VOLUME 33 APRIL 2005 NUMBER 4
AAAS 2005 Meeting Was Where Science Meets Society, And Sociology Was There, Too At 125th AAAS Annual Meeting, ASA exhibits, sociological research Scientists Warn of Conceptual Traps Concerning Genetics and “Race” in reigns, and ASA President Duster participates in press conference new genetic map of human populations by Johanna Ebner, science organization and there is not a by Lee Herring, Public Affairs Office, and data and their potential to appear to Public Information Office high concentration among attendees Mercedes Rubio, Minority Affairs Program endorse a gene basis for the social representing any single discipline, construct of race. Science advocates and national including sociology.” But there was Across the globe, the human genetic policymakers, scientists and students, strong interest among physicists, blueprint is 99.99 percent similar across Genetic Signposts parents and children all found common microbiologists, geneticists, teachers, individuals. But hopeful that the What the Perlegen researchers ground at the 2005 Annual Meeting of and many others, especially in ASA’s remaining variations may be predictive successfully aimed to create was a the American Association for the research materials (e.g., science disciplin- of an individual’s risk for particular detailed map of key genetic signposts Advancement of Science (AAAS), ary demographics, use of supplementary disease and responsiveness to specific (among subjects from three physically according to AAAS CEO Alan Leshner. faculty, and tenure issues). ASA Section treatments, biotech researchers are distinct human populations) in an effort And given the sociological relevance of information on knowledge and science, inspecting these variations closely. The to identify common disease-related the theme of AAAS’ meeting, “The technology, environment, medicine, small remaining percentage of genetic DNA variations that might aid the Nexus: Where Science Meets Society,” addiction, and mental health on display variations notwithstanding, gene-based development of effective, population- ASA was a prominent exhibitor at this at the booth also was of great interest, explanations for differences in complex targeted pharmacological treatments. th 125 Annual Meeting, held in Washing- according to Herring. Sociologists (and social outcomes have been endemic to The scientifically naïve and even some ton, DC. many other disciplines) were pleased to scientific and casual discourse since the biologists themselves may view Following the meeting, AAAS see the American Sociological Associa- 17th century. Perlegen’s new map of human diversity reported, “attendance records were tion officially represented in the AAAS Unfortunately, often-oversimplified as biological validation of socio-cultural broken in almost every category.” And exhibit hall. discourse could become more prevalent delineations of racial categories. the nearly 5,100 attendees had a choice One of 252 science societies affiliated following recent findings of a biotech Well aware of the potential for of almost 200 interdisciplinary symposia, officially with AAAS, ASA was repre- research team from the California-based misinterpretation of the genetic data, plenary sessions, and topical presenta- sented at the meeting in order to Perlegen Sciences, Inc. The potential for AAAS editorial staff felt it necessary to tions, some of which included sociologi- promote our publications, Annual over-simplification prompted the include commentary in Science magazine cal papers. About 1,200 members of the Meeting in Philadelphia, the ASA scientists to publicly reiterate ASA from knowledgeable social scientists and press reported scientific breakthroughs centennial, and answer questions about President Troy Duster’s warnings at a to include this perspective in the press including the release of the Science paper sociology as a discipline. Our “sociologi- Washington, DC, AAAS Annual Meeting press conference on February 17. Duster describing the first whole genome See Genetics, page 3 mapping effort to assess allele variation See AAAS Meeting, page 4 urged scientists and the public alike to across three human populations. be alert to conceptual illusions in the Finally, about 3,000 people of all ages attended the Family Science Days. Reflecting on ASA’s Science & Society Centennial Year, 2005 “AAAS members support a vital connection between science At this time 99 years ago . . . Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle had just exposed the and society,” said Leshner squalor, corruption, and cruelty within the Chicago meat-packing industry, creating following the meeting, and this a popular sensation that prompted the Roosevelt administration to mount a federal was clearly born out in the investigation and brought needed reforms. Meanwhile, the American Sociological experience of the ASA staff who Society began assessing other social ills, as well, with its new “army” of 115 charter manned the ASA exhibit booth. members who just elected their first president, Lester Ward, and held an inaugural “We received a surprising Annual Meeting in Providence, RI (1906). amount of traffic to the ASA 85 years ago . . . the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution passed, guaranteeing Among the many exhibits at the AAAS meeting was the women’s suffrage, and that year the Alpha Kappa Delta international sociology exhibit booth,” said Lee Herring, American Sociological Association booth, which drew ASA’s Director of Public Affairs, crowds of social scientists happy to see a familiar face (or honor society was founded by University of Southern California sociologist Emory “given that AAAS is a general discipline) and other scientists interested in what the “other S. Bogardus for the purposes of stimulating scholarship and promoting the scientific half” does. study of society (1920). 56 years ago . . . the Soviet Union (Russia) test exploded its first atomic bomb, using virtually all the plutonium it had on hand, and in that same year the American “Culture Wars” Explored at Contexts Forum Sociological Society Executive Office was established at New York University tapping Matilda White Riley with her legendary high-energy personality, to serve by Johanna Ebner, discussing the current legitimacy of the part-time as the first Executive Officer (1949). Public Information Office culture wars concept. At New York 19 years ago . . . the illegal Iran “arms-for-hostages” deal was exposed, initiating the University (NYU), two nationally known controversial and scandalous Iran-Contra Affair in the Reagan White House, but Sociological fter a close and bitter 2004 sociologists and two nationally known without equivalent controversy or scandal ASA began publishing A Methodology and Sociological Theory (1986). presidential election, the dispute over public intellectuals discussed the culture whether the United States is experienc- wars imbroglio. ing a de facto “culture war,” stubbornly Council Appoints New ASA Editors graces the front pages of national media Increasing Visibility and the headlines of TV news seemingly As the latest issue of Contexts (Issue 1, During their respective meetings in December 2004 and February 2005, the ASA daily. And like Night of the Living Dead Volume 4) was sent off to press, the Committee on Publications recommended, and ASA Council approved, new monster creatures, daily news topics magazine’s new editors James M. Jasper editors for Contemporary Sociology, the Rose Series in Sociology, and Sociology of continuously resurrect the culture war and Jeff Goodwin, NYU, planned the Education. public debate. Are the “culture wars” forum to increase the visibility of the The new editors’ official terms will begin in January 2006, with editorial transi- actually nothing more than monster magazine. Jasper and Goodwin’s NYU tions taking place in late summer 2005. The new editors are: creatures of the country’s insatiable, 24/ colleague Eric Klinenberg organized the Contemporary Sociology: Valerie Jenness, David A. Smith, and Judith Stepan- 7 news-cycle-feeding frenzy? event, titled “How Many Americas?: Norris, University of California-Irvine Whatever their origin, given the Culture Wars and U.S. Politics,” and Rose Series in Sociology: Said Arjomand, SUNY-Stony Brook; Javier Auyero, intensity and longevity of values- moderated the panel of three speakers. SUNY-Stony Brook; Diane Barthel-Bouchier, SUNY-Stony Brook; Cynthia Bogard, focused national debates, it is fitting that Their comments were intended also to Hofstra University; Michael Kimmel, SUNY-Stony Brook; Naomi Rosenthal, SUNY- the launch of ASA’s prize-winning spark ideas for material and topics for Old Westbury/Stony Brook; and Michael Schwartz, SUNY-Stony Brook Contexts magazine’s new editorial team publication in Contexts, whose content is Sociology of Education: Barbara Schneider, NORC/University of Chicago (see May/June 2004 Footnotes) would As they become available, Footnotes will run biographies of the new editors as engage sociologists and journalists well as addresses for the new editorial offices. See Contexts, page 4
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2 APRIL 2005 FOOTNOTES
The Executive Officer’s Column In This Issue . . . Rumors of Departmental Decline Are Articles accompanied by the logo are part Greatly Exaggerated of a series commemorating ASA’s centennial year. Washington’s emerging cherry blossoms make it an The series began in the January 2005 Footnotes. especially nice time to linger in DC, but the ASA staff sociologists are still on the road as this Footnotes goes to press, participating in the vibrant meetings of regional sociology societies. We enjoy these opportunities to meet with colleagues on their own “turf” ASA Returns to San because, for us, these are relaxed settings that give us an oppor- tunity to share current ASA initiatives and hear first hand from Francisco in 2006 sociologists outside the Washington Beltway about not only the The ASA Council changes the venue pressures and concerns they face, but more impressively the many accomplishments and 3 for the 2006 meeting from New York innovations of sociologists across the country. Our experience is often in stark contrast to what we hear as we represent the Associa- to San Francisco. tion on the governing bodies of other learned societies and professional associations and act as the voice for sociology on federal advisory bodies and social science and humani- JHSB Explores the U.S. ties advocacy groups. I serve, for example, on the Executive Committee of the Consor- tium of Social Science Associations, as a member of the National Humanities Alliance, Health Care System and the Commerce Secretary’s Advisory Committee for the Decennial Census. Other ASA staff sociologists also represent sociology on the advisory bodies of professional The extra issue of JHSB looks into associations working on issues in higher education, scientific workforce diversity, 5 the history and future of the research, scholarly publishing, and executive management. When we introduce our- American health care system. selves as sociologists, however, we often elicit off-the-cuff responses that can be very telling about other professions’ casual impressions of the field of sociology. An Director of Vera Institute all-too-common response, particularly from colleagues in other disciplines, is an Is a Sociologist offering of sympathy for the “pressure” Criminologist Michael P. Jacobson is sociology is under or the perceived the newest director of the Vera frequent closing of its departments. 5 Institute of Justice. Setting the Record Straight Hearing these assertions requires the skill, and momentary FAD-NSF Grant Funds 11 pause to regroup, of a 60 Minutes interviewee, as we prepare to set the record straight about these unsupported beliefs that sociology departments are in decline. The Associa- New Projects tion tries to track departments that are at risk of closing or downsizing. And we work ASA’s Fund for the Adancement of with them to present their contributions to the institution and its students in the context of strong evidence about the national and international vitality of sociology as a disci- the Discipline sponsors projects on pline. ASA has a consulting service—the Department Resources Group—comprised of labor disputes, finances and social trained sociology colleagues who engage in program reviews to help departments 6 conflict, and academic career identify strengths and remediate weaknesses before problems escalate. The rumor of departmental demise is most toxic when it spreads within the circle of outcomes. academic deans. In the 1980s, when the national political climate weighed heavily on higher education and social science, two sociology departments did close—the Univer- Fairfield University sity of Rochester and Washington University-St. Louis. The latter school’s situation was particularly contentious and public, and it became an urban legend among deans. Later, Partners with Local High the sociology department at Yale was highly scrutinized and considered for downsizing, but in the end, the department hired new faculty to replace senior scholars who had Schools retired and continued to strengthen as a center of scholarship and learning. When our In the Continuing series on the staff sociologists travel to visit departments, we still see yellowing newspaper clippings 7 about Washington University and Yale University posted on bulletin boards. The odd, relationship between high schools death-defying shelf life of these cases seemed to skew the view of the health of the field. and universities, Fairfield University In the last decade, a few sociology departments have lost their PhD programs and a few professors teach reasoning skills small departments have closed, primarily because the schools themselves closed. In a few other universities, sociology (and other) faculty have dispersed into specialized using GIS mapping projects. programs or institutes but have retained the sociology degree programs at all levels. NAE Continues Moving Enrollments Rising, New Programs Sociology departments in reality are doing quite well. Enrollments are steadily rising, Forward (and to DC) if not rapidly, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Graduate degrees awarded An update on the publications, continue to climb. Several departments have regrouped and started up again, such as projects and research ongoing at the Southern Methodist University. The University of Central Florida (see November 2004 7 Footnotes, p. 7) will start a new PhD program. Over a dozen departments are experiment- National Academy of Education. ing with new professional MA degree programs to offer an improved degree for students wishing to engage in sociological practice in a wide variety of public, non-profit, and NIH Lecture Series private organizations that are vital to their communities. The ASA Council has formed a new Task Force on the MA degree to explore these possibilities and assist departments Named for Matilda White think through the role of the MA in our changing economic and academic environments. A second new Council Task Force (see March 2005 Footnotes, p. 9) will consider in depth Riley the role of sociology in general education, including how the discipline attracts student Annual lecture in the social and majors early in the pipeline and how it contributes to the liberal arts experience of students in every major. The inclusion and centrality of sociology across the undergradu- 8 behavioral sciences named in honor ate curriculum can only strengthen the understanding and more accurate appreciation of of the former ASA President. the discipline’s contributions to knowledge and to the advancement of science. Last month, the Alabama/Mississippi Sociological Association held its annual meeting in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, home of the University of Alabama, which had closed its sociology department many years ago. The theme of the meeting was “Toward a Positive Sociology.” The energy, high attendance (including students), ideas, and Our Regular Features presentations met the test of the theme and intellectual vibrancy of the discipline overall. Public Forum...... 8 It is not surprising, therefore, that the sociologists on the Alabama campus are organiz- ing an effort to re-establish the department. Without ignoring the challenges faced today Departments...... 9 by the social sciences in the United States and in the ever-changing world of higher Obituaries ...... 11 education, we need a “search and replace” function on all those bulletin boards across the country to display how positive sociology’s current reality really is. ❑ Editors’ Reports ...... 12 —Sally T. Hillsman APRIL 2005 FOOTNOTES 3
