of new ideas that fuel the economy, provide security, and enhance the quality of life.” Finally, Fulbright Winners H.R. 4596 would authorize an annual 10-percent increase in funding for basic research in the physical sciences, math, and engineering at the principal federal 18 Sociologists will explore the agencies supporting such research. Assuming Congress and the White House sustain world, or at least a portion of it, such increases, they would result in a doubling of basic research funding over seven through Fulbrights. years. Four senators will introduce a bipartisan bill (PACE Act) later this month 8 addressing all 20 NRC report recommendations. Meanwhile, Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) (along with Richard Lugar (R-IN) and George Allen (R-VA)) introduced the National Innova- Compassion in Prison tion Act, a comprehensive effort to ensure the United States remains the leader in Assisting formerly abused women in R&D-inspired innovation and in the training of scientists and engineers. The bill stems from Innovate America, a report of the Council on Competitiveness, and focuses prison is a gratifying learning on three primary areas: research investment, increasing the amount of science and 11 experience. technology talent, and developing research infrastructure. The Association of American Universities and the Council of Graduate Schools, among others, support the bill. To guide progress, this bill would create a “President’s Council on Innova- tion,” comprised of heads of various federal agencies and chaired by the Secretary of Commerce. The goal would be to develop a comprehensive agenda and coordinate related efforts by the federal, state, academic, and private sectors. In consultation with the White House Office of Management and Budget, the Council would develop and employ metrics to assess the impact of existing and proposed laws that affect innovation. Perhaps this Council would coordinate with the White House proposed “social science of science policy” effort (see “Vantage Point,” December 2005 Foot- notes, p. 2). The Council also would help coordinate efforts across agencies. Arctic sea ice is at an all-time low; 2005 was the second warmest year on record; Our Regular Features significant worldwide perturbations in drought, storms, rain, and flooding, including Public Affairs Update ...... 3 the largest number of storms and hurricanes in documented history, as well as the most intense hurricane recorded, have made even non-scientists take note of fascinat- Public Forum...... 8 ing (and destructive) natural phenomena. This dramatic backdrop of scientifically Departments...... 12 documented natural anomalies may contribute to increased interest in science support by those members of the public and Congress who have not been paying Obituaries ...... 14 attention to the “renewable fuel” (i.e., science-based innovation) that helps drive the social and economic well-being of our nation and the world. ❑ —Sally T. Hillsman JANUARY 2006 FOOTNOTES 3
Rep. Gordon Urges Attention to Social Science Data in Federal Planning for a PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE Potential Flu Pandemic House member says effective national plan requires social science ✔ Health disparities are more than a “genetic thing” . . . . Francis Collins, Direc- perpective tor of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), stressed the importance of taking environmental factors into account when explaining health In a December 8, 2005, letter to U.S. measures will be our only realistic line of disparities across races this month at a national conference on racial and ethnic Department of Health and Human defense,” Gordon’s letter continued. health disparities. In the search for explanations of health differences, Collins Services (HHS) Secretary Michael O. “This is the realm of social scientists. Yet, warned against relying solely on “muddy and misleading proxies” that genetic Leavitt, Representative Bart Gordon (D- neither the National Strategy nor the variation and race represent. As an example of the “mixed blessing” wrought by TN) warned that too little attention is HHS plan makes effective use of current drugs having differential effects, Collins mentioned the congestive heart failure being paid to social science knowledge human behavioral and social science treatment BiDil, the first FDA-approved drug designed specifically for blacks. in current federal planning efforts aimed research.” The letter concludes saying He pointed out that the drug’s benefits likely are not dependent on race, but at stemming a that “a thorough social rather, on confounding variables related to the types of disorders different popu- possible flu . . . a thorough social science- science-based risk lations suffer because of non-genetic factors. ASA Past-President Troy Duster pandemic. based risk communication communication strategy has repeatedly emphasized the danger of marketing drugs to specific races, as Gordon, the strategy and plan are critical to and plan are critical to the false message many absorb is that people of different races are biologically Ranking an effective pandemic an effective pandemic response different. National Medical Association President Sandra Gadson said, “If only Minority response and [each] genetic factors are considered, only genetic factors will be discovered.” A year Member on the and [each] demands adequate demands adequate ago, NHGRI added the Social and Behavioral Research Branch, within its Divi- House Commit- investment. investment.” sion of Intramural Research, to increase understanding of complex social and tee on Science, —Bart Gordon Copies of the letter genetic interactions. At the 2005 ASA Annual Meeting, Vivian Ota Wang, Pro- began his letter, from Gordon to Leavitt gram Director of NHGRI’s Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications Program, spoke “While we commend this Administra- were also sent to presidential science about research opportunities on a panel addressing science funding. tion for a well thought out agenda to advisor John Marburger, Director of the ✔ Applications sought for Human and Social Dynamics grants . . . . The Na- finally move the biological aspects of Office of Science and Technology Policy, tional Science Foundation’s (NSF) priority area in Human and Social Dynamics pandemic preparedness forward in a and Julie Gerberding, Director of the (HSD) has announced competitions for FY 2006. This year’s solicitation empha- rapid fashion (vaccine development, Centers for Disease Control and Preven- sizes: Agents of Change; Dynamics of Human Behavior; and Decision Making, antivirals, and surveillance), the plan tion. The letter can be found at Risk, and Uncertainty. NSF anticipates spending $50 million on more than 100 does not substantively address impor-
COSSA, from page 1 policymakers ascertain the effectiveness Dynamics program, which fosters of federal as well as private-sector interdisciplinary research, has been the New Materials on Assessment Are Available investments in science, especially basic conduit for SGER grants [Small Grants research. He stated that NSF has made for Exploratory Research], which by Carla B. Howery, Director, some inroads in addressing his plea, as provide short-term support for finely Academic and Professional Affairs Program SBES already is in the process of identi- focused research on unique, time- fying possible metrics and exploring sensitive topics such as the aftermath of The ASA Task Force on Assessment has completed its charge—to other tasks (e.g., a proposed revision of Hurricane Katrina and the recent develop materials to help departments undertake the assessment of the three-decades-old data taxonomy tsunami in South Asia. Second, Lightfoot student learning in their undergraduate sociology program. The resulting that is used by NSF to compile its bi- supported Marburger’s call for a “social manual is now available through the ASA Teaching Resources Center annual Science & Engineering Indicators science of science policy.” Lightfoot said (www.asanet.org/bookstore). assessment). that the White House Office of Manage- At the 2005 Annual Meeting, the ASA consultants for program reviews, OSTP has developed initiatives ment and Budget has expressed support having behavioral and social science for this area. Third, Lightfoot com- the Department Resources Group, received copies and training on assess- themes, Marburger stated, including mented on NSF’s cyberinfrastructure ment. All attendees at the 2005 Chair Conference were given copies as well. examining potential societal significance program, which would be advanced in The new monograph contains information about how to approach the of nanotechnology and vaious activities the FY 2007 budget, and that he says is on-going process of assessment. It includes sample learning goals and well- associated with enhancing homeland relevant to human dimensions of established resource websites such as those at Central Michigan and North security and disaster preparedness and technology. In fact, SBES recently issued Carolina State Universities. Finally, the booklet includes a variety of reduction. Marburger also mentioned grants for developing the next genera- approaches to assessment, including portfolios, exit exams, oral presenta- the work of a subcommittee of the White tion of cybertools for social and behav- tions, national tests, and so forth. House National Science and Technology ioral science research. Council. This group is developing a Task Force Members: strategic plan to undergird the utility of David Abrams on NIH Janet Huber Lowry (Chair), Austin College the behavioral and social sciences for OBSSR’s David Abrams, like NSF”s national policy. Comprised of scientists Lightfoot, is a relative newcomer to the Carla B. Howery, ASA Executive Office Liaison from a range of federal research agen- national policy scene, but he has caught John P. Myers, Rowan University cies, this working group has identified a on rapidly and also is focused on the Harry Perlstadt, Michigan State University number of “grand challenges” and will “stark reality” of tight research budgets. Caroline Hodges Persell (ASA Council Liaison), New York University issue its Understanding Human Beings: Abrams remains optimistic about the Diane Pike, Augsburg College The Grandest Challenge report this year. future of OBSSR and funding for its Charles H. Powers, Santa Clara University initiatives and noted that NIH supports Sociologists Respond Shirley A. Scritchfield, Rockhurst University behavioral, social, or economic research Cynthia M. Siemsen, California State University-Chico Sociologist and COSSA Board to the tune of about $3 billion annually. Barbara Trepagnier, Texas State University-San Marcos member Cora Marrett, Senior Vice Abrams described the newly created Judith Ann Warner, Texas A & M International University President for Academic Affairs for the NIH Office of Portfolio Analysis and University of Wisconsin System, Strategic Initiatives, which is intended to Gregory L. Weiss, Roanoke College responded eloquently and supportively serve the Director’s NIH Roadmap at the conclusion of Marburger’s speech. initiative to encourage novel ideas and Members of the Task Force will offer workshops on “Creating an Effec- Marrett emphasized the increasing riskier research by identifying and tive Assessment Plan for the Sociology Major” at the Pacific Sociological public scrutiny of the nation’s invest- coordinating cross-disciplinary scientific Association, the Eastern Sociological Society, the North Central Sociological ment in science and engineering opportunities that fall between the Association, and the Midwest Sociological Society meetings this spring. research and acknowledged the unique traditional disciplinary “silos” of NIH’s These workshops are free and open to anyone registering for the respective importance of the social and behavioral 27 separate institutes. regional meeting. sciences in any legitimate federally Abrams also provided an update on supported science program. the Working Group of the NIH Advisory Now available from the Sociologist and COSSA Board Committee to the Director on Research American Sociological Association! member James S. Jackson, Director of the Opportunities in the Basic Behavioral Institute for Social Research at the and Social Sciences, stating that NIH Creating an Effective Assessment Plan for the Sociology Major University of Michigan, reminded director Elias Zerhouni wants a “corpo- $6.00/$10.00 Marburger and the audience that a rate response” to the group’s By the ASA Task Force on Assessing the Undergraduate Sociology Major. primary obstacle to incorporating the report. Abrams, along with the National The manual provides an overview of the rationale for assessment, key behavioral and social sciences in such Institute for General Medical Sciences principles of a quality assessment effort, and how to create an effective grand public plans is that their findings director Jeremy Berg and several other sociology assessment plan. This booklet includes sample assessment plans are often inherently “disquieting.” institute directors, are collaborating from twelve schools, as well as ten different assessment