2020 Archives
Social Justice and Covid-19: A series of research published by Dr. Stacy Smith
December 17, 2020
Assistant Sociology Professor Dr. Stacy Smith has published three articles in what is some of the first Sociological work published on the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Sociology PhD student finds that sense of place matters in energy development
December 3, 2020
MSU Sociology PhD student Mark Suchyta has published research in Energy Research & Social Science which shows that a sense of place can predict beliefs about energy development in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale.
Sociology Professor Aaron McCright among the world's most highly cited researchers
December 2, 2020
Dr. Aaron McCright, Department Chair and Professor of Sociology has been named one of the most highly cited researchers the world. Dr. McCright is one of 9 Michigan State University researchers to be recognized in the 2020 Highly Cited Researchers List compiled by Clarivate Analytics, and the only from the College of Social Science.
Sociology PhD Student Anna Wilcoxson awarded $25,000 grant to enhance economic mobility, reduce poverty
December 2, 2020 - SHRLR
School of Human Resources and Labor Relations Associate Professor Dr. Maite Tapia and Sociology PhD student Anna Wilcoxson received a $25,000 grant from the Midwest Mobility from Poverty Network, a collaborative of universities engaged in data and analysis to improve economic mobility and reduce poverty across the Midwest, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual communities more at-risk for dementia, study finds
November 18, 2020 - Caroline Brooks
MSU Sociology's Drs. Ning Hsieh and Hui Liu, along with PhD student Wen-Hua (Zoey) Lai, have published a study showing lesbian, gay and bisexual people are more vulnerable to one of the fastest-growing health concerns in the country - dementia.
Iraqi Kurds: The dream of nation state
October 26, 2020
MSU Sociology PhD student Jihan Mohammed has published research on why the 2017 Kurdish independence referendum failed.
Insights from Early Covid-19 Responses About Promoting Sustainable Action
October 13, 2020
Dr. Tom Dietz, MSU University Distinguished Professor of Sociology, has published an article exploring what we can learn about the public responses to COVID-19 and how those lessons can be applied to global environmental crises.
Examining Race in Jamaica: How Racial Category and Skin Color Structure Social Inequality
October 12, 2020
Monique D.A. Kelly, MSU Sociology Dean's Research Associate, has published her research challenging long-held assumptions that marginalize race with regards to social inequality in Jamaica.
The Importance of International Graduate Students to MSU Sociology
October 11, 2020 - Dr. Aaron McCright, Professor of Sociology
At the dawn of the 21st Century, we know more than ever that our work lives, labor markets, and seemingly local economies are integrated into a global economic system. As the leading state university and land-grant institution in Michigan, we must do all we can to provide our undergraduate and graduate students with challenging and effective learning experiences so that—whether they immediate enter labor markets and continue on with advanced training upon receipt of their degrees—we help them achieve success in fulfilling and impactful careers within the global economy.
Interdisciplinary Team at MSU Secures $3.2M National Science Foundation Convergence Grant to Empower Off-grid Communities
October 7, 2020 - Diane Huhn and Karessa Weir
Michigan State University Researcher Emilio Moran and Sociology Chair Aaron McCright will lead a team in the development of a convergent framework offering non-dam hydropower as a sustainable energy solution for off-grid communities while empowering and engaging residents throughout the process.
Dr. stef shuster named Diversity Champion
October 6, 2020
Diversity Champions epitomize unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They do this in their research and scholarly agenda, across our academic programs and at varying administrative levels. In short, “Diversity Champions” work to create a better future or world for all. Dr. stef shuster’s work in understanding transgender identity shows their contributions to recognizing LGBTQ+ communities for their distinctive gendered experiences and complexities.
NSF grant to help power and empower those off grid
September 30, 2020 - Sue Nichols
Dr. Aaron McCright, Professor and Chair of Sociology, is part of a multi-disciplinary team awarded $3.2 million from the National Science Foundation to deliver renewable energy to off-grid communities.
