UC Faculty Featured At The Century Celebration Of The American Sociological Association

University of Cincinnati faculty will present research and lead topic discussions at the 100th annual meeting of the American Sociological Association, and some of the conversations at the century celebration could become heated. The meeting takes place Aug. 13-16 in Philadelphia.

As social scientists look back on a century of study, they are holding discussions and presenting research around the theme, “Comparative Perspectives, Competing Explanations – Accounting for the Rising and Declining Significance in Sociology.”

In the 2005 annual meeting statement, ASA President and 2005 Program Committee Chair Troy Duster, New York University and University of California-Berkley, writes, “The ‘declining significance of sociology’ is deliberately provocative and could be the source of some scintillating topics and contestation.” (See full statement).

Sociology is defined as the scientific study of society and the various groups that make up a society. Rhys Williams, head of the UC Sociology Department, says student interest in the field of sociology is going strong across the nation. “Enrollments in graduate schools have stayed healthy, even though the job market in academia is not what it used to be.”

Williams says the largest growth in the field occurred in the 60s and 70s with growing interest in solving the challenges of society. But although the jobs are tightening at educational institutions, he says graduates are still in demand. “The advantage that sociology degree holders have in the job market is that they are highly trained in their research skills, and that’s valued in the government and private sector as well as in academics,” Williams says.  “I’ve seen graduates get jobs in marketing as well as seen them go to work for the U.S. Census.”

Williams adds that challenges affecting the field today include how the nation has evolved into a more individualistic society. “Furthermore, we’re living in more conservative times and sociology has been associated with taking a more liberal approach to examining societal problems. I believe some might say the impact of sociology is in decline because sociologists and their research do not have as much influence on American policymakers today as they did in the 60s and 70s. I believe today’s public policy is more centered around economics and business.

“A lot has been made about the squabbles in the discipline, but compared to other social sciences, we have a lot more discussion over what really counts as sociology, because the boundaries are so loose,” Williams says. “Frankly, it’s the flexibility of the field that I find intellectually exciting. And, because it’s a discipline that attracts more women and minorities than other social science fields, I think we get a wider pursuit of interests.”

The University of Cincinnati’s Department of Sociology offers study toward a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctoral degree in a field that examines social behavior and addresses social problems.

UC Research Presented at the Conference

• UC Researcher Traces The Evolution Of The Execution
• New UC Study Examines Both Black And White Attitudes Surrounding Race And Choosing A Doctor
• Study Finds Disadvantaged People Feel They Need To Put Their Very Best Foot Forward If They Want To Get Good Medical Care
• Research Examines The Nation’s Neighborhoods And Segregation
• Virtual Animal Shelters – How The Internet Is Transforming Pet Adoption