mechanisms. The Jackson also noted a number of chal- together to forge just such an institu- appendix takes each of the goals from ASA’s guidelines for the major lenges to science and higher education, tional response. It is to be modeled on including internationalization, inequi- the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research (Liberal Learning and the Sociology Major Updated) and indicates how a table access to education and financial Neuroscience Initiatives. department could assess that goal. 80pp., 2005. Stock # 106.A05 resources. He also reminded the audi- The behavioral and social sciences are ence of the recent threats to the integrity integral to NIH’s mission, Abrams said, Also available from the ASA of the peer review process generally, and and an understanding of the health Assessing Student Learning in Sociology, Second Edition the need to defend it from congressional relevance of research advances in $16.00 for members and $20.00 for nonmembers and other political interference. genetics, neural circuitry, disease Edited by Charles F. Hohm and William S. Johnson biomarkers, and neurotransmitters This much-awaited revision is designed to help sociology faculty deal with David Lightfoot on NSF requires increasingly sophisticated behavioral and social science the challenges of outcome assessment. Sections include an overview of NSF’s David Lightfoot was the lead- assessment issues, examples of assessment, how to work collaboratively, off speaker at the COSSA meeting and knowledge. Abrams concurred with assessment in different kinds of institutions, and assessment methodologies he noted that during his initial five Lightfoot’s assessment of the need for months at NSF, he has learned of this integrated, alliance-based approaches to and resources. agency’s uniquely and universally science in order to enhance funding 229 pp., 2001. Stock #103.A01. revered status across the globe for levels. Of direct relevance is OBSSR’s upholding a “gold standard” level of intense emphasis on transdisciplinary All orders must be prepaid by either check or credit card! research in order to address: (1) the high interdisciplinary research. Lightfoot’s • Your order will be entered and can be traced using your ASA member- primary take-home message was level of complexity of illness/disease and health; (2) the multiple and interact- ship number, so please make sure it is current. Your membership num- focused on the tight budgetary con- ber is on all mailing labels from ASA (including Footnotes, journals, and straints that he believes demand a ing determinants of illness and health; so forth). strategic creation of alliances with other (3) the need for multiple perspectives. • sciences, both inside and outside NSF, to Transdiciplinary research is also impor- Checks should be made payable to ASA. continue “increasing the budget by tant for taking advantage of advances in • All orders are sent via first class mail or UPS; expect delivery two to stealth” and cooperating where these measuring tools, statistical analytical three weeks after ASA receives your order. sciences overlap (i.e., in terms of methods, and sampling time frames, • Send orders to: ASA Customer Service Department, 1307 New York Ave. ❑ research). according to Abrams. NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005. To order with a Visa or Three initiatives hold promise for * Adapted from the November 7, 2005, Mastercard, call (202) 383-9005 X389. budgetary increases, Lightfoot main- COSSA Washington Update. • You may also order with a credit card online at
Cyberinfrastructure and the Social Sciences . . . Sociologist to Lead $2-million NSF Grant for Social Sciences Web Archive Project will assist in detailed statistical, observational study of social and and how opinions in turn shape an member team, which involves scholars information networks evolving network structure,” Macy said. in disciplines including sociology, The cybertools research is part of economics, mathematics, psychology, A team of Cornell University 40-Billion Webpage Archive “Getting Connected: Social Science in and communication. researchers, lead by sociologist Michael the Age of Networks,” the 2005-08 “We really tried to maximize the Developed by Brewster Kahle in 1996 Macy, were awarded a $2-million interdisciplinary theme project of interdisciplinary nature of the group, as and based in San Francisco, the archive National Science Foundation (NSF) Cornell’s Institute for the Social Sciences well as schools they were in, the kinds of is comprised of more than 40 billion grant to develop advanced web tools for (ISS). Theme projects involve research things they were studying, and the webpages. It includes text, audio, social science research. projects, courses, events such as lectures quality of the research they brought in,” moving images and software, as well as The project involves a team of social by guest speakers, and the engagement said ISS Director Elizabeth Mannix, who archived webpages. scientists and computer scientists of constituencies both on and off is in charge of the networks project. “This archive is the only copy that developing the means, known as campus. For more information on the NSF- has been saved of how the web has “cybertools,” to extract and analyze Macy also helped to write the funded Cornell project, see developed over the years,” William information from vast collections of networks proposal chosen for the ISS
Research, from page 1 people’s experiences as they varied by percent of majors agreeing that they will Women undergraduates are signifi- undergraduate sociology curriculum race, ethnicity, class, and gender. More list it, the same percentage that strongly cantly less likely to say that they would may not be emphasizing the importance than 70 percent strongly agree that they agreed they had learned this skill. In list skills like the ability to interpret of learning both research and relational learned about social institutions and contrast, 28 percent say they would results, develop evidence-based argu- skills for professional employment. their impact on individuals. mention identifying ethical issues in ments, evaluate different research We will continue to analyze the Although the 2005 cohort learned research, the skill that about 70 percent methods, and discuss percentages and results of the first phase of the survey. In about social processes and differential strongly agreed that they had learned. significance tests on their resumes, 2006 we will survey these majors again experiences, only about 40 percent of the These results suggest a possible mis- although they do not differ significantly to find out if their post-graduate 2005 cohort strongly agreed that they match between vocational skills used in from their male counterparts on the aspirations match their actual activities practiced “soft skills” as a part of their job searches and conceptual skills research skills they have gained from and what sociological concepts, skills, majors. These soft skills included learned as part of the sociology curricu- their sociology programs. and activities they find useful in the working in groups, getting involved in lum. While more analysis is required, these early stages of their careers. volunteer activities, participating in Although the number of Hispanic results suggest the need for a hard look A complete discussion of the popula- service learning programs, and interact- majors responding is relatively small, at the design of undergraduate sociology tion sample and survey design, as well ing with their fellow majors. If soft skills they are significantly more likely than programs, especially if the aim is to as additional results and information, are desirable in the professional work other groups to list a variety of skills on develop undergraduate students’ skills can be found at
Figure 1. Self-reported Research Skills Gained by Graduating Sociology Majors: 2005 Figure 2. Self-reported Research Skills Listed on Resumes by Graduating Sociology Majors: 2005
Identify Ethical Issues in Research 69.3 Use Statistical Software 41.4
Develop Evidence-based Arguments 67.1 Write Report for Non-sociologists 38.4
Evaluate Different Research Methods 65.0 Interpret Results of Data Gathering 35.3
Write Report for Non-sociologists 64.7 Develop Evidence-based Arguments 35.2
Form Causal Hypotheses 63.6 Use Computer Resources to Develop Reference List 34.3
Use Computer Resources to Develop 60.8 Evaluate Different Research Methods 30.4 Reference List
Identify Ethical Issues in Research 27.8 Interpret Results of Data Gathering 57.2
Form Causal Hypotheses 20.5 Use Statistical Software 41.9
Discuss Percentages, Significance Tests Discuss Percentages, Significance Tests in 2x2 Table 14.9 37.9 in 2x2 Table 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 Percent Strongly Agreeing Percent Listing Skill on Their Resume
Assessing Undergraduate Program Efficacy and Outcomes Learning from ASA’s research on what sociology graduates learn and take to the job market
by Patrick Moynihan, James A. Wilson, and Laura Backstrom, Fordham University sociology graduates from Lincoln Center and about whom we had contact information. To facilitate participation, the survey was made available in paper ASA’s ongoing research initiative What Can I Do with a Bachelors in Sociology? form as well as online. Working with our Instructional Technology and Academic A National Survey of Seniors Majoring in Sociology is likely to be of great value to the Computing Office, we constructed the online survey on discipline, because it is yielding unique and timely data with the potential to
New ASA-NSF Grantees ASA selects awardees to help advance the discipline such a conference is needed because the this program that rewards scholars at all political economy of higher education levels and all types of institutions of has transformed radically since the higher education for proposing and The American Sociological Association (ASA) is pleased to announce seven 1960s. They propose to orient the implementing cutting edge research and new grants from the June 2005 review cycle of ASA’s Fund for the Advancement of conference around five guiding themes: conferences that advance theory and the Discipline (FAD), a competitive small grants program funded by matching new organizational forms, revenue method in the discipline. To contribute, grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and administered by the ASA. streams, and status streams; social send checks to FAD, c/o Business Office, These awards provide seed money to PhD scholars for innovative research projects organization of knowledge; production American Sociological Association, 1307 and for scientific conferences that advance the discipline through theoretical and of culture; global higher education; and New York Avenue, Suite 700, Washing- methodological breakthroughs. Below is a list of the latest FAD Principal Investiga- higher education and labor markets. ton, DC 20005-4701 or by calling Girma tors (PIs) and a brief description of their projects. The results of the conference will be a Efa at 202-383-9005, ext. 306. Additional white paper articulating a new frame- information is available on the ASA Pamela Bennett and Amy Lutz, Johns survivors; and a comparative study of work and agenda that will be available homepage at www.asanet.org/ Hopkins University and Syracuse survivors of the New Orleans flood and in print online. page.ww?section=Funding& University, received $7,000 for a study of survivors of Katrina and Rita. The Social name=Funding+Opportunities. The In order to match the NSF contribution, Parenting and Schooling in Diverse Science Research Council (SSRC) will program director, Roberta Spalter-Roth, ASA needs to increase contributions to Families. This study examines race and review the recommendations of the Gulf can be reached at spalter-roth@ the FAD program. Please contribute to ❑ class differences in parenting practices as Coast sociologists and meet with asanet.org or 202-383-9005, ext. 317. they relate to children’s educational foundation officers to get these recom- outcomes. The PIs are particularly mendations funded. interested in parents’ relationships to Rowell Honored as “Outstanding Community schools and how these are mediated by Gayle Kaufman, Davidson College, College Professor of the Year” three distinct types of capital: financial, received $6,940 for Working Fathers’ Use cultural, and social. Unlike previous of Work-Family Adaptive Strategies, a by Carla B. Howery, Director, Academic and Professional Affairs Program studies, this study will examine ethnic study to broaden sociological knowledge and immigrant groups as well as whites of work-family strategies among Katherine R. Rowell, Professor of and African Americans. The researchers underrepresented groups. The PI Sociology, Sinclair Community College posit that that these different statuses proposes to examine single, gay, and (Dayton, OH) was awarded the Outstand- structure access to each of the different minority fathers’ strategies for combin- ing Community College Professor of the types of capital, resulting in different ing work and family, how they imple- Year by the Council for the Advancement