MSU Sociology alumna working to increase breastfeeding awareness, health access
September 24, 2020 - Karessa Weir
Dr. Angela Johnson, MSU Sociology alumna, has been advocating breastfeeding and support, as well as increase health access for women and at-risk individuals.
The connection between human health & wildlife trade and consumption
September 21, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, speculation about the virus’s origins has led many to question the safety and ethics surrounding worldwide wildlife trade and consumption. For example, the overcrowded and often unhygienic conditions present in wet markets have caused concern among experts for human health repercussions.
The Benefits of Friendship: Teen social networks linked with levels of adult depression
September 21, 2020 - Karessa Weir
Teens who have a larger number of friends may be less likely to suffer from depression later in life, especially women, a new MSU/Duke University research study has found.
Studying how COVID-19 has Impacted Migrants is Focus of New MSU Sociology led Research
September 9, 2020 - Karessa E. Weir
Dr. Soma Chaudhuri, Associate Professor of Sociology, is leading a team of seven interdisciplinary and international researchers to study how the COVID 19 pandemic has impacted the precarious existence of migrants in the international context. The goals of the research involve advancing theoretical and empirical scholarship in the area of migrant precarity across immigrants of different skill groups, along with developing an interdisciplinary methodological toolkit for academics and stakeholders.
Sociology Experts Available to Discuss the Election
September 8, 2020
MSU Sociology is proud to offer the expertise of Chair Aaron McCright and Professor Steven Gold regarding the 2020 election
A Welcome Message from Chair Aaron McCright
September 1, 2020
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and graduate students in the Department of Sociology, I welcome you all—new and returning students alike—into our (virtual) Spartan Community!
For Black Sociology graduates, MSU has among the highest average earnings
September 1, 2020
According to Washington Monthly, Black Sociology graduates from Michigan State University are likely to receive among the highest salaries in the nation for that major. Using Department of Education data, the magazine ranked the top schools where majors were popular with Black students based on median first-year earnings. For Sociology, the rankings were Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, Duke University, MSU and Georgetown (tied for fifth).
Sociology PhD students Mark Suchyta and Brittany Tucker win Dissertation Completion Fellowships
August 24, 2020
Please join us in congratulating Brittany Tucker and Mark Suchyta for successfully receiving a spring 2021 Dissertation Completion Fellowship! They each had a strong proposal, and they are well-deserving of this recognition and support.
Dr. Carl Taylor named Diversity Champion
August 21, 2020
Sociology Professor Emeritus Dr. Carl Taylor has extensive experience in field research aimed at the reduction of violence involving American youth. He has worked with communities, foundations and government agencies in understanding gangs, youth culture, and violence. Dr. Taylor has established a national reputation as an ethnographer and takes pride in having worked in some of the most isolated and distressed communities in the nation, giving him a strong understanding of the problems facing many neighborhoods in urban America.
Dr. Sarah Prior publishes new article in Violence Against Women
August 17, 2020
Dr. Sarah Prior, Assistant Professor of Sociology, has published an article on "Women's Pornography Consumption, Alcohol Use, and Sexual Victimization" which explores female sexual victimization and its relationship with pornography consumption and alcohol use.
$1M grant from Luce Foundation launches interdisciplinary program on Mekong sustainability
July 24, 2020 - Lois Furry and Amanda Flaim
Sociology professor Amanda Flaim is leading a team of interdisciplinary researchers working to foster environmental justice in Southeast Asia with a $1 million grant from the Henry Luce Foundation.
MSU Sociology welcomes Faith Bradley as an incoming doctoral student
July 22, 2020
Faith Bradley is joining the MSU Sociology Doctoral Program starting in Fall 2020. Faith studies systems of oppression in the food system and is interested in queer theory, intersectionality, food security, emergency food providers and the nonprofit industrial complex, and how foodwork is divided along lines of gender, race, and class.