Genetics, from page 1 PUBLIC AFFAIRS UPDATE conference. Hence, a Policy Forum patterns. opinion piece, authored by Duster, This research is part of a larger ✔ Protection of prisoners involved in research . . . . In March 2005, the accompanied the Perlegen scientists’ international effort to develop a haplo- National Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Ethical Considerations for findings, which were published in the type map of the human genome. This Protection of Prisoners Involved in Research held its first of five meetings February 18 Science magazine (see “In “HapMap,” will allow researchers to to discuss the risk of violating informed consent standards and exposing the News” section of ASA’s homepage more easily isolate genes and SNPs that at
Contexts, from page 1 AAAS Meeting, from page 1 tailored to bring sociological research to ing the cal presence” fit well with the meeting’s and anchoring its “Where Science Meets the general public. ASA’s Public Infor- marginalized theme, and scientists from a range of Society” theme, there were also several mation Office, with the assistance from and disen- disciplines were interested in talking paper sessions that featured sociological NYU’s media relations office and franchised, with staff at length about sociological research. For example, a symposium on Contexts editorial office, publicized the was well research and interdisciplinary research “New Developments in Human and forum with the media and contributed in received. opportunities, the press briefing concern- Social Dynamics: Dimensions of Diver- the logistical planning of the event. The In ing race and genetics (see below), and sity” focused on dimensions of human forum was partially underwritten by the describing application of sociological research diversity pertaining to human identity ASA Spivack Program in Applied Social the culture findings to modifying the culture of their and what that foretells for human action Research and Social Policy. of the inner own sciences and academic environ- and social behavior. In the symposium, The forum featured best-selling social city, Ander- ments (e.g., improving diversity, address- sociologist David Harris, Cornell critic Thomas Frank, author of What’s the son said, ing economic issues in higher education). University, presented on the social Matter with Kansas?; acclaimed columnist “Sometimes Best-selling author Thomas constructions of race and its policy and and Columbia University law professor things get Frank, author of What’s the Long-term Affiliation research implications, and sociologist Matter with Kansas, was the Patricia Williams of The Nation maga- out of Since 1931, ASA has been formally Guillermina Jasso, New York University, zine; and sociologist Elijah Anderson, hand…. The featured speaker at the presented results from the New Immi- Contexts forum. affiliated as a disciplinary society with University of Pennsylvania and author inner city the AAAS, which itself is a 10,000 grant Survey, a multimillion-dollar, of The Code of the Street. Klinenberg economy at individual-member association with a multi-agency federally funded demo- introduced the forum with a discussion ground zero rests on three prongs: low- mission to “advance science and serve graphic research project. of the role of public sociology and of the wage jobs, the welfare system, and the society” through initiatives in science Another “meeting of the sociology values that epitomize the culture wars idiosyncratic, irregular underground policy; international programs; science minds” occurred at the “Race and Ethnic and their role in the recent election. economy. The money circulates between education; and more. The 2005 meeting Inequality in College Enrollment: New Following the introduction, the three and among those elements. If you take was an opportunity for an interdiscipli- Data on Old Questions” symposium, public intellectuals commented on the one of those away, like the way they cut nary blend of scholars, scientists, and which presented research from and was validity of the “culture wars” concept, welfare; if you take one element away researchers to present the latest in moderated by sociologists. Adam which has been written about and you put pressure on the other two and scientific findings. This included sociolo- Gamoran, University of Wisconsin- disputed extensively by a broad range of so people then have to scramble to find gists and an array of other social scientists. Madison, moderated with researchers public scholars. The panelists’ discus- low-wage jobs or they have to get into Charles Hirschman, University of sions were followed by an entertaining this bartering, begging, hustling system, Sociology in Science Washington (on the difference in range of audience questions. conning in order to survive.” employment in the transition from high Despite the rather heavy Not known for publishing a great deal school to college); Douglas Massey, snow in New York City on the of material in the behavioral and social Princeton University, and Mary J. night of the forum, the event sciences (relative to the amount of high Fischer, University of Connecticut (on drew a standing-room-only quality research available), AAAS’ the effects of affirmative action in higher capacity crowd, with more than Science magazine recently is showing, education); and Marta Tienda, Princeton 260 attendees in the Kimmel though admittedly anecdotally, signs that University (on winners and losers in the Center for University Life on the editorial practices may be more open to top-10-percent college admission policy NYU campus (overlooking the accepting serious research in these in Texas). beautiful snow-covered Wash- disciplines. Science publishes several Other sociologists in attendance at the ington Square). types of material including editorials. AAAS Annual Meeting include Harriet Two especially recent examples of the Presser, University of Maryland, as Culture War Context latter include ASA President Troy ASA’s official AAAS liaison; Cora Bagley Duster’s Policy Forum-Medicine piece in Frank entertained and Marrett, University of Wisconsin System, the February 18, 2005, Science and a who presented a paper on science and informed the crowd with his University of Pennsylvania sociologist Elijah Anderson February 11 Policy Forum-Ethics piece by technology inequalities; and Wendy data and his musings on what was one of three panelists to address a standing-room-only sociologist Joanna Kempner, University Baldwin, University of Kentucky, who it’s like to hail from the “red crowd at the Contexts magazine public forum in New York. of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and co-authors state” of Kansas. He discussed addressed issues surrounding assess- Clifford Perlis of Brown University ment of Institutional Review Boards. the perceived elitist classification Medical School, and medical ethicist Jon with which “liberals” are labeled. His The audience’s attention was held well beyond the two-hour time slot of Merz of the University of Pennsylvania Woman of “Firsts” contagious wit and animated delivery School of Medicine. energized the crowd. Williams, too, was the event and into an extended question- The meeting was kicked off with the and-answer session. Caroline Persell, engaging, citing recent court cases that Genes and Social Behavior presidential address from Shirley Ann bear on the issue as she discussed Craig Calhoun, and other prominent Jackson, AAAS President and Rensselaer affirmative action and academic freedom NYU attendees, as well as the Contexts While ASA President Troy Duster was Polytechnic Institute President, who and intellectual rights on college and associated staff, NYU faculty, and other not in attendance at the AAAS meeting, urged scientists and engineers to renew university campuses. Anderson’s sociologists attended the event. Future he participated in a teleconferenced press their commitment to public engagement intriguing research on culture wars in issues of Contexts will elaborate further conference relevant to his Science piece, and serving humanity, saying that the the black community, especially regard- on the “culture wars” topics that were titled “Race and Reification in Science.” gains to be achieved outweigh the risk raised at the forum. In the article he discusses the danger of that some battles might be lost along the With editorial offices now scientists (and the general public) likely way. Jackson is the first African-Ameri- firmly ensconced at NYU, misinterpreting recent genetic research can woman to lead a national research Contexts is published by the findings and believing that socially university, the first to lead AAAS, and American Sociological Associa- constructed racial categories actually the first to be elected to the National tion in collaboration with the exist at the level of genes when in fact Academy of Engineering, and the first to University of California Press. they don’t. Duster believes the potential receive a doctorate from MIT in any Contexts was named the “The for erroneous “reification of race” is high subject. Best Sociology Journal of 2002” because readers easily misunderstand by the Association of American the conceptually complex genetic Sociological Opportunity Publishers as well as “One of the findings regarding variability across Best New Magazines of 2002” by groups of people. “There is a complex Next year’s meeting (February 16-20) Library Journal. For more infor- feedback loop and interaction effect will take place in St. Louis, Missouri, mation on Contexts magazine, between phenotype and social practices with the theme “Grand Challenges, In spite of a major snow storm that blasted New York City Great Opportunities.” Sociologists are before and during the Contexts forum, 261 people jammed see
Mapping High School Sociology: Fairfield Moving Forward with the National University Partners with High Schools Academy of Education
This is the third in a five-part series of articles on relationships between by Amy Swauger, Teacher in Every Classroom will be high schools and sociology departments. National Academy of Education released in July. The final CTE volume, by Victoria Hougham, Academic and improve students’ analytical skills and Knowledge to Support the Teaching of Professional Affairs Program and Gavin W. geographical literacy.” After seven years at New York Reading: Preparing Teachers for a Changing Hougham, University of Chicago Each of the high school teachers University, the National Academy of World, focuses on the work of the involved with the project attended Education (NAE) will move its office to Reading Subcommittee and will be published in October. uantitative literacy and reasoning training sessions run by Schlichting and the National Academies Building in Q A NAE-CTE website is currently skills are vital to academic success in Chris Calienes, a Fairfield University Washington, DC, this spring. The move under construction. The content on the post-secondary education, yet many GIS specialist. At the workshops, reflects NAE’s commitment to collabora- site will reflect the recommendations of students arrive on campuses with vastly teachers received GIS training and tion with Washington-based organiza- the CTE and present curricular examples underdeveloped skills in these areas. guidance on how to develop new GIS- tions, including the American Sociologi- of those recommendations. The CTE Ideally, students should start developing inspired high school courses and cal Association, and to increased website will provide an important analytical and data management skills in teaching modules. The teachers then involvement in discussions of critical resource for teacher education programs high school. Faculty from the sociology went back to their respective schools and education policy issues. by reflecting not only the design of department at Fairfield University in began working on new modules and For the last 40 years, NAE has sought specific courses, but also the coherence Connecticut are working closely with courses using their GIS training. to advance the highest quality education and sequence of teacher candidate local high schools to develop curricula Following the training seminars last research and its use in policy formation experiences across a program. In with these goals in mind. year, Liz Smith, a teacher at Weston and practice. NAE’s membership, which addition, the site will provide new ways For the last year-and-a-half, Fairfield High School, developed a sociology includes up to 150 people based in the of thinking across traditional depart- University sociology professor Kurt course called iMapping that utilized GIS United States, up to 25 foreign associ- mental and institutional boundaries as Schlichting has collaborated with five to teach sociological concepts. “A ates, and any number of emeritus programs look for ways to prepare area high schools to help develop partnership of this nature can only members, consists of individuals who teachers effectively. students’ analytical skills through benefit all parties, most importantly the have distinguished records of scholar- Additionally, NAE administers the immersion