educational outcomes. Their project ment these strategies, and the conse- and Support of Education (CASE). CASE proposes to use a combination of in- quences of the strategies. The PI pro- identifies four faculty for top honors, one depth interviews, survey data, standard- poses to do in-depth interviews with 75 each from a community college, a four- ized test scores, and social network data men in North Carolina to investigate year college, a masters institution, and a in two Philadelphia middle schools. adaptive strategies that either result in doctoral institution. The award was given negative stress levels or in role enhance- at a ceremony in Washington, DC, on Deborah Davis and Wang Feng, Yale ment, and how the strategies and November 17, 2005. Each awardee was University and University of California- outcomes vary by marital status, sexual introduced by a former student. Katherine R. Rowell Irvine, received $7,000 for a conference orientation, and race of the father. Rowell was honored for her extensive on Creating Wealth and Poverty in work in experiential-based learning. On the one hand, students in community colleges James W. Loewen, Catholic University, Contemporary China. The conference are often older, have more work experience, and are more involved in their communi- received $6,650 for a Proposal to Establish focuses on social transformation, ties. On the other hand, they have little time, resources, and social capital to explore the Sundown Towns as an Important Topic of especially on growth of wealth and less familiar parts of their community, much less other parts of the country or world. Sociological Research. The PI published poverty. It will bring together China Rowell has figured out creative and practical ways to use service-learning and other the first book on “sundown towns,” a experts with social inequality experts in pedagogies for this diverse population of students. “I have witnessed firsthand the common yet hidden phenomenon, in order to place their work in a larger differences it has made in the lives of my students, especially those who work full time which towns and municipalities used transnational context; reconceptualize and have family obligations,” she says. core theories of poverty and social formal and informal measures to ensure inequality based on multiple economic, that blacks were excluded. With the Empowerment from Service Learning political, and cultural parameters; publication of the book (September “Service learning is one teaching method that I embraced early in my career,” says provide an empirical baseline; and 2005), the PI will invite other sociolo- Rowell. “Since 1996, I have required students in my Social Problems course to volunteer advance measures and statistical gists, scholars, and students to find with me at various homeless shelters in the Dayton, Ohio, area. I also take my students models. The Chinese case will be used to additional towns, test hypotheses about on a one-day “lobbying” trip to Columbus, Ohio, where they meet with state legisla- develop paradigms and advance what factors explain the likelihood of tors. These experiences, along with classroom discussions, help reinforce the impor- knowledge of inequality in general. The these towns emerging, their effect on tance of civic engagement. It also gives these community college students, who often PIs expect that the conference will residents, and their impact on larger feel disenfranchised and powerless to affect change in their communities, a sense of produce 14-16 papers for an edited metropolitan areas. The PI hopes to empowerment, knowing that they can make a difference when they get involved.” volume. create a virtual community of sundown scholars by producing information “The success of this type of education is clear. Many of my students say they plan to Kai Erikson, Yale University, received a packets, listservs, an interactive website, remain involved in community issues. During the summer, numerous former students $7,000 emergency grant to fund meet- talks on college campuses and so forth. join me in volunteering at shelters. In the past three years alone, more than 10 of my ings for the purpose of developing a former students have gone on to become community activists. The majority of students research and planning agenda to include Claudia Schloz, University of Texas-San say the opportunity to work together outside of the classroom was the most valuable ASA in the national effort to better Antonio, received $6,911 for Social learning experience of their lives.” understand the effects of the recent Gulf Capital, Embeddedness, and the Meaning of “Finally, for the past two years, I have led students, many of whom have never been Coast disasters. The project draws on the Debt: “Bringing Culture Back In” to the outside of the United States, on a three-day intensive visit to Nogales, Mexico, as part of experience of a group of sociologists Study of Microcredit. This study is a meta- my Global Poverty course. The trip gives students an opportunity to learn what it who live and work along the Gulf Coast analysis of case studies of reports from would be like to live in a developing country. The program is such a success we have a and specialize in environmental risks, development agencies and other micro long waiting list of students for next year.” the social effects of disaster, and related finance projects in the developing world. Rowell is extremely active within sociological organizations, including the North matters. Thus far, the planning commit- The project seeks to expand economic Central Sociological Association (where she has been program chair) and the ASA. She tee identified six research activities that sociologists’ understanding of the is active in the Section on Teaching and Learning Sociology, and in the ASA Department the group and other interested sociolo- embeddedness of economic action in Resources Group. At Sinclair Community College, she led the department’s work in gists will engage in. These include: an systems of meaning associated with ASA’s Integrating Data Analysis (IDA) Project and developed a number of course oral social history of what happened to financial institutions and especially the modules to introduce students to empirical work early in their education. At the award victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, norms and taboos associated with ceremony, her siblings, her department chair, her president and dean, and I had no particularly in the New Orleans Parish; a money and debt. The study brings trouble giving her a standing ovation. ❑ central registry of as many evacuees as “culture” in by examining “norms and can be traced from New Orleans and taboos” concerning money and debt and their role in repayment rates. Nominations for the Student Forum Advisory Board Sought other parts of the Gulf to their places of The Student Forum Advisory Board is seeking nominations for both undergraduate refuge; a detailed map of what the social Mitchell L. Stevens, New York Univer- and graduate student board members. The term of commitment is two years begin- and cultural landscapes of New Orleans sity, Elizabeth A. Armstrong, Indiana ning at the end of the next. Nominees must be Student Members of the ASA at the and selected parts of the Gulf region University, and Richard Arum, New time of nomination and during their two-year term. They also should commit to were like before Katrina, Rita, and the York University, received $7,000 for New attending the Annual Meetings during their term. Self-nominations are welcomed. The breaching of the levees; an environmen- Research Agenda for the Sociology of Higher nominations subcommittee of the Student Forum Advisory Board will review nomina- tal history of the Mississippi Delta, the Education for a conference to develop an tions and oversee selection of candidates for the 2006 ASA Spring Election. To be Gulf Coast, and the Port of New Or- agenda for a new generation of higher considered please send a brief statement of intent along with a copy of your vitae to leans; a longitudinal study of Katrina education research. The PIs state that [email protected]. 8 JANUARY 2006 FOOTNOTES
Sociologists Receive 2005-2006 Fulbright Awards More than 850 U.S. academics, Donald Edward Davis, Associate Norma Ojeda, Associate Professor, Elizabeth Louise Sweet, Action Re- professionals, and independent scholars Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Department of Sociology and Chicana(o) search Director and Visiting Lecturer, have received awards under the Dalton College, An Introduction to Studies, San Diego State University, Department of Sociology, Northern Fulbright Scholar Program to study Sociology; An Environmental and NAFTA, Family Choices, and Personal Illinois University, Gendered Economic abroad in 2005-06. Among this year’s Cultural History of the Eastern Growth of Young Mexicans in Development in the Context of Transi- recipients were 18 sociologists (listed Carpathians, Cluj, Romania Transnational Communities, Tijuana, tion: A Case Study in Ulan Ude, below with their titles, affiliations, Mexico Buryatia, Russia LeRoy A. Furr, Associate Professor and projects, and countries in which they Chair, Department of Sociology, Univer- Rebecca Templin Richards, Associate Donna Wynne Wright, Assistant will study). sity of Louisville, Demography, Family Professor, Department of Sociology, Professor, Department of Sociology, The annual U.S. Fulbright Scholar and Urban and Development Studies, University of Montana-Missoula, Anthropology and Criminology, Univer- Program sends scholars and profession- Chandigarh, India Sociology of Nontimber Forest Product; sity of Northern Iowa, Environmental als to more than 140 countries, where Cross-national Comparisons in Harvest- Sociology, Godollo, Hungary they lecture, consult, or conduct research Leslie Carlisle Gates, Assistant Profes- ing and Rural Well-being, Joensuu, in a wide variety of academic and sor, Department of Sociology, SUNY- Finland professional fields. The Fulbright Binghamton, Politics of Neoliberalism; program is sponsored by the U.S. The Societal Basis for Venezuela’s Recent Department of State and administered Political Dynamics, Caracas, Venezuela by the Council for International Ex- Karen Fern Greenwell, Researcher and change of Scholars. For more informa- Public Forum Survey Manager, Macro International, tion, see www.cies.org. Using National Surveys to Monitor Judy Root Aulette, Associate Professor, Development Goals, Chisinau, Moldova Reply to Altheide, topics or on our efforts to submit and University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Ain Eduard Haas, Associate Professor, publish our research in peer-reviewed Sociology of Gender, Family and Family Department of Sociology, Indiana “Politics of Fear” journals. Indeed many of us are already Policy; Women’s Movements in South doing so based on our DHS-supported University-Purdue, American Society; In his letter in the November 2005 Africa, Bellville, South Africa research. START investigators have also Return Migration to Estonia, Tartu, Footnotes (p. 10), David Altheide raised freely expressed their views on DHS Vern L. Bengtson, Professor and Estonia important and thought-provoking issues activities—for example, the agency’s Director, Department of Sociology and about the extent to which sociologists Joseph Francis Healey, Professor and response to Hurricane Katrina—in the Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, should be involved in homeland security Chair, Department of Sociology, Social press and before congressional commit- University of Southern California, Cross- projects. But while I acknowledge the Work and Anthropology, Christopher tees. More generally, requiring research- National Developments in Social importance of the ethical issues he Newport University, Minority Groups in ers to reject funding from any agency Gerontology; Consequences of Popula- raised, I also believe the letter U.S. Society, Uzhhorod, Ukraine with current policies that are politically tion Aging for Family Relationships and mischaracterized what we are actually unpopular might suggest that we should Theories of Aging, Stockholm, Sweden Joan Rosemary Mars, Associate Profes- doing at the new START center [Na- also reject funding from a large group of sor, Department of Sociology, Anthropol- tional Consortium for the Study of Donna Hodgkins Berardo, Associate other government agencies, including ogy and Criminal Justice, University of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism]. Professor, College of Pharmacy, Univer- the National Institute of Justice, the Michigan-Flint, U.S. Immigration and (See November 2005 Footnotes, p. 1, and sity of Florida, Professional Pharmacist Environmental Protection Agency, and Deportation: Caribbean Aliens and the February 2005 Footnotes, p. 1.) Communication; Improving Medication the National Institutes of Health. Criminal Justice Process, St. Augustine, First, Altheide argues that sociological Use and Behavioral Risk Factors of Reading Altheide’s comments on Trinidad and Tobago research on terrorism and responses to Patients With HIV/AIDS, Chiang Mai, terrorism research reminded me of a terrorism only