MSU Sociology improves in global ranking
July 20, 2020
In the newly announced Global Rankings of Academic Subjects 2020, MSU Sociology has improved 7 positions to No. 29.
MSU alumnus advocates solutions-oriented approach to fighting racism and promoting social justice
July 16, 2020 - Russ White
Phil Hart earned master’s and Ph.D. degrees in sociology in 1970 and 1974 respectively from MSU’s College of Social Science. Hart has dedicated his career to studying race in America through the lenses of sociology, urban planning, and social justice. He's authored more than 100 books and articles on race in America and has served as a leader both on campus and around the country on race-related initiatives.
Dr. Sandy Marquart-Pyatt wins ASA ESS Teaching and Mentorship Award
July 6, 2020
Sociology Professor Sandy Marquart-Pyatt is this year’s winner of the American Sociological Association Section on Environmental Sociology’s Teaching and Mentorship Award.
MSU Sociologist working to help refugees stay safe from COVID-19
June 26, 2020 - Karessa Weir
In refugee camps and urban settlements throughout the Middle East and North Africa, the threat of COVID-19 is high in the minds of the non-governmental organizations. In some cases, items as simple as soap can be hard to find. In others, the volunteers themselves are scarce as fear of infection spreads.
Dr. stef shuster: Uniting STEM and social science for the LGBTQ+ community
June 25, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Social science research requires innovation and critical thinking. This is why, despite only being at Michigan State University for two years, sociologist Dr. stef shuster has emerged as a campus leader studying the intersection of sexual and gender minority experiences and health.
What's different about this movement against police brutality
June 19, 2020 - Dr. Carl Taylor
While observing recent protests, a voice explained to me, "This is the new world order." It was a young denizen from the third city, an underground culture invisible to the mainstream. Is this the world order that I had heard of? Conspiracies and all, storm troopers, dictators, and worse. The end of democracy.
MSU Sociology Issues A Call to Action
June 19, 2020
We are appalled at the recent wave of police brutality and police-involved killings of Black people across our country. We know these are not a new occurrence. We also know that the violence visited on Black and Brown people at the hands of police is but one form of a pervasive structural violence that threatens their economic livelihoods, social well-being, and physical and mental health.
MSU Sociology PhD alumni have new publications
June 5, 2020
MSU Sociology PhD alumni Kelly Birch Maginot (2019) and Breanne Grace (2013) both have publications in the recent journal Ethnic and Racial Studies.
We Must Heal Our Nation's Poisoned Soul
June 5, 2020 - Dr. Aaron McCright, Chair of Sociology
I would like to offer the following thoughts on the current moment in our country’s history.
Ning Hsieh: Addressing gaps in LGBTQ+ healthcare
June 3, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Dr. Ning Hsieh, a Michigan State University sociologist, is dedicated to knocking down barriers keeping LGBTQ+ Americans from accessing and receiving quality health care. Through exposing disparities and creating solutions, she plays an instrumental role in creating a better healthcare system for sexual and gender minorities.
Sociology PhD student, alumnus win American Sociological Association awards
June 2, 2020
Mark Suchyta has been awarded the Jane Goodall Award for Graduate Student Scholarship for his paper "Environmental Values and Americans' Beliefs about Farm Animal Well-Being." Also winning an ASA award is MSU Sociology alumnus Cameron Whitley.
MSU Sociologists to Study How Different Nations have Responded to COVID-19
May 22, 2020 - Karessa Weir
How different nations and states have responded to the COVID-19 crisis and how those responses have impacted their populations are among the topics explored by a new research project by MSU Sociologists Drs. Xuefei Ren and Stephen Gasteyer.
MSU Sociologists Explore The Effects of COVID-19 on Sexual and Gender Minorities of Color
May 21, 2020 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology professors Drs. Ning Hsieh and stef shuster are investigating how COVID-19 is creating different kinds of risks, health concerns and coping strategies for sexual and gender minorities and comparing those risks for people of color with their white sexual and gender minority counterparts.