into the world of geographi- students,” commented Smith. “The ship on education issues or who have NAE/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship cal information systems (GIS). students have been positive, and seem to made other significant contributions to Program, which is funded by the GIS is computer software designed to be enjoying the application of the the education field. Among the many Spencer Foundation. Since 1986, the facilitate the assembly, storage, and software.” sociologist members are NAE Vice- program has funded almost 600 fellow- analysis of geographically referenced As students are guided through President Maureen Hallinan, University ships for outstanding early-career data, and then to display the results on progressively more challenging exercises of Notre Dame, and Secretary-treasurer scholars from the United States and maps. The software provides students to learn the software, they are learning Anthony Bryk, Stanford University. other countries whose work focuses on with the tools to carry out data analysis fundamentals of geography, sociology, The organization’s influential issues related to education. Fellows of varying degrees of sophistication— data analysis, and how to ask research publications include groundbreaking come from a range of disciplines, following the progression of their skill questions. Once the students are familiar work such as including sociol- development—with a diverse array of and comfortable with GIS, Schlichting’s Research for ogy, political national and international geographical teachers report that students have Tomorrow’s Schools: The CTE website will provide an science, philoso- data. The scale of GIS maps can range produced some remarkably sophisti- Disciplined Inquiry important resource for teacher phy, psychology, from neighborhood street maps to cated projects. for Education education programs by reflecting and history, as well county, state, national, or topographical Schlichting chose the five schools to (1969), The Nation’s not only the design of specific as education. world maps. Using World Bank or bring together teachers and students Report Card: courses, but also the coherence Currently 20 United Nations data easily available from diverse backgrounds. The schools Improving the and sequence of teacher candidate fellowships are online or supplied by the high school participating in the collaboration are Assessment of experiences across a program. funded each year teachers, students can analyze and map Central High School and Kolbe-Cathe- Student Achieve- with stipends of the international distribution of natural dral High School in Bridgeport, CT; ment (1987), $55,000. Applicants must be within five resources, population densities, urban Fairfield Preparatory High School in Improving Education Through Standards- years of receipt of their PhD or other growth, or environmental conditions. Fairfield, CT; Weston High School in based Reform (1995), and Issues in terminal degree. The 2006 fellowship Learning how to manipulate data that Weston, CT; and Stratford High School Education Research: Problems and Possibili- application deadline is November 10, are easily visualized and intrinsically in Stratford, CT. ties (1999). 2005. Application materials will be interesting to high school students Funding for the project comes from a NAE’s most recent publication, available on the NAE website in July. provides ample opportunities for three-year U.S. Department of Education Preparing Teachers for a Changing World: For the last year, NAE has partnered honoring quantitative reasoning. Fund for the Improvement of Postsecon- What Teachers Should Learn and Be Able to with the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), the “Here is an opportunity to develop dary Education (FIPSE) Grant and from Do, resulted from the work of the International Honor Society in Educa- curriculum materials that are sociologi- money raised by Fairfield University. Committee on Teacher Education (CTE), tion, and the National Society for the cally based,” noted Schlichting. “We can For more information about the chaired by John Bransford (University of Study of Education (NSSE) to co-sponsor get the high school students to examine Fairfield University program, contact Washington-Seattle) and Linda Darling- public forums on No Child Left Behind big social issues and can really get them Kurt Schlichting at KSchlichting@ Hammond (Stanford University). (NCLB). The goal of the NCLB project is to start thinking sociologically. . . . It’s mail.fairfield.edu. ❑ Catherine Snow (Harvard University) to provide teachers, parents, administra- great because it’s visual, and you can chaired a CTE subcommittee focused on the teaching of reading. tors, and others in local communities With funding from the U.S. Depart- with factual information about NCLB’s Grantees, from previous page ment of Education and the Ford Founda- requirements and initial assessments of tion, the CTE has worked since 2001 to its impact, and to suggest strategies for crimes, exonerated, and released from women, who have one of the world’s identify core pedagogical knowledge supporting local and state school death row. The specific research question highest rates of labor force participation, that, combined with pedagogical content officials as they work to meet the is to identify factors that facilitate or are re-embracing the home as a separate knowledge and knowledge of subject requirements of this far-reaching impede exonerees’ recovery from sphere. The PI suggests that an impor- matter, is indispensable to good teach- legislation. wrongful conviction and incarceration. tant reason is the decline in workforce ing; to develop recommendations To date NAE, KDP, and NSSE have Further, the study investigates the conditions with the growth of post- concerning the content of a core curricu- sponsored NCLB events in California, coping strategies exonerees use to deal socialist labor/management relations. lum for all teacher candidates; and Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, with their post-release adjustment to The primary research questions is develop recommendations concerning Pennsylvania, and Texas. Planning is their communities. The PIs use trauma, whether the return to the family is a the content of a core curriculum for all underway for forums in Ann Arbor, recovery, and stigma management result of the growing strength of pre-kindergarten and elementary school New Orleans, and New York City. ASA theory to analyze their post-release patriarchy in China or the change to teachers concerning what they should members who are interested in collabo- adjustment and the factors that affect “crony capitalism” characterized by know and be able to do to teach reading. rating on a future NCLB event should this adjustment. The knowledge gained increased vulnerability to exploitation as Preparing Teachers for a Changing contact NAE. about stigma management from this the state withdraws its safety-net World, which summarizes the findings of All three CTE volumes are published study can be applied to other situations provisions. Changes in workforce the CTE’s work, was published in by Jossey-Bass and a chapter of Preparing and processes. conditions and in patriarchal relations February. Two additional volumes are Teachers for a Changing World: What Jiping Zuo, St. Cloud University, will be documented by in-depth inter- forthcoming from CTE. A Good Teacher in Teachers Should Learn and Be Able to Do is received $7,000 for her study, Under- views with 50 women in two cohorts, Every Classroom: Preparing the Highly available for review at:
Sociologists Present at Genetics, from page 3 2005 AAAS Annual Meeting pinning; however, hypertension studies The following is a report on activities by Sarah McDonald (National Opinion Research dangerously and inappropriately helps Center) of particular relevance to sociologists that took place at the February 2005 Annual in the Caribbean show less racial absolve social institutions, social Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Wash- disparities than in North America. If arrangements, and public and social ington, DC. See also the related page-one stories on the AAAS Annual Meeting in this Blacks in the United States are presumed policies of any responsibility for the issue of Footnotes. to be genetically similar to those in the unequal distribution of disease across Contextual Approach to Teaching & Learning Science Caribbean, then molecular genetics groups. Science and society will benefit would indicate that that the root of the from informed advocates helping to The AAAS “Teaching and Learning in Science” track offered a symposium on The Teaching and Learning of Science: A Contextual Approach disease is not endemic to this socially educate the public otherwise, especially , which was organized by sociologist contrived group. If anything, these Barbara Schneider, ASA’s official representative to AAAS Section Q (Education). This since a more exhaustive and detailed session explored the context in which science teaching and learning occur through the findings suggest description of human formal educational system. It highlighted the importance of understanding how scientific a complex genetic variations is knowledge and science education are created and valued in families, schools, and society interaction On the surface, the differences sug- expected later this more generally. It also examined how contextual factors influence the value placed on between social gest a biological underpinning; how- year from the science and the decision behind pursuing science-related occupations. environment and ever, hypertension studies in the Caribbean show less racial disparities international Two presentations in this science education symposium explicitly compared the socializa- genes. than in North America. If Blacks in the HapMap Project. This tion of science, taking into account gender and other cultural and structural factors from a United States are presumed to be project is directed by cross-national perspective. Using international databases that specifically address science What’s Next? genetically similar to those in the government agencies and math learning, two of the papers examined the relationship between curricular The efforts by Caribbean, then molecular genetics in Japan, China, and differentiation and social stratification. Specifically, the authors addressed how families of scientists from would indicate that that the root of the Canada, as well as different occupations transmit science values to their children; how science learning is stratified within high schools, focusing on the influence of curricular structures and social biotech firms disease is not endemic to this socially The Welcome Trust of contrived group. London, and the U.S. relations on science learning; and science socialization from an international, comparative such as Perlegen perspective. The symposium included presentations of papers by Kimberly Maier, National Institutes of or by pharmaceu- Michigan State University, on “The Familial Culture of Science: Links with Adolescent tical companies such as NitroMed Health. This mapping effort will de- Outcomes”; Francisco Ramirez, Stanford University, on “World Society and Science (maker of BiDil) can, said Duster, “give a scribe variation across individuals of Globalization”; Chandra Muller, University of Texas-Austin, on “Science Achievement kind of imprimatur of scientific author- Japanese, Chinese, Nigerian, and and Health During Adolescence: The Role of Curriculum”; and Karen Bradley, Western ity” thereby inadvertently fueling the lay European ancestry. Responsible scien- Washington University, and co-author Maria Charles, University of California-San Diego, public’s propensity to perceive innate tists clearly have their work cut out too, on “A Macro-Cultural Account of Women’s Representation in Math-Intensive Fields.” racial differences as responsible for one’s apparently, to forestall nonscientists and The Affiliates Meeting scientists “misreading” the upcoming health. According to Duster, this per- An annual meeting of science society affiliates’ representatives at the AAAS meeting petuates the view that solutions lie genomic maps in terms of imagined ❑ addressed two major items: the AAAS Center for Advancing Science and Engineering strictly in medicines tailored to “specific signposts of race categories. Capacity and AAAS activities related to the teaching of evolution. races.” This outcome, said Duster, The Center for Advancing Science and Engineering Capacity was launched in August 2004 with support from a three-year, $400,000-grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Located in the AAAS Directorate for Education and Human Resources Programs, the Center offers research-based technical assistance in the form of fee-for service consultancy to institutions of higher education “seeking to increase the participation of U.S. students, Public Forum especially women and underrepresented minorities, in science and engineering careers.” (See November 2004 Footnotes, p. 3.) Center Director Daryl Chubin discussed the objec- tives and plans of the Center, noting the receipt of an additional one-year grant from the Response to Iutcovich; Reply Iutcovich suggests that we do not need Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in February 2005 to disseminate the content of Standing Our international support to defend our Ground: A Guidebook for STEM Educators in the Post-Michigan Era (see
of marijuana in the Netherlands; the de- models and hierarchical models involv- February 10-12, 2006. 13th Annual Ameri- ments, and to the sustainability of reforms Corrections nial of marijuana to medical patients who ing a level of spatially aggregated data) can University Conference on Lavender Lan- in higher education. RSFP represents a choose to self-manage their pain and suf- will be given preference for manuscript guages and Linguistics, Washington, DC. conscious strategy to combat “brain Katherine Meyer, Ohio State University, fering; and the government’s threat to acceptance. Submit a 300- to 500-word Contact: William L. Leap, Department of drain” in the social sciences and humani- should have been listed as a co-principal doctors who suggest marijuana as a valu- proposal to the guest editor by July 29, Anthropology, American University, 4400 ties by offering financial, institutional, investigator (along with Richard able alternative to commercially pro- 2005. A plain text abstract in email or as Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC and professional development support Herrmann of Ohio State University) on duced analgesics. In all the above areas, an attached document (either in MSWord 20016; (202) 885-1831; fax (202) 885-1837; for two or more academic years, as well page 5 of the January 2005 Footnotes, in reviews of important books and films are or WordPerfect) is required. Authors email [email protected].