serves to increase public Thailand Nabil Marshood, Professor, Department similar argument made in the late 1960s fear, by promoting decision-makers’ . . . of Business and Social Sciences, Hudson when some sociologists interested in Sally Bould, Professor, Department of use of audience beliefs and assumptions County Community College, Oppression criminology argued that we should Sociology, University of Delaware, about danger, risk and fear . . . .” I would and Identity: Social Arrangements in henceforth avoid doing studies of crime Adequacy and Equity in Public Pensions argue exactly the opposite. Solid, Palestinian Refugee Camps, Amman, because to do so was to play into the for Women, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium objective social science research is likely Jordan hands of societal elites. As a result of this to reduce the effects of fear on public Mary Kunmi Yu Danico, Associate decision, for many years, psychologists, Edward J. McCaughan, Associate decision-making; ignorance makes it Professor, Department of Psychology biologists, and medical doctors—but not Professor and Chair, Department of easier for demagogues to manipulate and Sociology, California State Polytech- sociologists—carried out much of the Sociology, San Francisco State Univer- fear for political purposes. nic University-Pomona, What Does It important theoretical work in criminol- sity, Vital Signs: The Art of Social Second, Altheide accuses the investi- Mean to Be Korean?: Korean-Americans ogy. The end result was that sociological Movements in Mexico and Atzlan, gators associated with START of in Korea, Seoul, Korea interpretations of crime lost out to fields Mexico City, Mexico “chasing Defense Department funding.” that ironically, were much less palatable The University Programs section of the to most sociologists than the sociological Department of Homeland Security research that had raised the original (DHS), not the Defense Department, concerns. It took criminology nearly a Assessing, from page 6 funded our START center. We are doing generation to recover from this decision. no classified research of any kind. And While sociology is just one of the participate in further conversations about the program and preparation for the job the process that led to our funding— social sciences included in our new market—a series of focus group interviews with alumni residing locally. modeled on NSF procedures—was the Center, I strongly feel that there are The majority of responses were very positive, but some program areas were identi- most rigorous peer-reviewed grant important sociological questions related to fied as a bit weaker than others. For instance, there were mixed opinions when it came application that I have ever experienced. terrorism and responses to terrorism. to the department’s preparation of students for employment after graduation. This Forty teams submitted pre-proposals; 26 Here are a few that START is working on result is intriguing, as most respondents claimed interest in the subject as the principle completed full proposals; six received now: Why do some collective move- motivation for majoring in sociology, far more than preparation for a job or graduate site visits. Our proposal was developed ments resort to violence while others do school. Additionally, opinions concerning internships could be viewed as a mandate to by an interdisciplinary team of research- not? Why do some terrorist groups our department to find appropriate placements that build on coursework. For instance, ers from 25 universities around the attack the United States while others do more than 40 percent of our respondents participated in an internship, and these were world. Many of the most respected not? What social, political, economic, viewed as generally positive experiences; alumni saw internships as teaching practical, sociologists in the United States took and geographical variables best predict job-related skills and as helping to define career goals. part in the competition. terrorist events? How do public views In contrast, respondents suggested that our program had prepared them well for Third, Altheide laments the fact that about the likelihood of future terrorist further educational pursuits. Forty-four percent are currently enrolled or taking courses “nearly 100 colleges and universities attacks and homeland security policies at a college or university, with one-half of these individuals working toward a master’s have established programs in security differ as a function of social class, degree and almost one-third working toward an advanced graduate degree (e.g., PhD, and terrorism.” In fact, many members gender, race and ethnicity? (For a MD, or JD). Many alumni have earned another degree since graduating from Fordham of our research consortium share this complete list of our projects, see University—almost 30 percent have earned a masters or another advanced graduate concern. However, surely the best way www.start.umd.edu). degree. Our follow-up to the survey focused more specifically on these post-graduation to improve this emerging curriculum is As Altheide points out in his com- outcomes as well as encouraging alumni to share their views of program weaknesses not to abandon it, but rather to play a ments, C. Wright Mills may well have (given the overwhelming positive regard voiced in the survey). major role in developing a curriculum stressed the distinction between “the Our study provides a framework for understanding program efficacy from the view that is objective, research-based and personal troubles of milieu” and “the of those for whom the strengths and weaknesses of the program are most relevant (i.e., non-ideological. public issues of social structure,” but those who have actively engaged in a job search or applied to graduate school after Finally, Altheide seems to assume a surely the sociological imagination must graduation). The detail of our instrument provides a more in-depth understanding of priori that any project funded by DHS also encourage us to speak truth to program qualities than more simple assessments of program satisfaction. And contact- will automatically produce research that power. ing alumni also provides an opportunity to build bridges to those who may be able to pleases the political leadership that sets contribute to the department as mentors to current students and as contacts for appro- Homeland Security policy. In fact, Gary LaFree, Director, START, University ❑ priate internships and job placements. Homeland Security has thus far imposed of Maryland, [email protected]. no restrictions on our choice of research JANUARY 2006 FOOTNOTES 9 Organizational Directions: Setting a Course of Action for the Second Century of American Sociology This is the final essay of a three-part perspective series the ASA program that highlight a professional practice. Discussions of particular focus or constituency interest. disciplinary relevance will most cer- commemorating ASA’s centennial year. A related approach is to develop joint tainly require action plans directed meetings among the regionals. For toward professional integration. The by Bruce Keith, United States Military example, in 2007 the Midwest Sociologi- question at present is whether we care Academy-West Point cal Society and the NCSA will hold a enough about our discipline to solidify fully integrated joint conference in its relevance throughout the 21st century. I have shown in the two previous Chicago that features two presidential ❑ essays (Keith 2005a, 2005b) that regional addresses and two plenary speakers. associations are relevant to the disci- This initiative, which will bring together References pline, particularly as a mechanism to upwards of 1,600 persons, promises to Allen, Michael P. 2003. “The ‘Core Influ- ensure the presence of opportunities for be one of the largest gatherings of ence’ of Journals in Sociology Revis- professional development, recognition, sociologists in the United States that ited.” Footnotes 31:9 (December) p. 7. These initiatives promote conversations Friedman, Thomas. 2005. The World Is Flat: and inclusion. Similarly, I have pre- year. The size and scope of such meet- A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century. sented evidence that organizational on curricular content and core compe- ings bodes well for the discipline. tencies that may bridge fragmentation New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. differentiation has occurred over time As we consider plausible courses of Keith, Bruce. 2005a. A Century of Motion: now evident in the discipline. The among the national and regional action for American sociology during the Disciplinary Culture and Organizational associations, fragmenting the discipline assessments of graduates’ career 21st century, attention ought to under- Drift in American Sociology. Footnotes outcomes will strengthen this initiative if 33:9 (December) p. 6. into multiple, competing constituencies score disciplinary relevance. I believe connected to a process that links Keith, Bruce. 2005b. A Century of Profes- without the presence of an overarching that sociology is more characteristic of a program reviews to constituencies’ sional Organization in American integrative framework. I have suggested profession than a science; the associa- Sociology. Footnotes 33:8 (November) p. needs and concerns. As a profession, the also that the observable shifts in organi- tions organized to promote the field 5. discipline of sociology ought to debate zational trajectories are intertwined ought to be proactive collectively in their Bruce Keith can be reached at inextricably with the discipline’s culture. and advance the parameters that define efforts to align disciplinary mission with In light of this evidence, the discipline the field, which are likely to strengthen [email protected]. appears poised to pursue one of two its relevance and corresponding status in directions: either it can promote a culture and beyond higher education. of science, which is likely to reinforce the Given the plethora of ways sociology How to Request Meeting Space for Other organizational drift now apparent in the contributes to and is used in public Activities for the 101st ASA Annual Meeting field, or it can modify disciplinary practice, our professional associations culture in ways that attend to profes- ought to engage practitioners from these in Montreal, August 11-14, 2006 sional coherence. If the discipline is to be various contexts. The North Central The ASA provides two services for individuals or groups desiring to use meeting competitive, its course of action must Sociological Association (NCSA) has space at the Annual Meeting. ASA Council policies on the use of such space are ensure its relevance to its purported placed an emphasis on teaching sociol- outlined below. Because ASA Sections have been allotted program time, they are constituents. Accordingly, to attain ogy. This is important because teaching excluded from these provisions. professional integration, the associations the discipline to others is part of the way Meeting Space that buttress the discipline must rou- sociology is practiced. Similarly, the Groups wishing to meet in conjunction with the 2006 Annual Meeting may request tinely assess their constituencies’ needs discipline benefits from thematic space by sending a formal letter of request with signature (e-mail messages or files to ensure alignment of organizational sessions at our professional conferences are not acceptable) to the ASA Executive Office by March 1, 2006. Rooms are mission as well as the utility, content, that document debates on the founda- allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, one meeting per group. In the event and format of conference proceedings tions of sociological knowledge and on that space exceeds demand, requests for a second meeting will be considered. and publications. various social problems. Please note that space requested after the March 1 deadline cannot be assured. Space requests are categorized as follows: Foundations Publishing Integrates (1) Small groups sponsored by ASA members requesting space for the purpose of The ASA acknowledges its dedication Our professional associations also conducting sessions focused on a special aspect of sociology will be allocated one to sociology’s advancement as a scien- promote disciplinary relevance through time slot from 6:30-8:15 PM on the first or third evening (Friday, August 11, or tific discipline and profession and to the publication outlets. Noteworthy, Sunday, August 13). The topic to be discussed should be clearly stated in the promotion of sociology for the good of therefore, is the finding that the journals request, along with an estimate of the size of the group expected to attend the session. society. The advancement of the disci- of regional associations have a dimin- pline as a scientific field requires ished impact on the discipline (Allen (2) Groups or organizations wishing to gather for other meetings such as those of a demonstrable evidence of cumulative 2003). Perhaps the decline occurs religious, political, or special interest nature are required to submit a petition knowledge; as a profession, the founda- because