Sociology PhD alumnus featured on PBS NewsMakers
May 11, 2020
Dr. Cedric Taylor, who earned his PhD in Sociology from MSU in 2011, was featured in the PBS NewsMakers interview for his movie "Nor Any Drop to Drink" which follows the Flint water crisis.
MSU Sociology professor Dr. Isabel Ayala named ALP Fellow
April 23, 2020
Maria Isabel Ayala, Associate Professor, Sociology and Director, Chicano/Latino Studies Program, College of Social Science has been named a 2020-2021 Academic Leadership Program Fellow.
Sociology PhD student Inna Mirzoyan receives a Fulbright Award to study in Armenia
April 13, 2020
Mirzoyan's research focuses on what happens to migrants after they leave their home countries. She will be working both in Armenia and then in Los Angeles' Armenia-American communities.
MSU sociologists discover “loneliness gap” for older LGB Americans in midst of COVID-19 isolation
April 10, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
In the midst of the international trend towards social isolation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are finding themselves feeling lonely. For those already struggling with loneliness, this can be an especially trying time.
SOC PhD student Kayleigh Ward shared her experiences researching in Japan
April 6, 2020
Kayleigh Ward's research interests focus mainly on community development and sustainability in post-disaster communities, especially in Miyagi, Japan.
Images from the 2020 Health, Medicine and Society Forum
March 30, 2020
Images from the 2020 Health, Medicine and Society Forum hosted by MSU Sociology on Feb. 13, 2020. Photography by Jackie Hawthorne.
Sociology Offering Summer Online Courses
March 24, 2020
The MSU Department of Sociology is pleased to offer a wide variety of completely online summer courses for undergraduates.
SOC Memo on Key University Policies
March 16, 2020
This is a newly codified set of behavioral expectations in the College and a recently revised University protocol for how key units/leadership coordinate when there is a reported violation of our Policy on Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct or our Anti-Discrimination Policy.
An Update from the Department of Sociology in relation to the Coronavirus
March 12, 2020
Sociology Chair Dr. Aaron McCright has provided an update on the operation of the Department in regards to the coronavirus.
MSU Coronavirus Updates
March 11, 2020
Effective at noon March 11, MSU is suspending face-to-face instruction in classroom settings and moving to virtual instruction. We are continuing to work with faculty and staff on laboratory and performance classes, and the university will provide additional guidance. This suspension of in-person classes will last until April 20.
Toxic Masculinity is Bad for Men
March 10, 2020 - Caroline Brooks
The belief that “real men” must be strong, tough and independent may be a detriment to their social needs later in life. A study co-authored by stef shuster, Michigan State University sociologist, found that men who endorse hegemonic ideals of masculinity — or “toxic masculinity” — can become socially isolated as they age, impacting their health, well-being and overall happiness.
Sociology Faculty and Students Awards announced
March 6, 2020
MSU Sociology is pleased to announce a number of awards, fellowships and accolades for our community this spring.
Census Expert: The 2020 count is the most political he’s ever seen and the implications will last decades.
February 28, 2020 - Karessa Weir
Since he was an undergraduate at MSU in 1970, Dr. Bill O’Hare has played an active role in the U.S. Census, the national effort every 10 years to count each person in the United States. The Census is more than just a data lover’s dream – it determines how federal taxes and Congressional seats are apportioned.
Carl Taylor: Innovating, For Life
February 21, 2020 - Liz Schondelmayer
Sociologist Dr. Carl Taylor has served as a professor with the Michigan State University College of Social Science for over 15 years, and is a three-time winner of the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award in Sociology.
Regan Kania promoted to Senior Academic Specialist
February 14, 2020
The Sociology Academic Advisor will be honored at a ceremony with MSU President Stanley and Provost Sullivan on Thursday, Feb. 13.