and a one-page statement on their related Charles A. Gallagher, Georgia State Uni- February 20 Boston Globe about his analy- search was cited in a January 26 Washing- Competitions research to Pam Paxton, Department of versity, was quoted in a nationally syndi- sis of aerial photos of the New England ton Post article about the controversy Sociology, 300 Bricker Hall, 190 North cated, February 16 Associated Press ar- Patriot’s Super Bowl victory parade. He around Harvard President Larry Sum- Aidoo-Snyder Prize For Scholarly and Oval Mall, Ohio State University, Colum- ticle on the effect multiracial television estimated the number of onlookers based mers’ comments about women in science Creative Work. The Women’s Caucus of bus, OH 43210-1353. The application advertisements have on race relations and on the carrying capacity of the route and mathematics careers. She was inter- the African Studies Association (ASA) deadline is May 5, 2005 and award deci- was quoted in the December 24 Atlanta length, the variable width of bordering viewed on a panel of three women scien- announces the establishment of the sions will be made by mid-May. The con- Journal and Constitution on the rise of mul- sidewalks, and the variable density of tists on the Newshour with Jim Lehrer on a Aidoo-Snyder Book Prize to be awarded ference is sponsored by the Ohio State tiracial play groups. sidewalk occupation. show about “Women in Science.” Dou- in November 2005 at the ASA Conference. University Department of Sociology as glas Massey, Princeton University, was An award of $500 will be given for the part of its annual conference series: The Jeanne Guillemin, Boston College, wrote Katherine Meyer, Ohio State University, also interviewed on the episode about best scholarly work published from 2001 Many Faces of Inequality. Funding for a piece on Daniel Dafoe’s A Journal of the had her early February Mackey Lecture discrimination through hostile environ- to 2004 in English, or in English transla- junior scholar participation was provided Plague Year for the “Most Influential at Chaminade University featured in the ments. tion, that prioritizes the experiences of by the American Sociological Books” article in the February 11 Chronicle February 5 edition of both the Honolulu African women. For information about Association’s Fund for the Advancement of Higher Education. Star Bulletin and Honolulu Adverstiser. The Laurel Smith-Doerr, European Univer- submissions, please contact Gwendolyn of the Discipline Award supported by the lecture, titled “Shared Challenges of sity Institute, was quoted in the January Saad Ibrahim, Woodrow Wilson Interna- Mikell at [email protected]. Three American Sociological Association and Catholics and Muslims in a Globalized 2005 issue of Discover Magazine in an tional Center for Scholars, published an copies of each nominated work, which the National Science Foundation. Society,” also was featured on National article about how U.S. life science PhD op-ed in the February 11 Washington Post may be done by publishers, authors, or Public Radio’s February 1 edition of Ha- programs provide little or no ethics train- on the topic of deteriorating conditions for other interested individuals, must be sub- waiian Island Ministries. ing. genuine democracy in Egypt. mitted by May 1, 2005. In 2006, the prize James Moody, Ohio State University, was Gregory D. Squires and Charis E. will be given for creative works by Afri- In the News Jerry Jacobs, University of Pennsylvania cited for his research on the link of sexual Kubrin, George Washington University, can women, such as novels, poetry, exhi- and Kathleen Gerson, New York Univer- partners in high schools and the greater wrote an op-ed for the Milwaukee Journal- bition catalogues, books of drawings, Kevin B. Anderson, Purdue University, sity, had their research on time manage- odds of contracting sexually transmitted Sentinel on February 27 on the negative photos, or other expressions of art pub- was interviewed about The Rosa Luxem- ment cited in a February 27 Washington diseases in a February 7 Time magazine effects of the Bush Administration’s poli- lished from 2002 to 2005. For information burg Reader, edited by Peter Hudis and Post “Unconventional Wisdom” column. article. The study was also cited by cies on community reinvestment efforts. about creative works, contact Omofolabo Anderson, on the Beneath the Surface show Reuters (January 24), MSNBC.com (Janu- Ajayi at [email protected]. Carol Joffe, University of California- on KPFK-FM (Pacifica Radio), Los Ange- ary 24), the Globe and Mail (January 27), Judith Stacey, New York University, was les, February 7. Davis, had a letter published in the New quoted in a January 29 New York Times ASA Medical Sociology Section invites and the Washington Post (February 8). York Times on January 27 about Hillary article about gay adoption policies hav- nominations for the 2006 Leo G. Reeder Robert C. Bulman, Saint Mary’s College Clinton and George Bush both calling on Charles Moskos, Northwestern Univer- ing no known negative effects on children. Award, which recognizes scholarly con- of California, was featured in a Contra the same day for “common ground” in the sity, was quoted in a February 12 Wash- tributions, especially a body of work dis- Costa Times article about his new book, abortion debate. ington Post article about a reduction in the Pamela Stone, Hunter College-CUNY, playing an extended trajectory of produc- Hollywood Goes to High School: Cinema, rate of gays being discharged from the had her research on professional women tivity and encompassing theory and re- Robert Johnson, University of Miami, Schools, and American Culture, on Febru- U.S. military since September 11, 2001. who have “opted out” of the workforce search. The Reeder Award also acknowl- ary 15. was quoted in the February 8 Miami Her- reported in the March issue of Child maga- edges teaching, mentoring, and training ald Tropical Living section in a story about Kari Marie Norgaard, University Califor- zine. as well as service to the medical sociol- Mary Chayko, College of Saint Elizabeth, the health benefits of marriage, and fur- nia-Davis, was cited in a January 30 Wash- ogy community broadly defined. Submit was quoted in a Scripps-Howard article ther about the implications such benefits ington Post front-page article on the plight Mary Waters, Harvard University, was letter of nomination and the nominee’s on recycling items over the could have for gay and lesbian relation- of Northern California’s Karuk Indians. quoted in a January 19 New York Times curriculum vitae to Rose Weitz, via email Internet, which appeared on ABC15.com ships as well as how the perception of The Post story was reprinted in the San article about Harvard President Larry and snail mail. Email to (Phoenix, AZ) on February 9, the Ports- those relationships has changed. Francisco Chronicle on February 4 and in Summers’ comments about women in sci- [email protected], and snail mail letter mouth Herald on February 13, and the Fort the Kitapsun on February 4. The Herald in ence and mathematics careers. Philip Kasinitz, Hunter College and and cv to Rose Weitz, Women’s Studies Wayne Journal-Gazette on February 17. Scotland ran a similar story on February Graduate Center-CUNY, was interviewed Beau Weston, Centre College, was the Program, Arizona State University, Box 4. Norgaard was a guest along with tribal about language use in immigrant-owned subject of a February Associated Press 873404, Tempe, AZ 85287-3404. Deadline Timothy T. Clydesdale, College of New members on the radio show The Jefferson businesses on American Public Media’s article on a handful of teachers across the is May 1, 2005. Jersey, was quoted in a February 13, 2005, Exchange (Ashland, Oregon) on Febru- “Marketplace Morning Report,” on Feb- nation who have developed courses that New York Times article about affirmative ary 16. Association for the Study of the Cuban action admissions policies and law school ruary 28. study coffee and its effect on society. The Economy (ASCE) Student Research academic environment and their impact Robert Sampson, Harvard University, article appeared in the Atlanta Journal- John Kinkel, Oakland Community Col- Award Competition is an internationally on achievement of minority students. was interviewed on National Public Constitution, CNN.com, MTV.com, and Los lege, wrote an op-ed with Danielle recognized venue for undergraduate and Radio’s Morning Edition on March 3 for Angeles Daily News. Kinkel on a solution to the priest short- graduate interdisciplinary research deal- Chiquita A. Collins, University of Texas- his and Stephen Raudenbush’s study on age in the February 24 Boston Globe. Earl Wysong, Indiana University ing with Cuba’s domestic issues, its for- Austin, was quoted in a January 29 Aus- the theory of “broken windows” and per- eign relations, or Cuba in comparative tin American Statesman article about the Kokomo, was mentioned and his research Donald Kraybill, Elizabethtown College, ceived disorder. It was mentioned that the perspective. The Jorge Pérez-López Re- importance of health screenings, and how with David Wright, Wichita State Univer- was quoted on National Public Radio’s study appeared in Social Psychology Quar- search Award for graduate and under- epidemiological transitions led to changes sity, and Robert Perrucci, Purdue Univer- March 3 Morning Edition about a case be- terly. Their research was the subject of an graduate papers carries a monetary in certain causes of death and life expect- sity, on declining intergenerational mobil- fore the Montana Supreme Court that con- “Unconventional Wisdom” article in the award of $500 and $250, respectively, an ancies, as well as future life expectancy ity was cited in a January 1 article in the cerns a conflict over government respon- January 30 Washington Post. invitation to present the paper at the projections. Economist concerning the erosion of sibility for the cost of health care and the ASCE Annual Conference, a complemen- Laura Sanchez, Bowling Green State Uni- meritocracy in America. communal lifestyle of the members of a tary membership in the association, and Dalton Conley, New York University, was versity, appeared on National Public Christian sect, the Hutterites. Yu Xie, University of Michigan-Ann Ar- publication of the paper in the ASCE Pro- quoted in a January 30 response about Radio’s Day-to-Day to discuss covenant bor, was quoted in the March 7, 2005, Time ceedings. Papers received or postmarked ethics in the classroom by “The Ethicist” marriage on January 21 and on Good Charis E. Kubrin, George Washington magazine about the underlying social by May 1, 2005, will be considered. Win- in the New York Times Magazine. Morning America on February 15 to dis- University, was interviewed on maternal causes of the underrepresentation of ners will be announced by early June. All cuss covenant marriage and gay marriage Anthony Cortese, Southern Methodist homicide and broadcast on February 23 women in science and engineering pro- entries must be accompanied by a letter bans. University, was a featured guest on Na- on several local television news stations fessions in relation to Harvard University stating the name, mailing address, phone across the country including WCVB Bos- tional Public Radio’s The Kojo Nnamdi Theda Skocpol, Harvard University, was President L. Summers’ recent comments number, email address of the nominee, ton, WBAL Baltimore, KCRA Sacramento, Show on March 17, 2005. He discussed his quoted in a February 16 New York Times on this discrepancy. and a brief statement describing the mer- and KOCO Oklahoma City. 2004 book Provocateur: Images of Women article about Harvard University Presi- its of the nomination. Please send a hard and Minorities in Advertising. copy of the manuscript via regular mail Kenneth Land, Duke University, con- dent Lawrence Summers’ recent apology and an MS Word attachment of the paper Troy Duster, New York University and ducted a study on the overall well-being to faculty and others about his comments to: Enrique S. Pumar, William Paterson ASA President, was quoted in a March 3 of male and female children, which found about the role of genetic vs. environmen- Awards University, Student Research Award Christian Science Monitor article on racially that the sexes are faring about equally, and tal influences on women’s career choices Committee Chair, PO Box 0567, McLean, targeted medical treatments. He wrote an was the subject of a February 23 Washing- and achievements. The Alabama-Mississippi Sociological VA 22101-0567. opinion article for the February 18 issue ton Post article. Association Student Paper Award com- David R. Segal, University of Maryland, petition winners: First Place, Madeline of Science magazine on the use of the con- was quoted on January 6 in the Baltimore National Science Foundation (NSF) Edu- cept of race—in pharmacogenomics, fo- Richard O. Lempert, University of Michi- Sims, Millsaps College; Second Place, cation and Human Resource Directorate gan, was quoted in the February 13 New Sun, on January 12 in the Colorado Springs Rebecca Hanson, University of rensics, and human molecular genetics— Gazette, and on January 19 in the Richmond solicits applications for its annual Presi- creating the risk that racial categories will York Times about the relation between af- Montevallo; Third Place, Courtney Blair, dential Awards for Excellence in Science, firmative action admissions policies of Times-Dispatch on recruiting problems in Auburn University-Montgomery; Gradu- be mistakenly inscribed as genetic. He the military reserves and U.S. National Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring was interviewed on February 17 about law schools of various prestige levels and ate Student Paper Award: Marvin Program (PAESMEM). See the NSF rates of graduation and passing the bar Guard. He was again quoted in the Janu- Corbett, Auburn University. concerns over mapping genetic variations ary 27 Baltimore Sun and the January 28 website at
Excellence in Teaching in the Social Sci- Gary Long, University of Mississippi, is Betsy Lucal, Indiana University South tus, strengths, and well-being of native sor of sociology. He was appointed in- ences from the College of Arts and Sci- the incoming president of the Alabama- Bend, and Morten Ender, U.S. Military Hawaiians, with a focus on family and terim head in 2000 and head of the de- ences. Mississippi Sociological Association. Academy West Point, Inequalities: Readings society, education, and health and envi- partment in 2001. As head of an interdis- in Diversity and Social Life (Pearson Cus- ronment. The journal is available from ciplinary department, Len was respon- Mark Hutter, Rowan University, received J. Scott Long, Indiana University, was tom Publishing, 2005).
