It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2007 Georgia Sociological Association annual meetings. Michael Hodge, as program chair, has worked closely with the executive committee and all who submitted paper and session proposals to put together an outstanding program. The theme of this year’s meeting comes out of discussions we have had at previous meetings about sociology as an academic discipline and how best to prepare our students for life after graduation. I am looking forward to continuing those discussions at this years meeting and learning about the ASA’s findings on this topic under the research direction of our special guest, Dr. Roberta Spalter-Roth.
One of the facets of the GSA that has always appealed to me is the collegial camaraderie among the members that includes faculty, students, and practitioners. The friendly atmosphere encourages open discussions in our sessions and enjoyable fellowship at our social events, like this year’s Thursday night reception and Friday night’s murder mystery dessert reception. I hope everyone also will enjoy the restaurants, shopping, and nightlife of Athens.
Again, I wish to thank all of the participants and organizers who have contributed to the successful planning of these meetings. If this is your first meeting, I hope you will join in all the activities, inside and outside the sessions that make this a special event for so many people.
Sincerely,
Kevin Demmitt
2007 GSA President
Our keynote speaker:
Dr. Roberta Spalter-Roth, Director
Research and Development Department
American Sociological Association
Dr. Spalter-Roth is currently the director of
the research and development department
of the American Sociological Association.
In her capacity as director she is responsible
for developing research projects, overseeing research
teams in implementing projects, and disseminating
research to association members, disciplinary
societies, and other scientists. A major research
focus is the professional job market for sociologists
and other issues of concern for the workforce
including discrimination, work/family issues,
and the adjunct work force. Recent scholarship
includes a co-authored manuscript with Ivy Kennelly
entitled “Parents on the Job Market: Resources and
Strategies that Help Sociologists Attain Tenure
Track” in a 2007 edition of the American
Sociologist (37:4:29-49). She has a forthcoming
Contribution to the 2008 Racial and Ethnic
Relations Handbook.
Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Thursday, October 18, 2007
2:00-3:15 Teaching Workshop: Convener: Melvyn Fein (Kennesaw State
Oconee University) “Teaching Sociology to Non-Majors.”
Abstract: A “peoplization” model will be used to address the special needs of non-sociology majors in introductory courses. Practical, relevant and stimulating approaches to instruction will be explicated in detail.
2:00-3:15 Teaching Workshop: Convener: Sherry Smith (Georgia Perimeter
Madison College) “Enriching the Class with Existentialism.”
Abstract: In this workshop, we will identify the four main human concerns according to existentialist psychology. In addition, we will discuss ways to enrich sociological content and the classroom experience, more generally, with an increased awareness of these existential concerns. Activities and handouts included.
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Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Thursday, October 18, 2007
3:30-4:45 Research and Practice—Moderator/Convener: Bruce Wade (Spelman Oconee/ College)
Madison
Jane McCandless and Cathi Jenks (University of West Georgia): Sociologists in the Professions: “Georgia Survey Research Centers.”
Lingnam Hung Operations Research Analyst, Internal Revenue Service Sociologists in the Professions: IRS Analysis
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Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Thursday, October 18, 2007
1:00-6:00 Registration: Sarah Allred, GSA Treasurer, (Berry College)
Hotel Foyer DeWayne Powell (Morehouse College)
4:00-5:00 Journal Editorial Board Meeting
Clarke Laurel Holland, Editor
5:00-6:00 Regent’s Committee Meeting
Clarke Board of Regents Schools
6:00-7:30 Executive Committee Dinner Meeting
East-West Bistro
351 Broad St. Athens, GA.
8:00-9:30 President’s Reception (Paid Membership/Registration Badge Required)
Oconee/Madison
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Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Friday, October 19, 2007
8:00-9:00 Breakfast—Hotel Restaurant
8:00-8:00 Registration: Sarah Allred, GSA Treasurer, (Berry College)
Foyer DeWayne Powell, (Morehouse College)
9:00-10:15 Opening Plenary: Dr. Roberta Spalter-Roth
Lumpkin I & II Director, Research and Development Department
American Sociological Association
Moderator: Dr. Linda Grant (University of Georgia)
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Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Friday, October 19, 2007
10:30-11:45
Paper Session A
A1 Oconee
Moderator: Marie Lewis (Macon State College)
Lana Wachniak (Kennesaw State University) “Don't Meet Me at that Library: Pedagogical Rifts and the Changing Academic Landscape.”