Dr. Xuefei Ren receives HARP grant to study urban redevelopment
February 13, 2020 - Karessa Weir
The proposal "Whose City? Urban Redevelopment in China, India, Brazil and the U.S." was selected for $25,000 in funding.
Dr. Denton Morrison (1932-2019) shares his life story
February 7, 2020
Dr. Denton "Spud" Morrison was Professor of Sociology at Michigan State University from 1964-1990 as well as serving at the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Prior to his death in December, 2019, Dr. Morrison had penned his own obituary to share with his colleagues and professional networks.
The Quarantine of a Megacity: China’s Struggle Over the Coronavirus Epidemic
February 4, 2020 - Xuefei Ren
Dr. Xuefei Ren writes about China's response to the recent Coronavirus outbreak for The Urban Now: International Journal of Urban and Regional Research.
2020 Research Symposium Call for Presenters
January 31, 2020
Announcing the 2020 Sociology Research Symposium Call for Presenters! We invite all faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students to give a five-minute TED-style talk on ongoing or completed research at our symposium April 17.
Meet Sociology's Newest Assistant Professor Molly Copeland
January 22, 2020 - Karessa Weir
MSU Sociology is pleased to announce the hiring of a new assistant professor in our Health and Medicine signature area. Ms. Molly Copeland is currently a PhD candidate in Sociology at Duke University and expects to receive her PhD in May 2020. Her research examines how connections with others relate to health disparities through gendered processes.
Dr. stef shuster discusses the role of transgender studies in the wider world of sociology
January 17, 2020
The essay "Carving Out a Niche or Finding a Place at the Table? The Sociology of Transgender Studies" was published in Contemporary Sociology and highlighted by the American Sociological Association's January newsletter.
Dr. Barbara Schneider's latest book shows engaged learning works
January 15, 2020
Students in the U.S. and Finland participating in a new project-based learning model are not only learning more, but becoming more engaged in class, research from Michigan State University shows.
Sociology PhD Alum Wins ASA Award
January 13, 2020
Dr. Cameron Whitley, Sociology PhD alumnus and assistant professor of Sociology at Western Washington University has been awarded a grant from the American Sociological Association for work he will do in Uruguay.
Dr. Barbara Schneider named top influencer in education policy
January 9, 2020
Dr. Barbara Schneider, John A. Hannah University Distinguished Professor of Education and Sociology, is among five Michigan State University faculty who earned national recognition for their influential research in the field of education.
MSU Sociology/ Animal Studies dominate latest HER issue
January 7, 2020
Three of the seven substantive papers in the current issue of Human Ecology Review are by MSU Animal Studies current or former students, two of those are Sociology PhD alums.
Dr. Denton "Spud" Morrison, Sociology Professor Emeritus, has died
January 7, 2020
Dr. Denton "Spud" Morrison served as Professor of Sociology at Michigan State University from 1964-1990. As a sociologist, Dr. Morrison specialized in the study of environmental sociology, social movements and research methods.
Dr. Larry Busch, University Distinguished Professor Emeritus, has died at age 74
January 3, 2020 - Karessa Weir
With close family by his side, Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Busch, longtime University Distinguished Professor of Sociology, passed away in the evening of Saturday December 28, 2019 from long-term illness.
All global sustainability is local: Dr. Tom Dietz among researchers featured in 'Nature'
January 2, 2020 - Sue Nichols
In a “Nature” cover story, Dr. Tom Dietz, Professor of Sociology and Dr. Jianguo "Jack" Liu of MSU’s Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability use groundbreaking methods to discover sustainability, like politics, is local.
PhD candidate Jihan Mohammed chosen for first Arab Center for Research & Policy Studies Graduate Winter School
January 2, 2020 - Karessa Weir
Mohammed is travelling to Qatar for an intensive 10-day training program designed for PhD candidates and early career scholars.