with illness and death. China. and for her colleagues and students. Gloria D. Heinemann, VA Western New York tem and needed to be replaced. We are His wife, Kathryn Ann Bernard He and colleagues at Nankai Univer- Ethel Shanas, researcher, educator, and Healthcare System and the University at Buf- now using a web-based system called Bloomquist and several brothers and sis- sity in Tianjin were instrumental in re- mentor, died January 20, 2005. She had falo, SUNY Journal Builder. The transition was diffi- ters survive him. Contributions to the starting sociology in mainland China in Alzheimer’s disease and just prior to her cult and time consuming but all is work- Leonard E. Bloomquist memorial schol- the 1980’s. The rapid growth of sociology death, had been hospitalized due to com- Tamotsu Shibutani ing smoothly now. arship fund can be mailed to the Kansas as an empirical discipline and of demog- plications of spinal stenosis. She is sur- (1920-2004) Third, we moved the ASR website from State University Foundation Center, 2323 raphy in China was due largely to this vived by her husband, Lester J. “Steve” I left China, my native country, when I its previous home at Penn State to the ASA Anderson Avenue, Suite 500, Manhattan, group of pioneers who encouraged mu- Perlman, and their son, Michael Stephen was a child. As a resident alien who had server. Fourth, we created new web-based Kansas 66502-2911. tual exchanges by experts in these aca- and his wife Vicky. been through the difficult World War II content in the form of supplements to ASR demic disciplines. In the past decade Che- Born in Chicago, Illinois September 6, articles. Whereas previously articles Matthew Snipp, Stanford University, Sara years and other hardships in the Philip- Fu traveled to China about once a year, at 1914, to Alex Shanas and Rebecca Rich, might indicate that additional results Fisher, Richard Goe, and Patrick Mooney, pines, I developed a deep interest in race times being commissioned by the leaders Ethel Shanas grew up with her three were available from the author, now this University of Kansas, Gene Summers, Uni- and ethnic relations. This central interest of various agencies in the Peoples Repub- brothers, one sister, and two foster sib- supplemental material can be reviewed versity of Wisconsin, Michael Timberlake, led me in 1954 to the graduate program lic of China to advise them on specific top- lings. She received her education (AB, and made available to interested schol- University of Utah in sociology at Berkeley. Dr. Tamotsu ics such as minority groups, literacy, and 1935; MA, 1937; PhD, 1947) from the Uni- Shibutani, my dissertation adviser, in- ars on the ASR website. Data on website Che-Fu Lee tourism. He strove for years to improve versity of Chicago. After completing her vited me to work with him on a special utilization provided by the ASA indicate (1941-2005) relations between Taiwan and the PRC, doctorate in Sociology, she remained there project after I received my PhD in 1958. that the ASR web-based supplements are and he succeeded in winning the confi- in the Committee on Human Develop- Ethnic Stratification: A Comparative Ap- being consulted frequently. Che-Fu Lee, Ordinary Professor of So- dence of government leaders on both ment and later in the Department of Soci- proach, published by Macmillan in 1965, Fifth, we have endeavored to expand ciology at The Catholic University of sides in their attempt to improve coop- ology and the National Opinion Research was the product of that collaboration. publicity for ASR articles. Pepper America, passed away suddenly on Feb- eration. Center. From 1965 to 1982, she was Pro- Individuality and Social Control: Essays in Schwartz and Virginia Rutter of the Uni- ruary 9, 2005. He had been hospitalized Lee was author or co-author of more fessor in the Department of Sociology, Honor of Tamotsu Shibutani (JAI Press, versity of Washington have worked with for emphysema and pneumonia and than 70 articles, books, book chapters, and University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) 1996)—a collection of mostly original pa- authors and their university-based press seemed to be improving when he sud- papers, including a number in Chinese. and, beginning in 1973, Professor in the pers by nineteen contributors—was some offices to prepare press releases for a num- denly died of heart failure. He was a re- At the time of his death he was working School of Public Health, UIC Medical form of personal repayment to my long- ber of ASR articles. This work has been spected colleague and inspiring teacher. on a book about the demographic profile Center. She retired in 1982 and continued time associate and benefactor. I wrote a conducted in conjunction with the ASA Lee was born in Taiwan in 1941. He re- of China. Given his research experience to live in Evanston, Illinois, a northern 23-page “Foreword” to the Festschrift of- media staff, Lee Herring and Johanna ceived his undergraduate degree in agri- in many areas of sociology, he became an suburb of Chicago, with her husband. fering selective interpretations on (1) Ebner. In short, we are leveraging the ASA cultural engineering from the National advisor to numerous graduate students Throughout her career, Shanas success- Darwin’s Evolution Theory, (2) Peirce’s publicity efforts by teaming with ASR Taiwan University in 1963, his Masters during his 34 years at Catholic Univer- fully combined a meaningful career and Scientific Logic, (3) Founding of Chicago editorial board members Schwartz and degree from Oklahoma State University sity. He was known for his patience in lis- family life during a period when women Pragmatism, and (4) Rise of Chicago So- Rutter and the press offices of authors’ in sociology in 1967 and his Ph.D. from tening to their problems as they attempted had few supports for career development ciology. The preface concluded: “These universities. Six press releases were dis- the University of North Carolina at to develop their academic projects and and advancement. two distinguished Chicago alumni tributed during 2004. Chapel Hill in sociology in 1970. He then dissertations. He was much appreciated; The courses Shanas taught at UIC ex- [Tamotsu Shibutani and Anselm Strauss] Sixth, we have undertaken a joint joined the faculty at The Catholic Univer- so much so that some of them who gradu- emplify her major areas of interest and and many of their associates and students project with the journal Teaching Sociology sity of America where he taught until his ated years ago traveled cross-country to contribution to sociology–medical sociol- have faith that generations of young men to make it easier for faculty to use ASR death. He served as Chair of the Depart- attend his funeral. ogy and sociology of aging, which in- and women will discover anew the veri- articles in an instructional context. Se- ment of Sociology from 1984 to 1985 and Che-Fu is survived by his wife, Ling, cluded considerable material about aging, ties of their intellectual heritage, build on lected papers that are particularly acces- again from 1996 to 2002. He was ap- his two daughters, Conn Lee Martin and health, and long-term care. She investi- what they have done, and make further sible and relevant to classroom use are pointed Director of the Life Cycle Insti- Tien Lee Pasco and six grandchildren. gated older persons’ families, family help advances.” being forwarded to the editor of Teaching tute (a social science research center) and patterns, intergenerational relationships, Shibutani’s contributions and his influ- Sociology (currently Elizabeth Grauerholz served from 1985 to 1988. Dean Hoge and Raymond Potvin, The Catho- living arrangements, health status and in- ence, through his written works and per- serves in this role). The editor and edito- Che-Fu was the recipient of multiple re- lic University of America capacity, financial status, and work and sonal communication as well as through rial board of TS then work with the au- search grants and contracts from various Ethel Shanas retirement patterns using the social sur- his close colleagues and other advocates, thors of the ASR paper to develop an ar- government agencies. His main interests (1914-2005) vey. Her research findings provided will endure. He will be remembered. ticle in TS to discuss the ways in which centered on quantitative methods and baseline data that debunked many of the the ASR paper may be utilized in the demography. In 1975-76 he lectured in “A highlight of my career that has a spe- myths about older persons living in the Kian M. Kwan, California State University- classroom. The goal is to try to enhance Iran as a Senior Advisor for Population cial meaning for me occurred on May 31, community. Other major contributions Northridge connections between cutting edge re- and Development sponsored by the 1974 . . . when I . . . (learned) . . . that Presi- from her research include her numerous search and classroom teaching that some United Nations. However his research dent Nixon had signed the Research on publications and the development if the time ago was facilitated by the “Bobbs ranged widely, from drug abuse, health Aging Act establishing a National Insti- Index of Incapacity. Merrill Reprint” series. care, and education to international de- tute on Aging. When I became President Shanas was active both nationally and Classified Ad Jerry A. Jacobs, Editor velopment. In 1981 he received the Emory of The Gerontological Society, one of our internationally. She served as a member Bogardus Award for Research from the goals, both the Society’s and mine, was of the U.S. National Committee on Vital UNIQUE VACATION OPPORTUNITY: Contemporary Sociology Alpha Kappa Delta Honorary Society. In (to establish) this institute (paraphrased and Health Statistics, chairperson of its Rustic but comfortable three-bedroom his later years he devoted much of his from Shanas’ correspondence, 1988).” Technical Consultant Panel on Long-Term house on a secluded pond in Wellfleet, Books Considered. The editors received energy to the analysis of social change in Ethel Shanas’ career in sociology and ger- Care, delegate to the White House Con- Cape Cod. Check it out on our website: ontology was filled with highlights for her 1,008 new books to consider for Volume ference on Aging, and member of the
responding number of reviews published ing was raised by $2 a year and the book- The mean time lag between manuscript Editorial Board and Deputy Editors of these new deputy editors and editorial in the prior volume. It corresponds closely store cover price by $1 (to $11) and issue. submission and editorial decision in 2004 Two deputy editors, Ann Barry Flood board members along with our faithful to the decrease in the number of books We will have to see the consequences. was quite high, 24.6 weeks (about 6 (Dartmouth) and Nancy G. Kutner continuing board members. received from publishers. The editors at- The key development is the scheduled months). This was due in part to the Vir- (Emory), and eight other editorial board The editorial board in 2004 was a di- tempted to obtain reviews of all the books transfer of the editorial office from Ber- ginia Tech staff being overextended, some members, Ronald J. Angel (Texas-Austin), verse group, not only in terms of gender written or edited by sociologists. (Second keley to New York University, into the papers having slipped through the cracks Clifford Broman (Michigan State), Chris- (45 percent female) and race/ethnicity (12 or subsequent editions of books were not hands of Jeff Goodwin and Jim Jaspers of the manuscript tracking system (which topher Ellison (Texas-Austin), Susan Gore percent minority), but in terms of meth- reviewed). For some books, the first po- and a broad team of assistant editors. I has been replaced in 2005), and delays (Massachusetts-Boston), Frederic odological skills and substantive special- tential reviewer contacted agreed to write am confident that they will produce a yet caused by the editorial transition to UNC. Hafferty (Minnesota-Duluth), Susan ties. The 2005 editorial board maintains for Contemporary Sociology. For a number livelier and attractive version of Contexts. The goal of the UNC office is to return the Roxburgh (Kent State), Teresa Scheid an equivalent range in its composition of books, as many as seven potential re- editorial lag for JHSB to a mean of 12 (UNC-Charlotte), and Maxine Thompson demographically, methodologically, and Claude S. Fischer, Editor viewers were contacted by the editorial weeks, or three months. We have made (North Carolina State) rotated off the substantively. office before a scholar agreed to write. For significant strides in this direction; the board at the end of 2004. Michael Hughes Current Problems and Issues approximately 15 books received during Journal of Health and Social average time to decision has been 11 and I are deeply grateful for their extraor- No serious problems confront the jour- 2004, following seven or eight attempts Behavior weeks for all newly submitted and resub- dinary service and commitment to the nal at this time. The UNC office will con- to secure a review, the editors reluctantly mitted papers sent to the UNC office be- journal. We would also like to take this tinue to focus on reducing the time lag to Editorial Transition decided that the book would be described tween September 1 and December 31, opportunity to thank the continuing edi- editorial decision and meeting normal The JHSB editorial office at the Univer- in the “Take Note” section of an issue. 