the regionals adopt the disci- containing the signatures of ten ASA members who support the request. These groups will be assigned one meeting room from 8:00-10:00 PM on the second night tion of disciplinary knowledge ought to plinary focus on scientific production, of the meeting (Saturday, August 12). If the number of requests exceeds the convey explicitly its contribution to thereby reinforcing a culture that may available space on August 12, groups will be assigned to the 6:30 PM time slot on society. As sociologists, we ought to undermine the constituency they seek to August 11 or 13. possess a common understanding of the support. Alternatively, the regionals assumptions that direct the discipline might consider the feasibility of produc- (3) Those groups or organizations wishing to hold receptions, dinners, or other social gatherings should also submit requests for space by the March 1 deadline. toward discernable outcomes represen- ing publication outlets more reflective of Space availability is normally limited to 6:30-8:15 PM on August 11 or 13, and to tative of either a science or profession. their constituency’s needs. While some 8:00-10:00 PM on August 12. These assumptions ought to be linked to will argue that this strategy risks a foundation of demonstrable requisite institutional subscriptions that subsidize An announcement of each meeting will be included in the “Activities of Other knowledge and guided by leadership, the association, a journal that does not Groups” listing and in the body of the program schedule. These listings will include drawn collectively from the member- reflect its constituency’s needs is of the name of the group or title/topic of the session, name of organizer/sponsor if appropriate, and date and time of the meeting. Room assignments are printed in ship, on the assessment and advance- questionable value. A strong discipline the Final Program only. ment of scholarship consistent with the ought to play a role in shaping and discipline’s mission. Moreover, the supporting the outlets through which Table Space discipline ought to remain cognizant of publishers communicate the discipline’s ASA members may apply for table space to display literature about related non- its graduates’ market outcomes. As message. While the American Sociological profit organizations or sociologically pertinent projects. Available space is assigned Thomas Friedman (2005) demonstrates, Review and American Journal of Sociology without charge on a first-come, first-served basis. ASA Sections are excluded from the confluence of technology and maintain consistently high impact scores these provisions because general section tables are provided in the ASA registra- information is rapidly transforming (Allen 2003), editors of regional journals tion area; requests from individual sections for tables cannot be considered. traditional labor markets through a might consider alternative formats that Due to the number of requests and the limited space available for displays, two greater reliance on global outsourcing of speak directly to their constituencies. parties are usually assigned to each table. There are no general storage facilities high-end research and design work. The ASA’s relatively new publication, beyond the space beneath each table, so each party is solely responsible for the Ignorance of market shifts brought about Contexts, comes to mind as a successful security of its display materials. Policies on use of table space are that (1) nothing by our failure to assess the linkages deviation from the traditional outlet. may be sold and (2) nothing of an offensive nature may be displayed. between curricular structures and job Additionally, professional associa- Deadline placement may undermine the relevance tions ought to be proactive collectively Formal letters of request—not email messages—for meeting space and/or table of our graduates’ credentials, our in their involvement with one another. space must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2006. Letters should be printed academic programs, and our discipline. For example, the regionals might seek on the official stationery of the sponsoring organization or member’s institution and opportunities to visibly and formally must include sender’s signature. Teaching Integrates promote their associations at the All letters requesting meeting space should identify the nature of the meeting, the I am encouraged by the efforts of the national conference. This might include number of people expected to attend, desired room setup or other physical space ASA’s Department Resources Group promoting the region jointly with the needs, and the scheduling preference of the group within the parameters given above. (DRG), which has enhanced the ASA when the national conference is discipline’s awareness of program held in that locale. Similarly, all of the Send space requests to: Janet Astner, ASA Meeting Services, 1307 New York reviews and curricular coordination. professional associations might seek to Avenue NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005-4701, USA; (202) 638-0882 fax. annually sponsor blocks of sessions in 10 JANUARY 2006 FOOTNOTES
Thank You, ASA Members! Anna Karpathakis Ross L. Matsueda Mary E. Pattillo Chikako Kashiwazaki Linda Miller Matthei Carolyn Peabody SA wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the following 861 individuals, whose Elihu Katz Marecus Benvolio Diana M. Pearce A Kerry Anne Kauffman Matthews Tola Olu Pearce financial contributions to the Association during the 2005 membership year (November 1, 2004, Verna M. Keith Debbie Matusko Leonard I. Pearlin through October 31, 2005) greatly aided in the success of ASA programs and initiatives. The Diana Kendall Suzanne B. Maurer Susan Ann Peck donations given by these individuals to the ASA help support the Minority Fellowship Program, John M. Kennedy Marlynn L. May Silvia Pedraza the Teaching Enhancement Fund, the Congressional Fellowship Fund, the Fund for the Advance- Khalid Yousif Khalafalla Thomas F. Mayer Lisa Pellerin ment of the Discipline, the Soft Currency Fund, and ASA in general. These donations to ASA’s Shakeel A. Khan Douglas McAdam David Pellow Robert L. Kidder John D. McCarthy Christine M. Percheski restricted funds have a significant impact on our discipline and profession. We encourage ASA Nadia Y. Kim Eileen Diaz McConnell Eduardo T. Perez members to continue making tax-deductible contributions to these worthy causes. (Consult your Peter Kimball William C. McCready Robert Perrucci tax advisor for specifics on allowable deductions.) Deborah K. King Allan L. McCutcheon Gary Kinte Perry Joyce E. King Cherry McDonald Robert L. Perry Corinne Endreny Kirchner Katrina Bell McDonald Wilhelmina E. Perry Deborah A. Abowitz Michael Brooks James M. Dickinson Leonard Gordon Gay C. Kitson Judith McDonnell Caroline Hodges Persell Margaret Abraham Scott N. Brooks Andreas Diekmann Sherri L. Grasmuck Robert J. Kleiner Shannon Marie Ruth D. Peterson Jeana Marie Abromeit Julia S. Brown Paul J. DiMaggio Ryken Grattet Stephen L. Klineberg McDonough Thomas Fraser Pettigrew Gabriel Acevedo Marilyn M. Brown Nancy DiTomaso Charles S. Green, III Christine Elizabeth David A. McGranahan Damon Jeremy Phillips Dora Acherman Tony N. Brown Brenda Donelan Lynn H. Green Klucsarits Mary Kris Mcilwaine Jan K. Phillips Julia P. Adams Grainger Browning Dean S. Dorn Mareyjoyce Green David Knoke William Alex McIntosh Jennifer L. Pierce David P. Aday, Jr. Rachelle Jeneane Brunn Keith Doubt Sandy Edward Green, Jr. William E. Knox Lisa J. McIntyre Diane Pike Kubaje Adazu Jennifer Lee Bryan Kevin J. Dougherty Stephen A. Green Matthias Koenig Kathleen McKinney James P. Pitts Larry Adelman Maria Isabel Bryant Jeffrey K. Dowd Nancy A. Greenwood Bruce Kogut Julie McLaughlin Rebecca F. Plante Eliane M. Aerts John Frederick Bryson George W. Dowdall Allen D. Grimshaw Melvin L. Kohn Samuel Dale McLemore Bruce M. Podobnik Biko Agozino Jan Buhrmann Emily M. Drew Laura Anne Grindstaff Claire H. Kohrman Jane D. McLeod David M. Porter, Jr. Karin Aguilar-San Juan Ronald Edward Bulanda Julia Ana Drew A. Lafayette Grisby Ross Koppel J. Daniel McMillin Christopher D. Portosa Zeyna Ahmed Rabel J. Burdge Tracy L. Dumas Ronald G. Gulotta Thomas S. Korllos Pamela McMullin-Messier Constance H. Poster Angela Aidala Roderick D. Bush Cynthia Mildred Duncan Kaaryn S Gustafson William Kornblum Daniel S. McNeil Harry R. Potter Olubunmi Abimbola Jeffrey P. Bussolini David P. Dunn Karla B. Hackstaff Terri Kovach Albert J. McQueen Malcolm Potter Akinnusotu Leonard D. Cain M. G. Dunn Richard H. Hall Augustine J. Kposowa Gregory R. Melzer Isabelle R. Powell Salvatore Nicodemo Jose Zapata Calderon Robert Dunn Thomas D. Hall John H. Kramer Elizabeth G. Menaghan Monica Prasad Albanese Susanne M. Cameron Lelah Dushkin Gerald Handel Rebecca S. Krantz Rolf Meyersohn Harland Prechel Cheryl Albers Ali M. Campot Troy Duster Wava G. Haney Vered Kraus John F. Michael Christopher Prendergast Audrey L. Alcorn Renee B. Canady Russell R. Dynes Karen V. Hansen John D. Krinsky Millicent Y. Mickle Bruce M. Pringle Pat Allen Penelope Canan Carla M. Eastis Lowell Hargens Lauren Krivo Vincent Edward Miles Allison Proctor Elbert P. Almazan Beth Schaefer Caniglia Mark G. Eckel Douglas Harper Marilyn Krogh Eleanor M. Miller Christina Proenza-Coles Mahmoud Amouzgar Paul D. Cantrell Korie L. Edwards Glenn A. Harper Robert Michael Kunovich John Joseph Miller John B. Pryle Margaret L. Andersen Miguel A. Carranza Suzanne Eichenlaub Donna Marie Harris Sheri Locklear Kunovich Laura L. Miller Maurice Punch Cynthia D. Anderson Valerie Jean Carter Jennifer Eichstedt Jodie Lorraine Harris Nancy G. Kutner Margaret M. Miller Karen D. Pyke Kevin B. Anderson William M. Cascini Susan A. Eisenhandler Cassie Hartzog W. Azul La Luz Baez Robert A. Miller Jill Quadagno William A. Anderson Ingrid Elizabeth Castro Hester Eisenstein Akiko Hashimoto Victoria Catherine Leslie Miller-Bernal Nicole C. Raeburn Jacqueline L. Angel Michael F. Cerneant D. Stanley Eitzen Angela J. Hattery Lampado Murray Milner, Jr. Helen M. Raisz Ronald J. Angel Karen A. Cerulo Amanda Brickman Elam Murray Hausknecht Donna Landerman Joya Misra Warren C. Ramshaw John Angle Daniel F. Chambliss Joseph W. Elder James E. Hawdon Dwight Lang Cory Mitchell Richard Randell Robert Antonio Lynn Sharon Chancer Sean Elias Darnell F. Hawkins Otto N. Larsen John Moland, Jr. Derrick Simpson Raphael William Edward Chung-Yung Chang Sharon Elise Bruce D. Haynes Mirna Maria Lascano Martin A. Molnar Stacy Raphael Armstrong Deanna Chang Amon S. Emeka Jane L. Hegstrom Jeff Lashbrook Lyndsey Therese Moon Mel J. Ravitz Giovanni Arrighi Jay Chaskes Michael O. Emerson Karen A. Hegtvedt Judith N. Lasker Elsie Gloria Jean Moore Rebel Mary Reavis Richard Arum Chiu-Ying Chen Paula England Carol Heimer Pat L. Lauderdale Gwen Moore Howard M. Rebach Maxine P. Atkinson Kenneth S.Y. Chew Julia A. Ericksen James M. Henslin Edward O. Laumann Helen A. Moore Mario R. Reda Peter Max Atteslander Elizabeth Anne Chiarello Kenneth N. Eslinger Max Arthur Herman Jennifer Lauture Kristin A. Moore Meredith M. Redlin Judith D. Auerbach Cheryl D. Childers Wendy Nelson Espeland Melissa Herman David E. Lavin Alfonso Morales Arthur W. Redman William R. Avison Margaret May Chin Elisa Facio Jose Hernandez Alvarez Yolanda D. Lawler Maria Cristina Morales Werner Reichmann Marybeth F. Ayella Joyce N. Chinen Luis M. Falcon Cedric Herring Leora Lawton Jennifer Craft Morgan Gabino Rendon Koya Azumi Catherine Chiu Laurence L. Falk Donna J. Hess Suzanne Renee Lea Susanne Morgan Barbara F. Reskin Earl Babbie Susan P. Chizeck R. Frank Falk Garry W. Hesser Raymond M. Lee Aldon D. Morris Samuel E. Richardson Maxine Baca Zinn TaeRyong Choi John E. Farley Wolf V. Heydebrand Tirtowa Kodjo David Jeylan T. Mortimer Cecilia L. Ridgeway Rebecca Bach John B. Christiansen Robert R. Faulkner Elizabeth Higginbotham Lembo Kathleen J. Moyer Catherine Kohler Riessman Ann D. Bagchi Karen L. Christopher Helen Fein Valerie Catherine Higgins Anthony J. Lemelle, Jr. Lori A Muccino Barbara Jane Risman Amy Kate Bailey Jennifer Jihye Chun Roy E. Feldman Michael J. Hightower Charles Lemert Charles W. Mueller Fernando I. Rivera Jo (Daugherty) Bailey Gordon Clanton James V. Fenelon Jenifer Erin Hildebrant Lora Bex Lempert Ananya Mukherjea Alice R. Robbin Kevin B. Bales Mary Ann Clawson Myra Marx Ferree Rashid H. Hill Kalyna Katherine Lesyna Frank Munger Cynthia Ann Robbins Jeanne H. Ballantine Albert K. Cohen Stephen L. Fielding Robert B. Hill Elizabeth Levenson Ed A. Munoz J. Timmons Roberts Jane Banaszak-Holl Trudie Coker Randee Fieselmann Shirley A. Hill Felice J. Levine Yoichi Murase Keith Alan Roberts William Langston Banks Patricia Hill Collins Glenn Firebaugh Sally T. Hillsman Richard M. Levinson Edward Murguia Dawn T. Robinson Bernice McNair Barnett Brian H. Colwell Claude S. Fischer Steven Greg Hoffman Peggy Levitt Yoshiaki Nagata Jill Robinson Judith K. Barr Jordi Comas Gene A. Fisher Mary R. Holley Amanda Evelyn Lewis Constance A. Nathanson Robert V. Robinson Vilna Francine Bashi Joseph Michael Conforti Robert M. Fishman John W. Hollister Eleanor T. Lewis Francis P. Naughton La Francis Audrey Urbane F. Bass, III James E. Conyers