Abstract: Digital immigrants and natives are in colleges across the country. The course requirement to “go to the library and read the book” will be replaced by “read the learning object at the repository located at this URL.” The collegial statement “let’s stop by the faculty club and discuss our research” will be replaced by “join our open content community.” Major learning repositories are discussed along with learning objects and self-paced learning modules.
Sam Abaidoo (Kennesaw State University) “Re-visioning Sociology Education in Light of Gen-X and Millennial Surge on College Campuses.”
Abstract: citing recent census data Strauss and Howe (2007) report that “this is the final year that most (college) students will have parents who grew up as baby boomers.” In a couple of years “Millennials” with “Generation X” parents will dominate. Viewed within the context of expectations of “Gen Xers”, governments and the new economy, this represents more than a demographic shift. The changes require a serious conversation about what sociology educators have to offer.
Robin Crawford (Kennesaw State University) “Behavioral Expectations Used as Evaluative Criteria and Converted into Capital within Secondary Education.”
Abstract: The concept of cultural capital is one way to conceptualize social inequalities. This broad explanation is inadequate when attempting to understand specific attributes considered by educators to determine chances of student success. This study identified behaviors, which when accumulated reflect knowledge of culturally transmitted information. Educators identified 37 cultural manifestations.
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Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Friday, October 19, 2007
A2 Clarke
Moderator: Michallene McDaniel (Gainesville State College)
Melinda Schott-Caccacci (University of West Georgia) “Lesbian and Gay Families: Diversity Not Perversity.”
Abstract: Research evidence on the development of children reared in lesbian and gay families, in comparison to children reared by heterosexual parents, will be presented. Currently, heterosexism is used as the hierarchical model in parenting standards, creating an atmosphere of differences as negative. The hierarchical heterosexual approach will be challenged.
Rebecca Wilson (Berry College) “Social Construction of Good Food.”
Abstract: This paper examines how Americans have socially constructed the idea of good food. The reality of this constructed idea is that good food is not good for Americans’ health. Its construction and consequences are revealed.
Regina A. Smalls (Mercer University) “Is it Really ‘all about the Benjamins?’: A Closer Examination of materialism among College Students.”
Abstract: There has been an increase of materialism in America since the mid-20th century, which has led to concerns that American’s young people are falling victim to the consumer culture. This research investigates materialism among college students and finds that materialism varies by different factors including household income, gender, major, parental influence, and religiosity.
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Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Friday, October 19, 2007
A3 Madison
Moderator: Michelle McCormick (Macon State College)
Al McCormick (M2 Research and Consulting) “Social Factors Related to the Infertility of Women born between 1740-1890.”
Abstract: Using a genealogical database, an exploratory investigation traced the fertility records of 1,460 married women born 1740-1890. Surprisingly, one out of eight was childless in an era when fertility was strongly valued. The data indicate several social factors associated with infertility in the era examined.
Leo Mundy (North Georgia College and State University) “Transformational Learning Theory: Using Academic models of the Life Course to bring a Critical and Structured Perspective on Student’s biographical history and future.”
Abstract: Many if not all topics in sociology relate directly to student’s personal lives. However, the use of academic knowledge as a transformative moment in learning is more difficult for certain topics, such as academic theories on social stratification, which leave very little room for positive and immediate social action, particularly with respect to student’s personal lives. In this paper, we focus on three models of the life course (the life course as psycho-social development, the life course as social roles and timing, and the life course as cohort analysis) to offer students an immediate and positive way of using academic knowledge as a resource for personal transformations that may or may not extend their intellectual, aesthetic, social, and moral reach.
Jackie Boles (Georgia State University, Professor Emeritus) “The Motive to Entertain: A Psychosocial Approach.”
Abstract: A content analysis of achievement power and affiliation motives in a sample of 117 biographies of entertainers.
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Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Friday, October 19, 2007
12:00-1:45 Awards Plenary and Business Luncheon
Lumpkin I & II
2:00-3:15
Paper Session B
B1 Oconee
Moderator: Terry Carmon (Kennesaw State University)
Michael Capece (Valdosta State University) “From High School to College: Does Self-Selection or Participation in Greek Organizations Influence Drinking Behavior?”