2004. torial board members and the many, production deadlines for the 2005 issues sity of North Carolina-Chapel Hill began Editorial and Production Lags. On aver- Special Projects many additional reviewers who have con- of the journal. We will explore the feasi- to organize as of August 15, 2004 and age a 6.0 week editorial lag applies to Vol- As mentioned above, the extra issue en- tributed their time and expertise so gen- bility of on-line reviewing in 2005, giving started accepting new manuscripts on ume 33 materials. This is the average titled “Health and Health Care in the U.S.: erously to the journal. Without their con- reviewers a choice of receiving hard cop- September 1, 2004. As of November 1, all amount of time between receiving mate- Origins and Dynamics,” was completed tributions, we simply could not fulfill the ies of manuscripts by mail or electronic remaining ongoing files from the Virginia rials and scheduling them for publication. and published in 2004 and mailed to jour- goal of publishing the very best papers copies by email. Finally, we will be up- Tech office were transferred to the UNC The journal’s managing editor, Barbara nal subscribers in February 2005. The ex- in medical sociology submitted to the dating our lists of ad hoc reviewers and office. The transition went smoothly, Puetz, copyedits and formats all the work tra issue was funded by a grant from the journal. their specialties, to enable us to better thanks to the work of Michael Hughes, received. The materials that are featured Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to the The editorial board has two new deputy identify those with appropriate expertise outgoing JHSB editor, and his staff, who in each issue (symposium materials and American Sociological Association. editors and 12 new board members whose for incoming papers. organized files and records and re- review essays) receive final approval by Donald W. Light (University of Medicine terms run from January 1, 2005 to Decem- I would like to take this opportunity to sponded helpfully to our many questions. the authors. The production lag, 10 and Dentistry of New Jersey) and Ivy ber 31, 2007. Frederic Hafferty (Minne- thank Michael Hughes, outgoing editor, I very much appreciate Michael Hughes’ months, represents the time between Lynn Bourgeault (University of Western sota-Duluth) and Eliza Pavalko (Indiana) and his staff, including David Murphree, generosity in sustaining the work of the scheduling the materials and the publi- Ontario) served as the co-editors of the agreed to serve as deputy editors. New Bill Work, Mary Jane Brewster, and An- journal until I arrived at UNC and could cation date. extra issue. It examines current theoreti- board members include William Avison drew Cognard-Black, for producing an begin taking manuscripts at a time much Items Published. In Volume 33, the edi- cal and empirical knowledge about the (Western Ontario), Tony N. Brown excellent set of regular issues as well as later than the usual transition. tors published 412 book reviews, 17 sym- social organization of health care in the (Vanderbilt), Kathy Charmaz (Sonoma three outstanding special issues of the Much of the operational structure used posium reviews, 12 review essays, five United States, with the goal of guiding State), Chiquita Collins (Texas-Austin), journal during their term. Michael to manage JHSB at Virginia Tech has been sets of comments and replies, six “Take future research and policy efforts and fur- Peter Conrad (Brandeis), Margaret Hughes and his editorial board also se- adopted at UNC, with minor alterations. Note” sections, and six Editors’ Notes. thering the contributions of medical soci- Ensminger (Johns Hopkins), Ellen Idler lected the papers that will appear in the As Hughes did at Virginia Tech, I hired Editorial Board Members and Reviewers. ology to the discipline of sociology and (Rutgers), Jennie Kronenfeld (Arizona March, June, and September 2005 issues, two co-managing editors, for 20 hours per The editorial board includes 16 women to the larger network of academic, clini- State), Allen LeBlanc (MDRC), Madonna thus further easing the transition in week each, with equal levels of responsi- and 17 men. It is diverse in terms of race, cal, and governmental institutions that Harrington Meyer (Syracuse), Scott editorship for us, for which we are also bility. Jennifer Moren-Cross serves as the ethnicity, and intellectual interests. For serve the public’s health. Schieman (Toronto), and David Takeuchi grateful. Managing Editor for Reviews and each book that the editors decide to re- No special projects are planned for (Washington). I have already begun to Gretchen Decker as the Managing Editor Peggy A. Thoits view the editorial board members suggest 2005. rely heavily on the professional guidance for Production. I have not hired an edito- reviewers or contributors. In addition, the rial assistant, however, as the tasks in our editorial board suggests symposium top- beginning months have not exceeded ics and books to feature with review es- those of a full-time position (although my says. co-managers have been working to full JoAnn Miller and Robert Perrucci, Editors capacity since the opening of our office). The Department of Sociology at UNC Contexts has provided a two-person office for the New from the American Sociological Association JHSB staff, office furniture, used comput- 2004 was the last year of my five-year ers, file cabinets, utilities, and a one course and The New Yorker’s Cartoon Bank . . . . term (three years of publication) as the reduction in teaching load during each Contexts editor—and the year we pretty year of the editorship. The Department much got our routine down. We pub- also handles the accounting and person- lished the four quarterly issues more or nel paperwork for the journal. The Uni- The Sociologist’s less on time (issue 4 was somewhat late), versity and Department supply consid- including our usual roughly 20 feature erable computer technical support free of articles, 20 book reviews, and four each charge to solve hardware, software, and of photo essay, “field note,” personal es- email problems. say, “revision,” reports on polls, “discov- Personnel Book of Cartoons eries,” and letter-to-the-editor sections per Jennifer Moren-Cross (MA, RN) is an issue. (The report on 2002 includes a de- advanced graduate student in the Depart- The ASA has contracted with The New tailed description of our procedures for ment of Sociology at Duke University Yorker’s Cartoon Bank soliciting and reviewing articles; 2004 with a specialization in the sociology of (www.cartoonbank.com) to create a proceeded pretty similarly.) physical and mental health. Gretchen Contexts cannot report submission and Decker has a MA in Communications customized book of cartoons on the occasion review data as the ASA journals do, be- from UNC and five years of experience of the ASA centennial. The Sociologist's Book of cause we do not run that way. A rough as production manager for science and Cartoons (December 2004) is now available in estimate is that the 20 peer-reviewed fea- health journals. Both are extraordinarily hardcover. With an original cover cartoon tures we published in 2003 were the end competent, and I am fortunate to have created just for ASA, the book includes 85 product of what were about 75 initial con- them. I am also fortunate that Dr. Andrew versations with possible authors – initi- Cognard-Black, now Assistant Professor cartoons originally published in The New ated most often by the editor, but increas- of Sociology at St. Mary’s College of Mary- Yorker magazine over the last 80 years, ingly by the authors themselves – and land, has agreed to continue as copy edi- selected specifically for their relevance to the perhaps about 35 formally submitted pro- tor for the journal; he served as copy edi- work and lives of sociologists. $20 per copy to posals. Some initiatives fall away as au- tor during John Mirowsky’s and Michael ASA members; $25 to non-members. To © thors decline early on; others fall away as Hughes’s terms as editors. the authors consider the reviewers’ rec- Overall Operations and Manuscript Flow order, complete the form below or visit ommendations and decide to drop out at JHSB published 38 articles and 1 intro- www.asanet.org/pubs/cartoonorder.html. that point. ductory essay in 2004. This is about 11 The latest subscription data I have for more pieces than are usually published 2004 (compared to 2003) is: annually, due to the extra issue produced ASA member subscriptions: 2,244 (1,862) in 2004 (described below). Institutions: 145 (86) The number of new submissions in 2004 Send me ____ copies of The Sociologist’s Book of Cartoons ($20 ASA members, $25 non- Non-member individuals: 243 (229) (N=141) was down from 2002 (N=156) members) Non-member students: 1 (2) and 2003 (N=168), probably because there Bookstore (copies/issue): 313 (773) were no calls for papers in 2004 intended Name ______ASA ID (if applicable) ______Publication of issue 4 coincided with a for special or extra issues, in contrast to Address ______major initiative to bring Contexts to a prior years. The number of new submis- ______wider student audience. The McGraw- sions in 2004 is comparable to the mean City ______Hill publishing company bound 45,000 annual number of new submissions re- State ______Zip ______copies of the issue with their introductory ceived by the journal from 1990 through E-mail ______Phone ______sociology textbook by Richard Schaefer. 2003 (mean=149). This promises to be a marketing bonanza In 2004, 310 manuscripts were consid- Payment: _____Check _____Credit Card and there is a good chance it will be re- ered. The outgoing and incoming editors Card #______peated. made decisions on 206 papers (66 per- Exp:______The Publications Committee discussed cent), with 99 (32 percent) remaining un- Signature ______Contexts in some detail in its August meet- der review and 5 others (2 percent) with- ing and gave it strong backing. Some ar- drawn by authors. Of the 206 decisions Return form to: ASA, 1307 New York Avenue NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005-4701; fax gued for a drop in the subscription price made, about 20 percent were “revise and (202) 638-0882 (credit card orders only) to help subsidize more widespread dis- resubmit,” 9 percent were “conditional tribution. However, the price of subscrib- accept,” and another 9 percent were “ac- cept.” 14 APRIL 2005 FOOTNOTES
Rose Series in Sociology Table 1: Summary of Editorial Activity, January 1-December 31, 2004 than 20 percent. I want to thank all the members of the Since the beginning of 2004, we have ASR CS1 JHSB Rose SPQ ST SOE TS editorial board who have rotated through received and reviewed 22 manuscripts three-year terms. They have all provided and proposals, as well as one manuscript A. Manuscripts Considered 656 1069 310 23 190 102 165 199 me with excellent reviews and, thereby, that was carried over from 2003. We have Submitted in 2004 547 1008 186 22 141 90 140 156 made the journal better. I owe special given advance contracts to three propos- thanks to Karen Gray Edwards at ASA Carried over 109 61 124 1 49 12 25 43 als (Gay Seidman for Citizens, Markets and who runs the publications for the asso- Transnational Labor Activism, Paul Attewell B. Review Process ciation; she has proven to be a most val- and David Lavin for Passing the Torch: 1. Screened by editor/accepted for review 646 513 304 23 184 98 149 188 ued resource in making the journal bet- Does Higher Education for the Disadvantaged ter. I really appreciate her responsiveness Pay off Across the Generations? And Sean a. Rejected outright 378 * 121 17 43 39 39 62 and support. And lastly, it was an honor O’Riain and Chris Benner for Re-Working b. Rejected—revise/resubmit 69 * 41 3 31 5 50 44 to serve my fellow theorists as editor of Silicon Valley: Politics, Power and the Infor- their journal. mational Labor Process). Additionally, we c. Conditional acceptance 41 * 19 0 19 0 10 21 Jonathan H. Turner, Editor have requested three revise and resub- d. Outright acceptance 38 * 19 3 27 12 13 30 mits, rejected seventeen proposals, and have one proposal that is currently un- e. Withdrawn 2 * 5 0 2 1 2 1 Sociology of Education der consideration by the editors. Based on f. Pending 118 * 99 3 62 41 35 30 The calendar year 2004 was the second current discussions and the rate of sub- 2. Screened by editor/rejected 10 * 6 0 6 4 16 11 full year of my three year editorship, and mission over the past 2 years, we expect being squarely in the middle it was one to receive at least 25 proposals in 2005. C. Editorial Lag (weeks) 11.7 6.0 24.6 * 14.9 12.6 12.8 14.6 of blissful normalcy. In my non-editorial This year, Lane Kenworthy’s Egalitarian D. Production Lag (months) 5.3 10.0 13.0 * 10.7 * 6.0 10.5 life I conduct research on life-course tran- Capitalism: Inequality, Poverty, Incomes, and sitions defined around the schooling Jobs in Affluent Countries was published. E. Items Published 45 458 39 1 24 37 17 62 timetable—from “home child” to “school We have undertaken a variety of efforts Articles 41 0 38 * 16 36 14 30 child” during the transition into first to generate high quality manuscripts and grade, transitions between levels of proposals. To identify authors and topics Book reviews 0 412 0 * 0 0 0 29 schooling K-12 , and, at the other end, the that might be suitable for the Rose Series, Symposium reviews 0 17 0 * 0 0 0 0 transition out of high school to whatever we have reviewed all the major journals Review essays 0 12 1 * 0 0 3 0 awaits next— college for some; the work- in sociology, consulted lists of major place for others. Transitions give useful grants awarded, and worked with our Comments 2 5 0 * 0 0 0 1 perspective on life-course development editorial board. Paul Attewell and David Other 2 12 0 1 8 1 0 2 because they entail change, and change Lavin’s proposal was solicited based on frequently entails stress. They are periods a suggestion from our Editorial Board. F. Reviewers of discontinuity, and how well they are Additionally, the number and quality of Males * * * 2 * 134 127 85 weathered has implications for what en- unsolicited proposals has increased. Jer- sues later. These times of transition can emy Hein’s proposal was one of these. Females * * * 2 * 49 86 114 be either a period of struggle or a rela- We have scheduled an ASA Special Ses- Minorities * * * 2 * * * * tively smooth and successful adjustment. sion for 2005 which will bring together G. Editorial Board Members A whole host of considerations dictate three authors who have published or will where any given student’s experience be publishing in our series (Lane Males 30 17 18 16 15 7 11 11 falls along the range of possibilities, but Kenworthy, Arne Kalleberg and Gay Females 24 16 15 22 16 6 16 12 certainly personal resources and social Seidman) to discuss issues of shared in- supports are prominent in the mix. terests that are addressed in their books. Minorities 18 7 4 9 3 2 8 6 This little excursion into Lifecourse So- The 2005 session is titled “Work in a 1 Figures for Contemporary Sociology refer to books received and book reviews. ciology 101 may seem quite tangential, Changing Global Economy,” and we have 2 but in fact it captures well my sense of proposed similar session for the 2006 ASA ”Other” items published are books in the Rose Series. 