Richard Flacks Lillian O. Holloman Robert C. Liebman Stephanie J. Nawyn Rodgers-Rose Ogunrotifa Ayodeji Bayo Elizabeth C. Cooksey Ann Barry Flood James A. Holstein Mei Ling Lin Angel Federico Nebbia Clara Rodriguez Bernard Beck Hector Cordero-Guzman Cornelia B. Flora Jane C. Hood James R. Lincoln Victor Nee Havidan Rodriguez Christopher Todd Beer Minerva Correa Jan L. Flora Richard O. Hope Benjamin Elliott Lind Robert Newby Orlando Rodriguez Pamela S. Behan Shelley J. Correll Delores A. Forbes-Edelen Junior Ricardo Hopwood Andrew M. Lindner Tri Van Nguyen Joseph W. Rogers Michael M. Bell William A. Corsaro Kay B. Forest Ruth Horowitz Bruce G. Link Laura Nichols Juan D. Rogers Patricia A. Bell Carrie Yang Costello Joyce J. Fountain Hayward Derrick Horton Kate Linnenberg Alvaro L. Nieves Garry Lee Rolison Susan E. Bell Richard Brian Coulter Katherine Simon Frank Jay R. Howard Claire R. Lipten Samuel Noh Judith Rollins Amy Ellen Bellone Hite Kathleen Courrier James K. Franzen Judith A. Howard Eugene Litwak Gary Oates Janice Ellen Rollo Aaron Benavot Joao Ernesto Lance Freeman Carla B. Howery Kathy Livingston Anna Vladimirovna Dennis Maurice Rome Robert D. Benford Cowperthwaite William R. Freudenburg Danny R. Hoyt Linda Lobao Ochkina Manuela Romero Vern L. Bengtson Kathleen S. Crittenden Lisa Frohmann Martha K. Huggins Ineke C. Lock Gilda L. Ochoa Amy Ronnkvist Mary Benin John R. Cross Norma E. Fuentes Robert Paul Hughes Gerone Hamilton Lockhart George E. O’Connell J. P. Roos J. Kenneth Benson Gregory James Crowley Joan H. Fujimura Margaret Hunter Rita Ventura Loeb Melvin L. Oliver Teri Andrea Rosales Ivar Berg Martha Crum Jay Gabler Fayyaz Hussain Herman J. Loether Pamela E. Oliver Louie Ross William T. Bielby Robert D. Crutchfield Eugene B. Gallagher Margaret M. Hynes Elizabeth Long Willie Oliver Jim Rothenberg Valerie Anne Bigelow Donald Cunnigen Bernadette Kwee Garam Kiyoshi Ikeda Ruth L. Love Susan Olzak William G. Roy Mark Joseph Bissonnette James Curiel Jesse Garcia Albert V. Erha Imohiosen Jarret Scott Lovell Michael Omi Deirdre Royster Clifford M. Black Claudia B. Czeczyk Jose De Jesus Garcia Akihide Inaba Janet Huber Lowry Karen O’Neill Danching Ruan Jill K. Blaemers Kimberly McClain DaCosta Harold Garfinkel Debbie S. Indyk Steven Lubeck Maria Ong Joseph W. Ruane Rolf K. Blank Harold Lloyd Daley Deborah L. Garvey Noriko Iwai Betsy Lucal Tracy E. Ore Mercedes Rubio Judith R. Blau Arlene Kaplan Daniels Danis J. Gehl Kichi Iwamoto Wolfgang Ludwig- Suzanne T. Ortega Florence A. Ruderman Samuel W. Bloom Dale Dannefer Alexandra Gerber Joan K. Jackson Mayerhofer Jacqueline Ortiz Raymond Russell Ricky N. Bluthenthal William V. D’Antonio Uta Gerhardt Nicole E. James Guenther Lueschen Anthony M. Orum Charlotte M. Ryan Lawrence D. Bobo Shyamal Kumar Das Judith Gerson Monica Ann Jardine Allan Lummus Mary Johnson Osirim Robyn Ryle Eduardo Bonilla-Silva Arnold Dashefsky Cheryl Townsend Gilkes Charles Jarmon Sara Fletcher Luther Tomas Paez Christina Teresa Saenz Thomasina J Borkman Edward B. Davis Patrick F. Gillham Matthew Ari Jendian Robin Yolanda Mabry- John A. Pagin Rogelio Saenz Jozsef Borocz Laurel R. Davis-Delano Daniel Glaser Andrea Louise Jenkins Hubbard Anthony Paik Antonino Salamone Charles L. Bosk Roberto M De Anda John E. Glass Carol A. Jenkins John J. Macionis In Young Paik Camerino Ignacio Salazar Elise M. Boulding Xavier De Souza Briggs Charles Y. Glock J. Craig Jenkins Anthony Maier Joseph M. Palacios Samuel F. Sampson Carol A. Boyer Mathieu Deflem Karen S. Glover Laura L. Jennings Robert D. Manning Jerry G. Pankhurst Erika M. Sanchez-Killian Glenn Edward Bracey, II John D. DeLamater Sheila T. Goins Dr. Bruce D. Johnson Ray Maratea Diana Papademas Gary D. Sandefur Viviane Brachet-Marquez Jorge Delpinal Joan Klemptner Gold Victoria L. Johnson Marie E. Mark Jacquelynn Marie Parent Wayne Santoro John D. Bramsen N. J. Demerath, III Steven J. Gold Barbara J. Johnston Kyriakos S. Markides Arthur E. Paris Francisco Santos Paula Elaine Bray Furjen Deng Walter Goldfrank Michael Francis Johnston Cora B. Marrett Lisa Sun-Hee Park Richard T. Schaefer Steven R. Brechin Rutledge M. Dennis Pat Antonio Goldsmith Sandra J. Jones Nancy L. Marshall R. David Parker Mark J. Schafer Jeffrey Broadbent Tia DeNora Phillip B. Gonzales Edward L. Kain Phylis Cancilla Martinelli Robert Nash Nash Parker Teresa L. Scheid Rodney L. Brod James L. Dentice Juan L. Gonzales, Jr. Jennifer A. Kandalec Ramiro Martinez, Jr. Ted Parsons Kim Lane Scheppele Clifford L. Broman Jesse Diaz, Jr. Jennifer J. Goode Victoria Kaplan Douglas S. Massey Christine M. Patterson Yaffa A. Schlesinger JANUARY 2006 FOOTNOTES 11
express their lives, their abusive experiences, and their perceptions with complete PUBLIC SOCIOLOGY candor. Openness is seldom encouraged by violent partners or by prison culture. As Sociology translates to public action . . . each three-hour interview unfolded, most were able to discuss their experiences This occasional column highlights sociologists who successfully engage sociology in frankly and with growing ease. Constructing their stories from beginning to end the civic arena in service to organizations and communities. Over the years, mem- provided many women with a greater sense of relatedness among events where, bers of ASA and sociologists as individual professionals and citizens have sought to previously, they had not seen clear connections. A 57-year-old mother of two, make the knowledge we generate directly relevant to our communities, countries, sentenced to life without parole, explains her reaction to the interview process: and the world community. Many sociologists within the academy and in other sectors It is always hard to put yourself back in time and relive the hell of the past, but it must be practice the translation of expert knowledge to numerous critical issues through done. You have been a great help to me. After the interview, I realized that by telling consultation, advisement, testimony, commentary, writing, and participation in a someone you trust, it becomes easier. I understood things so much better and came away variety of activities and venues. Readers are invited to submit contributions, but from the interview a new woman. Why should I be ashamed and embarrassed telling the consult with Managing Editor Lee Herring ([email protected], 202-383-9005 x320) truth? I wasn’t out to kill my husband. I was trying to survive and save my life and the prior to submitting your draft (1,000 to 1,200 words maximum). lives of my children. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to feel free inside and start turning my life around. I didn’t want to face up to the truth, thinking that I would be ashamed. You have put this behind me and now it is definitely time for me to go forward and learn to love myself and work on freedom. Re-Presenting Sociological Research to My interaction with CWAA has developed into an ongoing, reciprocal, and Prisoners: The Play Is the Thing dynamic connection—my involvement providing a bridge between inmates and several university campuses, inmates and state legislation, inmates and media. But “Transforming sociological research into art” promises freedom for perhaps the most intense and gratifying interaction between the group and outside women “imprisoned” by abusive relationships others occurred one January evening in an unusual form of public sociology. Con- victed survivors from my study sat in CIW’s Visitor Center1, hearing their own words come back to them as actors on a makeshift stage presented Life Without by Elizabeth Dermody Leonard, Vanguard University Parole, a play written by my faculty colleague, Warren Doody. After reading my book, Convicted Survivors2 and attending a CWAA meeting, the ome 800 to more than 4,000 women have been sentenced to prison for killing S playwright became interested in collaborating with me on a project that would bring their abusive partners. The precise number is not known because law enforcement the women’s stories to a broader public through a new medium—the stage. Life agencies, prosecutors’ offices, judicial authorities, and correctional institutions fail to Without Parole, set in a parole board hearing, is based on my research and enthusias- collect systematic data on victim-offender relationships in all homicides. Prior to tically supported by study participants. Doody, utilizing words largely provided by incarceration, the convicted had come from all walks of life, ranging from the convicted survivors, created composite characters that powerfully depict the realities country club set to the barrio; their one commonality is their use of lethal self- of women’s pain, fear, loss, and sense of betrayal by the very social institutions defense against violent partners. expected to provide them support—family, faith communities, health providers, and For the past 10 years I have been exploring the lives and cases of women who the law. have been held criminally responsible for the death of current and former abusive That January night, imprisoned women looked on as their stories unfolded; intimates. The research began as my doctoral dissertation project at the University of reacting with silence, gasps of recognition, and even a few laughs. Non-study California-Riverside (1997) but soon grew beyond that, as 42 interviewees shared attendees recognized their own experiences; domestic violence providing the with me their experiences before and during the violent relationship, as well as the common language for CWAA members. At times an inmate would identify an homicide and its aftermath. incident, a phrase, a circumstance peculiar to her situation. When that occurred, the Battered women who land in prison have been rendered nearly invisible to the woman would give me a tearful glance and, invariably, mouthed an emotional public consciousness. I maintain that this is a function of five primary factors: (1) “Thank you!” as she turned back to the production. their being female in a male-dominated society; (2) the social isolation imposed by With the play’s conclusion, prisoners, actors, playwright, and researcher entered their abusers; (3) the shame women feel as a result of continuing victimization into a rich dialogue about what each had just experienced. Questions and answers, prevents them seeking attention to their plight; (4) a criminal justice system that is comments and mutual appreciations were exchanged, strong emotions felt and inherently biased toward incarcerating rather than seeking other approaches for expressed by all. One woman observed, “You did my story well, and for a moment, I those in the unique situation of having killed their batterers; and (5) formerly abused wasn’t ashamed of being here…. It hurts less now, my level of shame, and I think incarcerated women may not identify themselves as domestic violence victims, nor now that I am going to be all right.”3 share their histories with other inmates or prison staff. This latter fact further This audience of incarcerated women provided a real litmus test for the integrity complicates the situation for this bordering-on-invisible population, relegating of Life Without Parole. Moreover, convicted survivors, the source of my research, convicted survivors to a disenfranchised and silenced status in our society. agreed that their lives were validated by the process of transforming sociological Reclaiming a Voice research into art. They expressed the hope that their words would be heard outside prison walls, bringing awareness and help to battered women living in the prison- To aid in understanding their experiences and reclaiming their voices, a support like atmosphere of violent relationships. Indeed, the voices of convicted survivors group, Convicted Women Against Abuse (CWAA), was organized at the California are important; they are also the voices of the thousands of American women who do Institute for Women (CIW) in 1989 by women who are serving life sentences for not survive that final violent assault. ❑ killing their abusers. CWAA has since grown to a membership of nearly 6o inmates, many of them convicted of first- or second-degree murder. The group provides a Notes setting for abused women to share their past experiences of victimization and to 1 We are grateful to CIW for allowing us to present Life Without Parole to the women who discuss their legal cases. The women also use the gathering to share current news made it possible through their generosity of spirit. events regarding battered women, current homicide cases, pending legislation, and 2 Leonard, Elizabeth Dermody. 2002. Convicted Survivors: The Imprisonment of Battered Women pertinent court rulings. Who Kill. NY: State University of New York. CWAA provided me a unique education about domestic violence and criminal 3 Frith, Stephanie. 2004. “Art imitates prisoners’ lives: Inland inmates see their stories told in justice responses to battered women, abusive men, and homicide offenders. Group a play aimed at a wider audience.” Press Enterprise, February 8. members comprised the majority of my research participants. A surprising number of interviewees stated that the interview process provided their first opportunity to Elizabeth Dermody Leonard can be reached at [email protected].
