Many of us are readers. We read to keep up on the latest sociological research, of course, but we also read for pleasure. In the Book Corner, Sociology faculty, staff, graduate students, and visitors share recommendations for novels, biographies, history, and non-fiction books that have made an impact on us. What these books share in common is that they are all "good reads" that are accessible to a wide range of readers. And while few them are explicitly Sociology books, many touch on themes that come up in our classes, and in contemporary society. We encourage you to browse through these entries, then pull up a chair and start reading. There will be no quizzes, but feel free to let us know what you think.
Book Corner
More than 2 million people in the United States live behind bars, a scale of punishment and human suffering not seen in any other society—yet US crime rates are at historic lows. In her new book, Ending Mass Incarceration, S.
If you’re already a fan of Third Place Books in Bothell, you owe it to yourself to read urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg’s The Great Good Place, the book that originated the idea of a Third Place. “The Third Place,” is Oldenburg’s term for the social realm that is neither work, nor home. It’s a comfortable and welcoming place where people come and go freely, and neighbors ma
I began researching my dissertation shortly after the collapse of the housing market in 2007. Like many others, I was puzzled by the enduring place of ownership in American society. Although public support for homeownership policies dipped briefly as the housing market collapsed, it quickly rebounded. To this day, homeownership remains deeply popular.
“I like to think I know what death is…. I try to look like this is normal and boring so Pop will think I’ve earned these thirteen years, so Pop will know I’m ready to pull what needs to be pulled, separate innards from muscle, organs from cavities. I want Pop to know I can get bloody. Today’s my birthday.” Thirteen-year-old Jojo utters these words as Sing, Unburied, Sing, opens.
THE SPIRITUAL VIRTUOSO: PERSONAL FAITH AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION
Marion Goldman and Steven Pfaff*
Reviewed by Susan Pitchford
Read the Preface to Professor Hamilton's New Book
On October 9th, former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala met with a group of graduate students to share her experiences working in the Clinton White House, as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin, and as the President of the Clinton Foundation.
In 1992 the New England Journal of Medicine publishes a letter to the editor by Jane Porter and Dr.
Why has politics in America and Europe become so polarized and partisan in the last few decades? Journalists, political scientists, and sociologists have all attempted to answer this question, but one of the most interesting attempts I’ve seen comes from a cognitive psychologist.
This past summer I had my SOC 110 students read Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance. While it may seem like a dating advice book, I was pleasantly surprised by how thoughtful and well-researched it is. I received positive feedback from my students as well, who said the book was 'funny', 'not too serious', and 'not boring' - great comments for any assigned reading.