2004 in the editorial offices of SOE. You sessions, entitled “Disadvantage and *Information not applicable, not known, or not supplied by the editor. know from my previous editorial reports Competing Explanations on Sociology that the outgoing editorial team was won- and Social Policy.” derfully supportive and helpful during Dan Clawson and Randall Stokes, rotating or 67 percent, leaving 62 manuscripts in meeting them. I am also indebted to Lenski. I am particularly grateful to the transition into my term and that I am Executive Editors; Doug Anderton, Naomi under review at the end of the reporting Brenda Shawver, the current Managing Bernice McNair for organizing the Lenski the beneficiary of superb continuing sup- Gerstel, Joya Misra, and Robert Zussman, period. Editor, for keeping the editorial operation issue and to Roberta Senechnal de Roche port— from my Deputy Editor partners, Editors; and Jason Rodriquez, Rose Fellow The official acceptance rate for 2004, running smoothly and alerting me to my for assembling the papers on terrorism. Linda Grant and Suet-ling Pong, from the which refers to acceptances as a percent- many oversights. The fact that SPQ has Readers may have noticed that all four journal’s able and energetic Editorial Social Psychology Quarterly age of all decisions, was 20.5 percent. This consistently met its production schedule issues of the journal were longer than in Board, from legions of remarkably re- is down slightly from the 22.5 percent ac- is almost solely her doing. I am deeply previous years; and this increase in pages sponsive external reviewers (who are ac- 2004 was the first year that the edito- ceptance rate reported in 2003 and con- grateful to William Ryan Force, the gradu- for the year was possible by subvention knowledged in the January issue) and rial team at the University of South sistent with the acceptance rate at SPQ ate editorial assistant, for his thorough- and by the generosity of Blackwell and from the journal’s production team (in Florida was fully responsible for the edi- over the years. With the exception of 2002, ness in processing and keeping track of ASA. Last year, the journal published 28 particular, Editorial Assistant Anna Stoll torial operations of SPQ. As I noted in last when the acceptance rate dropped to 13 submitted manuscripts, his gracious cor- articles, and this year with subsidies, 38 and Managing Editor Wendy Almeleh). year’s report, we initially experienced percent, SPQ’s acceptance rate has been respondence to authors, and, again, for articles could be published. Subvention And too, Hopkins has been generous in some difficulties in establishing our edi- in the 16 to 25 percent range. correcting my mistakes. Of course, I thank may be a very useful strategy for getting its tangible support of the journal’s op- torial operations which negatively af- As mentioned above, the editorial lag the deputy editors, Timothy Owens, more theory published, because at a very eration, including release time from teach- fected the lag time between manuscript time, or time between initial submission Dawn Robinson, and Jane Sell for their nominal cost, many extra pages can be ing. So all the elements are in place for submission and editorial decision. This is and editorial decision, continues to be many contributions, especially helping added to the journal; and so, I encourage the kind of “blissful normalcy” that ought reflected in the editorial lag time figures problematic. The mean editorial lag time me with difficult decisions and situations. not only the new editors of Sociological to be expected after a relatively smooth reported elsewhere and below. However, in 2004 was 15.38 weeks (compared with I also wish to acknowledge the outgoing Theory but editors of other journals to ex- and I hope successful transition. I can at- we were able fully to staff the editorial 15.65 weeks in 2003) and the median 14.93 members of SPQ’s editorial board for plore this option. test to the “smoothness;” it falls to others office in May which greatly improved the weeks (compared to 14.28 weeks in 2003). their three years of exemplary service: In looking back over my years as edi- to judge the degree of success. efficiency of our editorial operations. We Ideally, I would like to reduce the mean Candace Clark, Margaret Foddy, Karen tor, I think that my major accomplishment Manuscript Flow had a smooth transition between outgo- lag time by four weeks, and we continue Heimer, Bruce G. Link, Brenda Major, Jane was to oversee the transition to a quar- One hundred sixty-five manuscripts ing and incoming Managing Editors later to work toward this goal. Perhaps most McLeod, Terri Orbuch, Michael terly. I am also proud of the high quality were processed in 2004. That’s 13 more in the year and initiated a transition to important, we are trying to improve our Shanahan, and Murray Webster, Jr. And, of the articles that were published; and, than the 2003 total, but the number of new new processing software at the end of the tracking of manuscripts that get caught I welcome the incoming members of the although I have my biases (toward a hard submissions was almost identical: 95 in year. in a process of, first, attempting to find editorial board who begin their three year science view of sociological theory), I tried 2003; 94 in 2004. Both figures reflect a SPQ published 16 articles and 8 re- willing reviewers, and then attempting to terms in 2005 and thank them for agree- to publish articles that are representative healthy increase over most prior years, as search or theoretical notes in 2004. These get agreeable but tardy ones to return re- ing to serve. They are Peter Callero, of sociological theorizing in general. If an new submissions ranged between 70 and employed a variety of theoretical perspec- views. These “outliers” are far too numer- Martha Copp, Kay Deaux, Matthew O. area of scholarly inquiry was not covered 81 back to 1997 (2000 is an exception, with tives and methodological approaches, al- ous at present, and we appreciate that Hunt, Cathryn Johnson, Ruth Xiaoru Liu, during my tenure, it was not for a lack of 100 new submissions that year). The 2004 though I think I have only been partially such delays are quite frustrating to au- Douglas Maynard, and Anne Statham. trying to encourage authors in these ar- increase in manuscripts processed rela- successful in my attempt to publish thors. Last but not least, I express my deep ap- eas to submit articles. tive to 2003 traces to two sources: an in- manuscripts that represent the full range The mean production lag time, or time preciation to the many other colleagues The group of distinguished scholars at crease in the number of revisions resub- of theoretical and methodological ap- from acceptance of manuscripts to publi- who reviewed manuscripts for SPQ in Yale took over the day-to-day operation mitted (46 versus 38) and a larger num- proaches in contemporary social psycho- cation, rose from around 7 months in 2003 2004 for their thoughtful, constructive, of the journal in June 2004. For the year, ber of manuscripts submitted in the pre- logical scholarship. However, I am heart- to 9.24 months in 2004. At present, I am and, more times than not, timely com- the journal had 94 new submissions, plus vious year that carried over into the cur- ened by the theoretical and methodologi- not alarmed by this increase. However, if ments. Without their scholarly dedication another 21 resubmissions. The average rent year (25 versus 19). All-in-all, this cal diversity of more recent submissions it continues, it may be necessary to request and collegial courtesy, there would be no time from submission to editorial decision seems a healthy level of activity. and by an increasing number of submis- additional pages for at least one volume SPQ. was, unfortunately, too long, but editors Other pertinent figures remain at of SPQ in order to reduce somewhat the are ultimately at the whim of reviewers, sions by authors outside of North Spencer E. Cahill, Editor around the 2003 level. Just over 10 per- America. I hope that SPQ will soon fully back log of accepted manuscript. We will some of whom work rapidly while oth- cent of editorial decisions rendered in continue to monitor this situation and ers take their time. Still, even for those represent the international, disciplinary, Sociological Theory 2004 were acceptances (13 of 128). This theoretical and methodological diversity discuss it with the editorial board if and who had to be prodded, I am gratefully compares with 8 percent in 2003. Those of contemporary social psychological when appropriate. This last year as editor of Sociological to all for taking the time from busy sched- figures are for outright acceptances. Add- scholarship, one of my principal editorial Finally, I want to thank a number of Theory has been my most gratifying. With ules to write reviews that, on the whole, ing in conditional acceptances (meaning goals. people who contributed to the success of the quarterly format, I was able to move were very useful to me as editor and, more the paper has been accepted, but with The number of submissions to SPQ re- SPQ in 2004. First, I thank Sara Crawley, articles to publication more rapidly. Fur- importantly, to authors. The percentage some revisions required), the increase is mained relatively stable in 2004. We re- the former Managing Editor, for getting thermore, it was possible to run two sym- of articles accepted remains at around 27 rather more impressive: 18 percent in 2004 ceived 141 new submissions in 2004, the editorial operations established and posia, one on “Using Evolutionary percent, but this figure is high because of versus 13 percent in 2004. But whichever down only slightly from the 147 submit- organized at the University of South Theory” and another on “Theories of Ter- the special symposia and the special is- way the calculations are done, it is of in- ted in 2003. Of the 141 manuscripts sub- Florida. Although she faced a number of rorism.” With subvention from the Uni- sue where some papers were solicited. terest that the figures for 2003 and 2004 mitted in 2004 and 49 carried over from daunting challenges, Sara was persistent, versity of Illinois, we could devote an The acceptance rate for regular submis- lag behind the journal’s historic average 2003, I reached a decision regarding 128 professional, and always good humored entire issue to the works of Gerhard sions was, as a rough estimate, a bit less APRIL 2005 FOOTNOTES 15
as far back as the mid-1990s. Editorial Board members serve three- Yingyi Ma, Christian Villenas, and Lu rate their research into the classroom, such Howard continues to supply quality book SOE’s acceptance rate thus seems to year terms. They do reviews (some many Zhang. as through active learning activities or and film reviews, which are beneficial to have dipped a bit during my term. And reviews), help identify reviewers, some, other student-centered learning tech- readers in the market for textbooks and Karl Alexander, Editor too, the number of in-office editorial re- as just indicated, help screen Critical Is- niques. The goal is to make it easy for in- supplemental materials. The editorial jections has gone up. These are intake sues essays, and they shape journal policy structors to integrate current sociological board has provided numerous hours of decisions on my part that a manuscript is (we meet as a group at the ASA meeting Teaching Sociology research into a wide variety of classes, not assistance in reviewing and advice. unsuitable for SOE and should not be sent and occasionally hold virtual meetings Judging from the number and quality simply methods or statistics courses. Thanks to outgoing members Julie Harms out for external review. We had16 such via e-mail). Nine members of the Board of manuscripts submitted to Teaching So- Manuscript Processing Cannon, Lilli Matesig Downes, Marlynn manuscripts in 2004; 2 others were with- rotated off at the end of 2004. They are: ciology, the scholarship of teaching and The first year post-transition from one May, Charles Powers, BarBara Scott, Jean drawn by the authors with the hope that Paul Attewell, David Bills, John Boli, Dou- learning within the discipline is flourish- editor to another is an appropriate time Shin, and J. Russell Willis. These outgo- they might be recast so as to be more ap- glas Downey, Michael Hout, David ing. In 2004, 199 manuscripts were con- to reflect about continuity and change in ing board members will be missed, as they propriate for the journal. Those 18 manu- Labaree, Gerald LeTendre, Carolyn Riehl sidered for publication. Of these, 106 were the processing of manuscripts. What has helped make the editorial transition scripts represent 14 percent of all edito- and Yossi Shavit. One additional member, new manuscripts, 50 were revised and re- not changed much between 2003, when smooth by their willingness to assist two rial decisions for the year. In 2003 the to- Ann Ferguson, resigned her appointment submitted, and 43 were still in review Helen Moore was editor, and 2004 is the editors and adjust to our different styles. tal was 22 of 127 (17 percent). Both fig- to pursue other interests. All of us, and from the previous period. I continue to be number of manuscripts considered (199 I am pleased to welcome a new group ures are above the reported levels going especially the journal’s readership, are in- impressed with all those who seek better in 2004 versus 189 in 2003), the number of editorial members: Robert Bausch, back through the mid-90s. I speculated in debted to them. and more effective ways to enhance stu- accepted for publication (30 in 2004; 31 Nancy Davis, Diane Gillespie, Roxanna my 2003 Editorial report about possible Replacing the outgoing Board member dents’ learning and are willing to share in 2003) or the average editorial lag (14.61 Harlow, Robert Hironimus-Wendt, W. reasons, including an increase in submis- are 10 new appointees. They are: Hanna their successes (and occasional “failures”) weeks in 2004; 14.54 in 2003). Where dif- Lawrence Neuman, David sions from students and non-sociologists. Ayalon, Donna Eder, Patricia Gándara, with a larger audience. The result is a trea- ferences do emerge is in the number of Schweingruber, Janet Wilmoth and David But without trend data to put the propo- Erin Horvat, Stephen Morgan, Sean sure of ideas, techniques, and methods conditional acceptances and rejections, Yamane. Thanks also to those continuing sition to a test, there’s no way to know. Reardon, Xue Lan Rong, Rubén Rumbaut, published in the journal that help every- invitations to revise and resubmit, and their term: Deborah Abowitz, Carol Now, with two years of experience in Kathryn Schiller and Karolyn Tyson. I one—from the least to most experienced acceptance rates. During my editorship, Auster, Jeanne Ballantine, Rachel hand, it is beginning to look like editorial thank the new members of the Board for teachers of sociology—improve their there have been 21 conditional acceptan- Einwohner, Elizabeth Hartung, Edward taste may be playing a role also— perhaps stepping forward and look forward to teaching. ces compared to 9 in 2003, making the Kain, Emily Labeff, Kathleen McKinney, I am turning back some manuscripts that working with them in 2005. Themes and Special Features overall number of acceptances (condi- Lena Wright Myers, Keith Alan Roberts, previous editors would send out to re- Including Deputy Editors, the 2004 Edi- Several themes emerged among the tional or outright) higher in 2004 than Stephen Sweet, Ramon Torrecilha, Prabha view. Editorial temperament no doubt torial Board consists of 27 members, 30 manuscripts published in 2004. These in- 2003 (51 vs. 40). At the same time, there Unnithan, Gregory Weiss, and John Zipp. affects the journal in many ways—that’s percent minority and 60 percent female. cluded the use of technology in the class- were fewer invitations to revise and re- This editorial board continues to reflect one reason why the position rotates—and Its makeup provides for broad and rea- room, service and community-based submit manuscripts in 2004 (44 vs. 54), diversity in gender, race/ethnicity and those of us who shoulder the responsibil- sonably balanced coverage of different learning, and strategies for teaching about and more outright rejections (62 vs. 48) academic institutions. The current board ity surely like to think our idiosyncrasies substantive specializations and method- social inequality, race, and gender. No and rejections without peer review (11 vs. is split evenly between men and women, serve, on balance, to uplift and not drag ologies. And with four members located intentional effort was made to solicit or 4). My approach has been to grant revise 25 percent of whom are sociologists of down. Acceptance and rejection rates are outside the U.S., it also is