Population aging, in conjunction with social and cultural transformations of the life course, has profound implications for social systems--from large-scale structures to micro-level processes. However, much of sociology remains fairly quiet on issues of age and aging, including the subfield of social psychology that could illuminate the impact of…

In the following paper we argue that the conventional "Introduction to Sociology" survey course should be restructured because such courses try to survey an unsurveyable body of knowledge and they do not teach the application of sociological research. The conventional intro course should be replaced with an intro course that surveys the types of…

We present data from a survey of deans at colleges and universities throughout the USA on the relative status of disciplines. Findings indicate that the relative status of Sociology within the academy is low, although there are several specific areas of high status--namely, concerning community involvement and engagement. Our analyses also…

Examines the meaning of practicing sociology, claiming to "commit a social science" still makes sense. Accepts Max Weber's arguments that sociology clarifies human affairs and is oriented to certain virtues. Suggests, however, that sociology is a passion as well as a profession, something Weber recognized but did not elaborate. (NL)

Contends that changes in the dominant mode of social research since 1900 have mirrored changes in the structure of society. States that graduate training in sociology must begin to define itself in relation to the functioning of modern society or face the danger of becoming "that in which no one else is interested." (Author/BSR)

Examines what is meant by feminist theory in sociology. Reviews how feminist sociologists use interdisciplinary theories and how they apply a feminist methodological stance to generate feminist theory within sociology. States some of the current issues and concerns of feminists in sociology. (Author/LS)

Suggests that different levels of analysis and theoretical approaches are less problematic when considered in terms of different degrees of abstraction to the extent that concepts utilized are time and space free. Illustrates the need for multiple levels of analysis and abstraction with two examples: contemporary sexual behavior and explanations…

Explores the nature, illustrations, guidelines, and importance of autobiographical sociology as a research approach. States sociologists may probe past personal experiences to identify and analyze sociologically relevant material. Notes such sociology may be related to author-ethnography, and experiential analysis. Observes the advantage of…

Argues that feminist sociologists cannot reject quantitative methodologies if they want to have an impact on the discipline. Calls for a reconstruction of methodology that transforms both quantitative and qualitative techniques in ways informed by feminist epistemology, building research agendas that integrate both approaches. (Author/LS)

After reviewing the debate about public sociologies in the American Sociological Association over the past few years, we offer a response to calls for "saving sociology" from the Burawoy approach as well as an analytic critique of the former ASA president's "For Public Sociology" address. While being sympathetic to the basic idea of public…

Traces the occupational and intellectual components of sociology's effort to win recognition as a science. Focuses on the model of science used and its limits. Argues that sociology, as quasi-science and quasi-humanities, should be maintaining the empirical outlook of a science while recognizing the impact of civilization on concepts and theories.…

Notes the complexity of preserving anonymity in data presentation. Observes that procedure has been to disguise names and identity of research subjects as protection, but asserts this also prevents them from receiving credit. Claims that circumstances may exist when disguise of research subjects is undesirable, particularly with informed consent.…

Counters arguments of Donald N. McClosky on formalism in the social sciences and claims he fails to identify important arguments that justify the practices he criticizes. Agrees that, although exposing accepted methods to critical examination is useful, this broad attack implies the rejection of good social science as well as bad. (NL)

Describes a "fourth critique" emerging in the field of sociology. Developing a perspective on the intersection of race, gender, and class, this perspective is an important revision of feminist sociology and feminist theory which tend to emphasize gender and is also corrective of race relations perspectives, which often omit gender.…

Introduces the concept of state-forbidden research terrains and examines one such terrain in detail: post-revolutionary Cuba. Examines how U.S. decision makers create and maintain forbidden research terrain and explores the consequences of Cuba's closure to social science investigation. Suggests actions that social scientists might take to open up…