Abstract: Past research has consistently shown that drinking among college students is higher for those who are involved in fraternities and sororities. But, is this an issue of self-selection or the influence of the drinking culture found in fraternities and sororities? This research is an attempt to simulate a longitudinal study to determine if those who drink excessively in high school self-select into a Greek organization, thus explaining their excessive drinking or if joining a Greek organization increases alcohol use from high school to college. Using CORE data from seven colleges and universities across the country, we hypothesized that joining a Greek organization, not self-selection, explains the increase in drinking.
Fletcher Winston (Mercer University) “The Evolution of Student Movement Organizations.”
Abstract: This study examines Students for Environmental Action, a social movement organization that represents the central outlet for environmental activism at a liberal arts college in middle Georgia. The project explores reasons for the various periods of growth and decline experienced by the organization since its formation in the early 1990s.
David Broad (North Georgia College and State University) “Hierarchy versus Experiential Authority in the Army.”
Abstract: The United States Army is an organization within which two distinct but intertwined systems of responsibility and function. One is the familiar linear rank system, from the highest rank of four-star General to the lowest rank of Private. Throughout this apparently continuous system there is a line between officers and enlisted personnel. This is a report on research begun on these relationships.
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Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Friday, October 19, 2007
B2 Clarke
Moderator: Michael Hodge (Morehouse College)
Kevin Demmitt (Clayton State University) “Organizing International and Study Abroad Programs for Undergraduates.”
Abstract: Internationalizing the student body is of utmost importance given the advancing globalization of world systems. Study abroad programs provide unmatched opportunity for students to experience global social/economic systems up close and personal. Learn how.
Darina Lepadatu (Kennesaw State University), Cristina-Gheorghiu Stephens (Georgia State University) “The stranger in the Classroom: International Faculty and their Professional Acculturation.”
Abstract: This paper discusses the acculturation experiences of two Romanian faculty who teach at Georgia universities. The authors describe their professional journey between two different systems of higher education. Changes in personal values, professional identity and teaching style are examined, including methods, goals and strategies for reaching out to students.
Amber Gizzle, Kevin Molyneaux, and Miriam Boeri (Kennesaw State University) “Putting a Masters Degree in Applied Sociology to Work: A Qualitative Study.”
Abstract: In this paper the authors explore how alumni from a Sociology undergraduate program have used their degree in work or other areas in their life. Suggestions from the graduates will be discussed.
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Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Friday, October 19, 2007
B3 Madison
Moderator: Michallene McDaniel (Gainesville State College)
Laurel Holland (University of West Georgia) “Environmental Concerns and Environmental Ethics: Reinventing the Role of Religion in the Natural World.”
Abstract: The relationship between religion and environmentalism has ancient origins. However, in the 1960s Christianity was accused of “being the most anthropocentric religion the world has seen” (White 1967). This work explores the work of religious leaders who are promoting religion as key to saving the planet.
Anne L. Borden (Morehouse College) “Your Ministry is a Business: Christian Bookstores 1953-2003.”
Abstract: I examine changes in the organizational field of Christian bookstores over a 50-year period, from 1953 to 2003. Drawing on a content analysis of the trade journal of the Christian Bookseller's Association, I demonstrate that the logic of sacralization, whereby Christianity and capitalism are fused, has increased.
Alison Amyx (Mercer University) “Who’s in Control?: Examining Students’ Perceptions of God’s Ability to Intervene in the World.”
Abstract: This project examines Mercer students’ perceptions of God’s authority. The study will measure the influence of factors such as religious and political affiliation, family structure, and values on the extent to which students believe God is able to intervene in their lives as well as in worldly events.
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Georgia Sociological Association 2007 Program
Friday, October 19, 2007
3:30-4:45
Paper Session C
C1 Oconee
Moderator: Miriam Boeri (Kennesaw State University)
Ed Jones (Kennesaw State University) “The Great Divide: Exploring the Gap between Races in Religion”
Abstract: This paper explores differences in racial attitudes between multi-racial and racially homogeneous congregations with the aim to discover if one’s level of devotion (defined as religiosity) affects general attitudes about race.
Nick Zeller (Kennesaw State University) “An Analysis of Coverage of Environmental Issues in Printed Media”
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to analyze coverage of environmental issues in printed media and to determine the content and treatment of said issues. I will be comparing issues of the New York Times and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution over the past five years. Articles will be grouped into legislative, disaster, or activism. I will be using grounded theory.