a cosmopolitan publish manuscripts on these topics, and resubmits only to those articles are color. About one-third of the board mem- content-free and so can’t usefully inform Board. Sociology of Education needs to be rather the topics reflect some of the cur- likely to be accepted eventually (and the bers are affiliated with liberal arts col- the issue. The 2004 volume certainly is welcoming of all styles of scholarship, rent concerns within the discipline and relatively high number of conditional ac- leges, one-third with doctoral (extensive broad in its coverage. This holds both for open to diverse theoretical perspectives, address the challenges we face in our cepts suggest that many are). Articles that or intensive) universities, and the remain- subject matter coverage and research and, with the world shrinking, an outlet teaching. The January and April issues have major (substantial) limitations, such der with general baccalaureate colleges styles. I believe as well they are high qual- for comparative studies and research situ- contained two “Conversations”—a fea- as a lack of data to assess a teaching tech- and master’s universities or colleges. ity contributions and I hope those of you ated outside the U.S. The journal’s edito- ture designed to provide a forum for so- nique, are typically rejected. In some Given that the mission of TS is to help who read the journal will agree. rial leadership is committed to diversity ciologists to engage in on-going ex- cases, it’s probably true that authors can teachers of sociology at all academic in- Manuscript turnaround reflects on our in all those respects; the Board’s makeup changes of ideas, arguments and com- overcome such limitations, but when the stitutions, it is important that individu- efficiency in processing manuscripts. For makes that commitment tangible. mentaries on issues of concern to teach- revisions required would result in a sub- als from all types of institutions are rep- decisions made in 2004, the median weeks Acknowledgments ers of sociology. Two topical issues were stantially different paper, I usually advise resented on the board. Thus, in the future to decision from time of submission was I’ve already acknowledged some of my highlighted, one having to do with authors to start fresh and submit a new I hope to appoint individuals from 12.0, a bit above last year’s 11.3 (the re- indebtedness—to Linda and Suet-ling for whether there is a “core” in sociology and manuscript rather than a revised one. associate’s colleges and high schools in spective means were 12.8 and 12.0). That’s their superb partnership, to members of the other with assessing sociological Overall, the percent of manuscripts ac- order to make the board more represen- somewhat faster turnaround than in prior the Editorial Board, to Anna for manag- knowledge. The debate concerning the cepted was lower in 2004 (17.86 percent tative of those teaching sociology. years, even after adjusting for in-office ing the journal’s office operation, and to core in sociology has continued, with a vs. 21.23 percent), but this figure is slightly I am also grateful for the nearly 200 ad rejections (which usually happen pretty Wendy, who helps makes our good sci- response and reply published in January misleading, since it only calculates the hoc reviewers we rely upon each year, quickly). Credit for that goes to the exter- ence read well. Thanks too are due Karen 2005. articles fully accepted for publication and many of whom review multiple manu- nal reviewers, whose good service is the Gray Edwards, the ASA Director of Pub- Two special features will appear in not those that have been conditionally scripts and multiple versions of manu- backbone of the operation. After them lications, and Jane Carey and the other 2005. In recognition of the ASA’s centen- accepted (which almost always results in scripts. Without their help, my job would would come Anna Stoll, who rides herd good people at Boyd Printing, who make nial, the July issue will be partially de- eventual acceptance). Although the num- be impossible. on the review process by sending e-mail the journal pleasing to the eye. voted to exploring aspects of the ber of manuscripts rejected without peer Finally, managing editor Jori Sechrist reminders and alerting me to potential The course relief granted by my depart- discipline’s past, present and future ef- review in 2004 is nearly three times higher and desktop production editor Pauline problems. If you’ve been asked to review ment chair at Hopkins, Giovanni Arrighi, forts surrounding the teaching of sociol- than that in 2003, this is not necessarily a Pavlakos have been largely responsible for us you know that the initial solicita- helps immensely. And a final thanks is ogy. The issue will also contain a new fea- reflection of a lack of quality or harsher for getting the journal into your hands in tion now is done by e-mail, with a due the able JHU sociology graduate stu- ture entitled “Applications,” which is in- editorial decision making. Rather, these a timely fashion. All these individuals— scanned copy of the manuscript abstract dents who have continued their work on tended to help instructors integrate some are manuscripts that often demonstrate and of course, our readers—are the ones included. That system has been working two journal projects.\ One is a prospective of the best and most current sociological solid scholarship and important ideas, but who deserve the credit for maintaining well, and I have to think it helps turn reviewer database, which I look forward research into their undergraduate have little to do with the teaching of soci- the high quality of manuscripts that con- things around more quickly than cold to passing along to my successor. The courses. Jerry Jacobs, editor of ASR, and I ology. tinue to be published in the journal. calls by way of snail-mail (there will al- other is a self-study of editorial decisions Acknowledgments have identified forthcoming articles in Liz Grauerholz, Editor ways be declines, but this way we at least in relation to manuscript characteristics, ASR that are likely to be of interest to stu- My first year as editor has been both generally learn of them quickly). Most re- focused on 2004 submissions. If all goes rewarding and relatively smooth, thanks dents and accessible in terms of their Sociological Methodology views now are returned electronically well we should be able to report results methods, theory and analyses. The au- to the high quality and diversity of manu- also, and though we haven’t yet gone en- from that inquiry by year’s end. The stu- thors of these ASR manuscripts are then scripts submitted, and a host of editorial The Editor’s Report for Sociological tirely electronic (that’s an ASA decision), dent assistants are, in alphabetical order, invited to prepare a manuscript, some- board members, ad hoc reviewers and Methodology will appear in the May/June we send manuscripts electronically to re- Angela Estacion, Bei Liu, Chris Tracey, times in collaboration with TS authors, staff who gave selflessly of their time and issue of Footnotes. viewers located outside the U.S. This that provides concrete ways to incorpo- intellectual resources. Deputy Editor Jay saves both time and dollars. Editorial Board Much of the journal’s work gets done through the good efforts of the journal’s American Sociological Association Centennial, 1905-2005 two Deputy Editors, Linda Grant and Suet-ling Pong, and the journal’s Edito- rial Board. Linda and Suet-ling help me with tough decisions, do occasional re- views, suggest reviewers when I’m sty- mied, and are the intellectual force and person-power behind our one initiative, the Perspectives on Critical Issues feature. In 2004 we published just one set of Criti- cal Issues essays (in the April issue), fo- cused on the concept of social capital and Accounting for the Rising its applicability to the school experience and Declining of immigrant youth. Grace Kao, Carl Bankston and Pedro Noguera were the Significance of Sociology authors. I hope you will agree they were substantial contributions. Also contribut- ing to the effort were Kathryn Borman, Bradley Levinson, John Ogbu, and Min Zhou, members of the Editorial board at the time who assisted Linda Grant and Suet-ling Pong in vetting these essays. In 2005 we can look forward to two sets of th Critical Issues essays. The first, scheduled 100 Annual Meeting for the April issue, offers sociological per- August 13-16, 2005 spective on the Bush administration’s No Child Left Behind policy. The second will Philadelphia address some facet of oppositional cul- ture. For more information, visit www.asanet.org/convention/2005 16 APRIL 2005 FOOTNOTES
Fund for the Advancement of the Discipline Proposals Sought New Benefit Two Deadlines Each Year Proposals Are Due June 15 or December 15 Opportunity! The American Sociological Association (ASA) invites submissions for the Fund for the Advancement of the ASA and Sociometrics are pleased to Discipline (FAD) awards. Supported by the ASA through a matching grant from the National Science Foundation, the goal of this award is to nurture the development of scientific knowledge by funding small, ground-breaking announce a new collaboration to provide research initiatives and other important scientific research activities. FAD awards provide scholars with “venture ASA members a discount on data available through capital” for innovative research that has the potential for challenging the discipline, stimulating new lines of Sociometrics. research, and creating new networks of scientific collaboration. The award is intended to provide opportunities for Sociometrics Corporation is a for-profit research and substantive and methodological breakthroughs, broaden the dissemination of scientific knowledge, and provide development firm specializing in social science research leverage for acquisition of additional research funds. applications. It was established in 1983 as a corporation in the Selection Criteria State of California. Sociometrics’ mission is to produce Proposals are reviewed for scientific merit and the importance of the proposed research project. Within this research-based products and services for a variety of target context, specific evaluation criteria include the following elements: audiences. • Innovativeness and promise of the research idea • Feasibility and adequacy of project design ASA members are able to review data archives in the Social • Originality and significance of research goals • Plans for analysis and evaluation of data Science Electronic Data Library that covers 350 leading • The potential of the study as a building block in • Plans for dissemination of results studies in areas such as: teen sexuality and pregnancy, the the development of future research • Appropriateness of requested budget • Appropriateness and significance of the research family, social gerontology, disability, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, hypothesis human behavior, and child well-being. The data library is an authoritative source on social science data and The awards are limited to individuals with PhD degrees or the equivalent. Preference is given to applicants who documentation for researchers, educators, and students. have not previously received a FAD award. The selection committee consists of four members of the ASA Council, ASA’s Vice-President, and the ASA Executive Officer. Other benefits of using Sociometrics include: Easy-to-use data library for users proficient in SAS or Funding The amount of each award shall not exceed $7,000. Payment goes directly to the principal investigator. Grant SPSS, data dictionaries and instructional guides. money may not be used for convention expenses, honoraria, or Principal Investigator’s salary. No overhead Free technical support from Sociometrics. expenses are provided if institutions assist in administering the award for applicants. Awardees are encouraged to Eight percent of the Social Science Electronic Data continue the tradition of donating to FAD any royalty income derived from projects supported by the grant. Library is unique and not available from any other public Application Process sources such as the US government or ICPSR data Applications must be received in the ASA Executive office by June 15 for awards to be reviewed in the summer archives. cycle, and by December 15 for awards to be reviewed in the winter. Applications should include eight (8) copies of ASA members may purchase studies and data sets at the following: www.sociometrics.com. Members should enter the code • A cover sheet with the title, name of lead (excluding appendices) describing the project ASA5 in the promotion field of their online shopping cart to author, additional name(s) of author(s) • A detailed budget and time schedule receive a 5% discount on all downloadable products. • A 100- to 200-word abstract of the research/ • A bibliography conference topic • A statement of other pending support • A maximum of 5 single-spaced pages • A vita Membership in ASA benefits you! Recent Winners Recently funded research and conference proposals included a broad array of topics and methods—from unpaid caring work to transnational political participation and from testing survey questions cross-nationally to applying Monte Carlo probability techniques. For a brief description of the last two cycles of awards, see the July/August 2004 and the December 2004 issues of Footnotes newsletter. These can be viewed on ASA’s website at
American Sociological Association NON-PROFIT ORG. 1307 New York Avenue NW, Suite 700 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Future ASA Washington, DC 20005-4701 ALBANY, NY Published monthly with combined issues in May/June, July/ PERMIT NO. 31 Annual Meetings August, and September/October. Subscription, $40.00. Single copies, $3.00.
2005 Editor: Sally T. Hillsman August 13-16 Managing Editor: K. Lee Herring Production: Redante Asuncion-Reed Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Staff Writers: Johanna Ebner, Carla B. Howery Secretary: Franklin Wilson
Article submissions are limited to 1,000 words and must have journalistic value (e.g., timeliness, significant impact, general interest) rather than be research-oriented or scholarly in nature. 2006 Submissions will be reviewed by the editorial board for possible publication. “Public Forum” contributions are limited to 800 words; August 12-15 “Obituaries,” 500 words; “Letters to the Editor,” 400 words; San Francisco, California “Department” announcements, 200 words. All submissions should include a contact name and, if possible, an e-mail address. ASA reserves the right to edit for style and length all material published. The deadline for all material is the first of the month preceding publication (e.g., February 1 for March issue).
Send communications on material, subscriptions, and advertising 2007 to: American Sociological Association, 1307 New York Avenue, Suite August 4-7 700, Washington, DC 20005-4701; (202) 383-9005; fax (202) 638-0882; New York, New York e-mail [email protected]; http://www.asanet.org. Copyright 2005, American Sociological Association. Third class postage paid at Washington, DC, and additional mailing offices. ISSN 0749-6931.
APRIL 2005