Thomas J. Schmid Joslyn Sindelar Paul D. Starr David T. Takeuchi Glenn T. Tsunokai Kathryn B. Ward Howard Winant Beth E. Schneider Royce A. Singleton, Jr. William J. Staudenmeier, Jr. Joan E. Talbert Teresa Marie Tsushima Martin J. Warmbrand Paul H. Windolf Garrett A. Schneider Marsha H. Singlevich Linda Brewster Stearns Jeanette Tate Christopher Uggen Hannah R. Wartenberg Brad Wing Peter T. Schneider Jessica Lynn Sippy Kelan J. Steel Lowney La’Shelle D. Tatum Miren Uriarte Sloan R. Wayland Julie A. Winterich Juliet Schor Arlene Skolnick Stephen F. Steele Mark Tausig Avelardo Valdez Sally Willson Weimer Lynne M. Woehrle Russell K. Schutt William O. Slayman Lala Carr Steelman Ashley Taylor John Van Maanen Michael G. Weinstein Robert P. Wolensky Pepper J. Schwartz Kathleen F. Slevin Byron D. Steiger Howard F. Taylor Jennifer M. van Stelle Gregory L. Weiss Brunetta Reid Wolfman Luisa Farah Schwartzman Kathleen O. Slobin Peter J. Stein John R. Taylor Thomas L. Van Valey Christopher Wellin Nancy J. Wolford James F. Scott Joel Smith Marc W. Steinberg Marylee C. Taylor Darcie Vandegrift Douglas L. White Jolyon S. Wurr Brenda Seals Tyson Smith Stephen Steinberg Ralph B. Taylor Victoria Vasquez Michael J. White Gad Yair Ruth Searles Lee A. Smithey Carl W. Stempel Sandra E. Taylor Diane Vaughan Norma S. Wilcox Renxin Yang Earl A. Seddon William L. Smith-Hinds Rob Stones Shanika Anicia Testamark Maria Beatriz Velez Bruce B. Williams Peter Cleary Yeager Marcia Texler Segal Robert Smock Kerry J. Strand Gregory Tewksbury William Velez Francis Marion Williams, Jr. William Yoels Jane Sell Douglas S. Snyder Lee G. Streetman Charles B. Thomas, Jr. Alladi Venkatesh Harvey Williams Chigen T. Yokoyama Philip Selznick Deenesh Sohoni Eric Stromberg F. Elaine Adams Sudhir A. Venkatesh J. Allen Williams, Jr. Yuval Peretz Yonay Randa Bassem Serhan Natalie J. Sokoloff Sheldon Stryker Thompson Marc J. Ventresca Julie K. Williams Gay Young Richard T. Serpe Margaret R. Somers Mark C. Suchman Maxine S. Thompson Robert L. Veon Norma Brain Williams Mayer N. Zald H. Jay Shaffer Roberta M. Spalter-Roth Richard Suzman Thorolfur Thorlindsson Aimee G. Vieira Richard Williams Luis Zanartu Jerry W. Shepperd Paul J. Spencer, Jr. Richard Swedberg Michael Timberlake Cynthia Vories Jane Williams-Hogan Iván Zatz-Díaz Jean H. Shin Joy D. Spicer Kathryn A. Sweeney Barbara A. Tomaskovic- Theodore C. Wagenaar Robert C. Williamson Sheryline A Zebroski Susan E. Short Seymour Spilerman Ann Swidler Devey Roger Waldinger Charles V. Willie Robert B. Zehner Timothy Shortell Susan J. St. John Diane R. Swords Geoffrey H. Tootell Ruth A. Wallace Sarah Susannah Willie John F. Zipp Catherine Silver Judith Stacey David E. Tabachnick Rosalie A. Torres Stone Steven P. Wallace J. Russell Willis James J. Zuiches Leigh Ann Simmons Ricardo D. Stanton-Salazar Hirosi Takada Nicole Elise Trujillo-Pagan Leslie T.C. Wang Franklin D. Wilson Gilda Zwerman Jonathan Simon David Stark Susan R. Takata Alois J. Tschopp Elijah G. Ward, III Ronald C. Wimberley 12 JANUARY 2006 FOOTNOTES
tive ideas for this compilation, contact: ences are also encouraged. Send manu- ation by a professional journal. (2) A cover Call for Papers John Foran, Department of Sociology, scripts to Debarun Majumdar at Funding letter from a Chapter Representative who University of California, Santa Barbara, [email protected]. Visit
Funding, continued two pages of introduction and theory, two Angeles Times article about her research on Philip Kasinitz, City University of New and family policies in academia in the Natalie J. Sokoloff, City University of pages on the methodology, and one page the therapeutic value of work for people York-Graduate Center, was interviewed November/December issue of Change: New York-John Jay College, was honored on the significance of the work. Finalists with severe mental illness. about immigration and remittances on the The Magazine of Higher Learning. with the 2004-2005 Outstanding Teacher may be asked to submit their full proposal Evening News broadcast on Globo, the Award from John Jay College and the 2005 or additional information at a later date. Peter Dreier, Occidental College, pub- Brazilian television network, on Novem- Barry Wellman, University of Toronto, Distinguished Scholar Award from the (4) One chapter and a table of contents lished a November 28 article on campus ber 17. was quoted in a November 11 Financial American Society of Criminology’s Divi- from the dissertation. Applications are anti-sweatshop activism in The Nation Times article on the pervasiveness of com- sion on Women and Crime. now being accepted. Submissions should with Richard Appelbaum, University of Akil Kokayi Khalfani, Essex County Col- munication networks. be sent to: Illinois Qualitative Dissertation California-Santa Barbara. His article lege, participated in a radio talk show Hermann Strasser, University of Paul Root Wolpe, University of Pennsyl- Award Committee, The Center for Quali- about President Bush’s tax reform task Open Line 98.7 FM in New York on De- Duisburg-Essen, participated in an excel- vania Center for Bioethics, was quoted in tative Inquiry, University of Illinois at force appeared on TomPaine.com on Octo- cember 4. lency competition of the State of North an October 18 New York Times article about Urbana-Champaign, Gregory Hall, Rm. ber 18. His article on Hurricane Katrina Rhine Westfalia in the humanities and John Kinkel, Baker College, was quoted the economic practicality of applying 229 (mc-463), 810 South Wright St., Ur- was published in the fall 2005 issue of social sciences and was awarded a in an October 6 New York Times article modern brain imaging technology to the bana, IL 61801; email dissertationaward Dissent and reprinted on the Common $125,000 grant for his project “Civil En- about the shortage of Catholic priests. His amelioration of brain-related disorders. @c4qi.org;
Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA 30332-0345; Beginning with his 1957 paper on “Soci- He was married twice. Both marriages posts in a variety of research associations Members’ New email [email protected]. ology and the Intellectuals” and the 1959 ended in divorce. He is survived by his four and won eight distinguished achievement paper (with Reinhard B. Bendix) on “Im- children, Jane Berger of Augsburg, Ger- awards. He lectured at New York Univer- Books ages of Society and Problems of Concept many; Nora Mitchell of Mendocino, CA; sity and Columbia University, among other Formation in Sociology,” he published a Stefanie Berger of Long Beach, CA; and schools, and wrote 11 books and countless Janet Mancini Billson, Group Dimen- Summer Programs number of classic papers and books. They Kenneth Berger of San Francisco, CA and articles in academic and other journals. His The Age of Television sions International, Female Well-Being: To- established his importance as a sociologist one grandchild, Sarah Eith of Augsburg. publication (1957) was On a personal note, Bennett was, for my one of the first analyses of the new medium. wards a Global Theory of Social Change (Zed Crime and Justice Summer Research of culture and the sociology of knowledge. wife and me, our very closest friend. His Among his other now-classic media stud- Books, 2005). Institute: Broadening Perspectives and A thread in his research and writing was a death closes a door that had happily been ies are Silent Politics (1972), Press and the Participation, Criminal Justice Research concern for the sources of conventional be- open for 45 years. Where there was insight, Public (1981), Preserving the Press (1991). A John Brewer, Trinity College, and Albert Center, Ohio State University, July 10-27, liefs. He sought to discover how and why even delusive beliefs gain acceptance. there is now silence. Where there was light, more personal account, which also testifies Hunter, Northwestern University, Foun- 2006. Scholars pursuing tenure and career His first book, Working-Classs Suburbia there is now darkness. Where there was life, to his ingenuity as a researcher, Finding Out, dations of Multimethod Research: Synthesiz- success in research intensive institutions, (1960), studied a suburb of San Jose popu- there is now only memory. appeared in 2003, and his last book, Over ing Styles (Sage Publications, 2006). academics transitioning from teaching to lated largely by middle-class automotive the Edge, a powerful critique of the commer- research institutions, and faculty carrying Joe Gusfield, University of California-San Leonard Cain, Portland State University, workers. The assumed culture of suburbia cialization of American culture, was pub- out research in teaching contexts will be Diego A Man’s Grasp Should Exceed His Reach: A did not erase the working-class lifestyles the lished in 2005. interested in this Summer Research Biography of Sociologist Austin Larimore new suburbanites brought with them. He Leo Bogart Bogart was born in Lvov, Poland, in 1921, Institute. The Institute is designed to pro- (University Press, 2005). studied the myth of American suburbia; a (1921-2005) literally in transit as his family was fleeing mote successful research projects and ca- culture derided by many as bland and smug the Bolshevik revolution and arrived in Laura M. Carpenter, Vanderbilt Univer- reers among scholars from under-repre- or painted by others as the American Leo Bogart, a pioneer of contemporary New York City as a two-year-old. His im- sity, Virginity Lost: An Intimate Portrait of sented groups working in areas of crime dream. media research, died October 16, 2005, from migrant origins were later reflected in a First Sexual Experiences (New York Univer- and criminal justice. Participants will be Perhaps his analysis of the presumed the effects of babesiosis, a rare tick-borne comparative study of Algerians in Paris and sity Press, 2005). provided with necessary resources for youth culture was what he was best known disease. Puerto Ricans in New York—and this in completing research that is already ongo- for. In a series of reviews, he criticized the Bogart received his PhD just after World 1951, at the very beginning of modern im- Lee Clarke, Rutgers University, Worst ing and will work with senior faculty men- assumption of a separate youth culture. He War II (in 1948 from the University of Chi- migration research. His wartime service in Cases: Terror and Catastrophe in the Popular tors in their areas of study. There will be found that what was assumed to be sepa- cago) when academic jobs were virtually Europe led to studies of the early Ameri- Imagination (University of Chicago Press, opportunities for networking with other rate and antagonistic to adult values was nonexistent. Partly as a result, he went to can Jewish response to the Holocaust and 2005). junior and senior scholars. Research and sponsored and supported by parents and work in the commercial world, spending to one of his later books How I Earned the professional development workshops will the schools. He wrote of James Coleman’s most of his career as a media, marketing Ruptured Duck (2004). After the war, his Akil Kokayi Khalfani, ATIRA Corp and address topics related to publishing, re- The Adolescent Society: “From Coleman’s and public opinion researcher, and execu- study of U.S. troops in Korea helped pre- Essex County College, The Hidden Debate: search methods, and treatment of the adolescent ‘subculture’ one tive. Although he was also active in the dis- pare for the U.S. Army’s desegregation. In The Truth Revealed about the Battle over Af- professionalization. The institute will cul- might think that cars and masculine prow- cipline as a lecturer and a prolific author, 1991, he published a widely discussed firmative Action in South Africa and the minate in a research symposium where ess and feminine glamour and social ‘ac- academic sociology did not take proper exposé of a major European public opinion United States (Routledge, 2006). participants present their completed re- tivities’ and sex and dating and wearing the advantage of his leadership, vision, and researcher’s Nazi era activities. search before an audience of nationally right clothes...were concerns entirely alien research talents. Instead, he became an out- Bogart is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eric Plutzer and Michael Berkman, both recognized scholars. Applications must be to American adults.” (Looking for America: standing role model for “sociological prac- Agnes, a writer and editor; his daughter of Pennsylvania State University, Ten postmarked by February 10, 2006. For Essays on Youth, Suburbia and Other Ameri- tice.” Michele, an art historian at SUNY-Stony Thousand Democracies: Politics and Public more information and to download an ap- can Obsession, 1971) From 1960 to 1989, Bogart served as the Brook; his son Gregory, a San Francisco psy- Opinion in America’s School Districts plication, visit
