Tag: Sociology

The politics behind the metabolic health crisis in the United States

May 6, 2016

BY ANTHONY RYAN HATCHAssistant professor in the Science in Society Program at Wesleyan University Our metabolic health crisis—as defined by the conjoined endemics of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity—continues to surprise biomedical researchers, frustrate health experts, and disable and harm millions of people. This week, three news stories illuminate yet again how the … More The politics behind the metabolic health crisis in the United States

On freegans, pre-peeled oranges, and ethical consumer ‘Whack-A-Mole’

March 28, 2016

Photo courtesy of the author. BY ALEX V. BARNARDFood justice activist and doctoral candidate in sociology at the University of California, Berkeley Whole Foods felt the wrath of the Twitter-sphere this month. The episode started with consumers questioning the company’s ethical bona-fides but, in the end, cast into doubt the effectiveness of “ethical consumerism” itself. … More On freegans, pre-peeled oranges, and ethical consumer ‘Whack-A-Mole’

Disagreement abounds about the best way to serve deaf children.

March 10, 2016

LAURA MAULDINAssistant professor of human development/family studies and women’s, gender and sexuality studies at the University of Connecticut A common argument for using sign language with hearing babies is that it would have benefits that are practical (less fussing), emotional (creates a closer parent bond), and cognitive (boosts brain development). “Fewer tantrums and more fun!” … More Disagreement abounds about the best way to serve deaf children.

The Internet of Things and the rise of planetary computerization: How environmental sensing technologies multiply rather than consolidate versions of the planet.

March 2, 2016

BY JENNIFER GABRYSReader in sociology at Goldsmiths, University of London Planetary computerization—and the making of a computational planet—are terms and concepts that now occupy considerable attention in media studies and environmental theory and practice. Yet these developments have been underway since at least the post-war context, since renderings of the planet as expressed through communication … More The Internet of Things and the rise of planetary computerization: How environmental sensing technologies multiply rather than consolidate versions of the planet.

Reparative therapies remain alive and well in some US states—Texas and Oklahoma included.

February 19, 2016

This billboard appeared in Dallas, Texas, in 2015. Despite widespread condemnation,reparative (also known as “ex-gay” or “reorientation”) therapies still exist in some states. BY TOM WAIDZUNASAssistant professor of sociology at Temple University I recently traveled to Texas to talk about my new book The Straight Line: How the Fringe Science of Ex-Gay Therapy Reoriented Sexuality. … More Reparative therapies remain alive and well in some US states—Texas and Oklahoma included.

On agonistic democracy and Anonymous

December 7, 2015

Members of the hacktivist group Anonymous wear masks based on the filmV for Vendetta‘s character V, who had been influenced by Guy Fawkes.This mask appears at a 2012 protest in Montreal. Source: Wikipedia. BY MARCO DESERIISAssistant professor of media and screen studies at Northeastern University November was a busy month for Anonymous. On November 5, … More On agonistic democracy and Anonymous

What would an environmentalism that engages with the contemporary realities of migration look like? John Hultgren exposes connections between anti-immigrant politics and environmentalism.

December 1, 2015

The U.S.-Mexico border at California and Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.Here, author John Hultgren asks: What would an environmentalism look likethat engages with the contemporary realities of migration?Image via Creative Commons. BY JOHN HULTGRENLecturer in the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Northern Arizona University What do Donald Trump, Canadian environmental activist David Suzuki, and … More What would an environmentalism that engages with the contemporary realities of migration look like? John Hultgren exposes connections between anti-immigrant politics and environmentalism.

Fight for 15 shines spotlight on harsh daily realities for low-wage workers

October 28, 2015

Fast-food workers, university workers, students, janitors, retail workers, and airportworkers rally on April 15, 2015, near the University of Minnesota to demand a $15/hourminimum wage.Image via Wikimedia Commons. BY MARC DOUSSARDRecipient of the 2015 Paul Davidoff Award from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning for his book Degraded Work The list of cities and state … More Fight for 15 shines spotlight on harsh daily realities for low-wage workers

Homelessness and housing justice in gentrifying Brooklyn

October 9, 2015

A homeless man in New York. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has been interestedin East New York as a mass transit hub—but at what cost to the rest of the neighborhood?Image: Wikimedia Commons. BY CRAIG WILLSEAssistant professor of cultural studies, George Mason University A recent article in the Wall Street Journal publicized new … More Homelessness and housing justice in gentrifying Brooklyn

Hurricane Katrina, ten years later: When the investor class goes marching in

August 28, 2015

A view of flooded New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, September 2005.It’s been ten years since, and yet it left lessons that remain to be learned. BY CEDRIC JOHNSONAssociate professor of African American studies and political sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago It has been ten years since New Orleans was … More Hurricane Katrina, ten years later: When the investor class goes marching in