Obituaries, continued flected in her academic life as well as her eration of Teachers, working to make the at Cornell University Medical College (now Student-Physician,1957). He also developed including the Institute of Medicine and the off-campus pursuits. Her special interests Union a strong voice for faculty, staff, and Weill Medical College), died unexpectedly an appreciation of sociologists and their re- Royal Societies of Medicine and of Health were gerontology, social problems, and is- librarians on the campus. In addition, she on October 13, 2005, in his sleep in Rye, search capabilities through personal inter- in Great Britain. sues of race. She managed to combine these was an active member of Montclair State’s NY. He was 86. He leaves his wife, Helen, action with Bureau personnel, including George became internationally known as in her publications and presentations; for African-American Caucus. four sons, Jonathan, David, Mark, and Pe- Merton, Kendall, Si Goode, Paul an imaginative innovator and director of example, she spoke about elderly women Mary contributed her talents and exper- ter, and five grandchildren. Lazarsfeld, Renee Fox, Dave Caplovitz, complex projects in medical education, in developing societies, and about the ef- tise to her community, through her work George’s death is the passing of an ex- Hanan Selvin, Natalie Rogoff, Bill Martin, patient care, public health, and related re- fects of ethnicity, gender, and class on ag- at Big Sisters, the Montclair Senior Citizens traordinary physician who, in the course and others. search with a sociological component. He ing. She wrote a policy-oriented social Advisory Committee, and the Essex of a long and productive career, made sig- Nurses to sociologists—beginning with authored or co-authored numerous papers problems text, Social Policies for Social Prob- County Mental Health Advisory Board. nificant contributions to medical sociology, Lois Pratt and Mary Goss—formed an in- published in a variety of professional jour- st lems Approaching the 21 Century. Her inter- She participated in the Montclair-Pearl public health and community medicine, tegral part of the research arm of the pro- nals and books. He remained a dedicated disciplinary interests were reflected in her Lagoon Sister City Project, making the ar- medical education, and clinical medicine. gram. After support for the program clinician who regularly kept up with ad- research and presentations on how elderly duous trip to that remote fishing commu- In each field he played more than one no- ended, George obtained other substantial vances in internal medicine. He maintained African-Americans were portrayed in nov- nity in Nicaragua. She returned to table role. grants that enabled continuation of socio- a very small private practice and upon re- els. Montclair with valuable information that Born in Brooklyn, George graduated logical research within his clinical unit. quest often helped non-medical colleagues Mary was always trying to further per- strengthened the Committee’s work. She from Erasmus Hall and Cornell University. Describing George’s career, the former and friends find appropriate medical care. fect her craft, participating in numerous was an energetic congregant in St. Paul’s He received his MD from Cornell Medical Chair of the Cornell Department of Medi- George also enjoyed one-on-one clinical off-campus activities to this end. She was Baptist Church in Montclair, teaching Sun- College (1943). After an internship in in- cine and New York Hospital wrote: “He teaching and was always especially grati- a summer scholar at the Institute on Indi- day school and working with the youth in ternal medicine at New York Hospital, he immersed himself in the thought and lan- fied when he encountered former students vidual Development and Social Change at other capacities. She was also involved in served in the Navy for two years in the guage of sociology, and was largely respon- who recognized his contribution to their the Center for Advanced Study in the Be- the Essex County, New Jersey, literacy pro- Pacific Theater. He returned to New York sible for demonstrating the applicability of education. More formal recognition oc- havioral Sciences at Stanford University. gram. Hospital where he received his residency sociological methods of research to the curred when he was appointed a trustee She received a grant from the National Listing her activities and accomplish- training. In 1951, he became a diplomat of study of clinical problems.” (Comprehensive of Cornell University (1982-87), and in Endowment for the Humanities to partici- ments does not do justice to her importance the American Board of Internal Medicine Medical Care and Teaching, 1967) 1992, when he received the Greenberg pate in a Harvard University summer to those who were privileged to know her. and an assistant attending physician and In the 1950s, George joined the ASA and Award, the highest honor bestowed by the seminar on “The Comparative Study of She was a loyal and caring friend to many. chief of the General Medical Clinic at New played a significant role in the formation New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Cen- Slavery.” While at Harvard, she did re- She was a gentle, unassuming person who York Hospital, in addition to becoming an of the Medical Sociology Section; and in the ter. search on women’s roles in West Africa. never had a harsh word to convey. She al- assistant professor of medicine at Cornell 1960s, Eliot Freidson and he worked to es- George was my colleague at Cornell for Mary was an active member of our pro- ways wanted to brighten the lives of those Medical College. By 1957, he was a profes- tablish a medical sociology section in the some 35 years, and my friend for even fession and took a leading role in the As- she knew, to encourage them, to strengthen sor in the Department of Medicine at the International Sociological Association. longer. In the many research projects and sociation for Black Sociologists (ABS). She them when they had a problem, and to Medical College, and in 1962, an attend- In community medicine and public clinical enterprises he headed, he delegated was treasure of the ABS from 1997-2001. show that she was there, if needed. One of ing physician in the Hospital. He was health, George was equally active; over his responsibility freely and took credit spar- Her methods and insights were instrumen- her close friends aptly described her as the Chairman of the Department of Public career George directed and participated in ingly; his management style was watch- tal in helping the organization grow finan- glue holding many people together. Her Health from1972 to 1992. many ambitious projects to study and im- fully permissive. He was engaging and al- cially. She served on the ASA’s Dubois family especially meant a great deal to her. George became involved with sociology prove the health care of the disadvantaged. ways open to new ideas. George had a Johnson-Frazier Award Committee as well Mary touched many lives, and we will all in 1952 when, as a young Medical College Probably the most notable of these efforts marvelous sense of humor, great energy, as the Committee on Sociology in Elemen- miss her while grateful that she was in our faculty member charged with developing is described in Welfare Medical Care: An and exuded warmth in all of his interac- tary and Secondary Schools. lives but for far too short a time. curriculum for medical students that em- Experiment (with Goodrich, Olendzki, tions with people. He was devoted to his Mary was always there when the Soci- 1970). Beginning what were to become last- family. Barbara Chasin, Montclair State University; phasized comprehensive patient care, he ology Department at Montclair needed her. ing commitments, in 1956 he became a George leaves many rich intellectual Charlie Flint, William Paterson University; approached the Bureau of Applied Social Among her many contributions was her board member of the Health Insurance legacies to the fields of medical education, Diane R. Brown, School of Public Health Uni- Research at Columbia for help in evaluat- willingness to serve as the faculty advisor Plan of Greater New York, and in 1963 he public health, and sociology. His sociologi- versity of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jer- ing the program. The Bureau agreed, in for Alpha Kappa Delta, organizing the an- joined the board of the Visiting Nurse Ser- cal legacy is more than simply intellectual, sey part because the endeavor would help fur- nual awards ceremony. Her concern for ther Robert Merton’s current plans for re- vice of New York. He also served on the however: his eldest son, Jonathan W. students was reflected in her encouraging George G. Reader search on socialization for professional editorial boards of several professional Reader, is Baker professor of sociology at them not only to attend meetings of the (1919-2005) roles. In the course, a major research project journals and was editor of the Memorial Drew University. Eastern Sociological Society meeting but to Fund Quarterly: Health and Society (1972-76). lasting several years under Merton’s over- Mary E.W. Goss, Piscataway, NJ George G. Reader, MD, Livingston give presentations there as well. all supervision and managed by Patricia He was an active member of the American Farrand Professor Emeritus of Public On campus, she served on the Executive Kendall, George gradually moved from the Public Health Association and several Health and Professor Emeritus of Medicine Board of Local 1904 of the American Fed- status of client to that of collaborator (The other professional and scientific societies,
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Sociology of Alcohol and Drugs: Syllabi and Teaching Materials (Second Edition) Edited Carrie B. Oser, Richard Dembo, and Paul M. Roman. Contains syllabi on general courses New Member on Alcohol and Drugs, courses on Substance Use & Crime, and courses on specific topics in substance use. Additionally, it includes a multimedia section on alcohol and drug related Benefit websites and films, a bibliography section, and a list of alcohol and drug abuse research centers. 206 pp. for 2006! Teaching Sociological Concepts and the Sociology of Gender (Second Edition) Edited by Marybeth C. Stalp and Julie Childers. This collection of teaching exercises focuses on Introducing the ASA Job Bank teaching sociolgical concepts through a gendered lens. The 54 teaching exercises are divided into 9 categories: Socialization, Identity, and the Body, Media and Culture, Gender and Sexual- ASA Members can now search for employment ity Performance, Marriage, Family and Work, Youth, Inequality, Deviance and Violence, opportunities through the ASA online Job Bank. Pedagogy and Gender in the Field. The exercises range from short, in-class exercises to longer, Since its launch in November 2005, the Job Bank out-of class assignments. 232pp. has become a busy hub for employment information; the site has received over 200 job postings. Teaching About Human Rights Edited by Joyce A. Apsel. This syllabi set includes selected syllabi, assignments and bibliogra- How Does Job Bank Serve ASA Members phies for Undergraduate Seminars, Genocide and Human Rights, International Human Rights, and Subscribers? Social and Economic Justice, Globalization and Civil Society. This resource is useful for teach- ing sociology courses and particularly useful for teaching interdisciplinary courses on issues in • Current members have free access to the ASA human rights. 178pp. Job Bank. (Non-members may subscribe to the Job Bank for $19.95 per month.) Teaching Introduction to Sociology as a Hybrid Course Edited by Lynn Harper Ritchey. This resource guide assists sociologists in transitioning to the • Members have immediate access to the latest hybrid or online format. It provides articles relevant to the pedagogical issues of hybrid job vacancy listings. No more waiting for printed teaching, on course management and administrative strategies, and offers a variety of online editions in the mail. Employers can post their learning assignments, such as guided internet assignments, discussion forum questions and available positions immediately, instead of writing assignments. 228pp. waiting for a monthly print deadline. Teaching About Mass Media in the Classroom • Members can upload their resumes for review Edited by Heather Laube and Sarah Sobieraj. This guide includes instructional resources for by potential employers. exploring the production process, mass media content and mass media consumption/response. Additionally, it includes a resource appendix of websites and other media sources. 108pp. • Job candidates can search for professional opportunities through several “pull-down” op- Service-Learning and Undergraduate Sociology: Syllabi and Instructional Materials tions including geographic location, rank, areas (Third Edition) of expertise, dates available for employment, Edited by JoAnn DeFiore, Morten G. Ender, and Brenda Marsteller Kowalewski. This resource guide assists instructors who would like to incorporate the pedagogy of service-learning into and salary. their curricula offerings. It includes syllabi from courses where service-learning and commu- • The job advertisements include a detailed nity-based learning is the main focus of the class, syllabi from courses that include service- description of the requirements and responsibili- learning as one component of the courses’s grading scheme, and includes tips and tools for successful service-learning. 230pp. ties for the available position, with complete contact information for the employer. Incorporating the Women Founders into Classical Theory Courses Edited by Jan E. Thomas. This book includes nine syllabi for undergraduate courses and four To use the Job Bank, log in using your ASA ID and graduate level syllabi incorporating women into classical theory. It also includes syllabi for password at
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