the sociology podcast nobody wants, but everybody needs
Abstract
Why can’t we pick our nose in public? We’re back this week with our series-not-a-series “Don’t Ask a Sociologist!” We talk about what norms are – it’s a word you hear a lot but Sociology has a specific definition. What purposes do norms serve in our society? Where do we learn norms from? Join our gang for your dosage of Sociology!
Keywords
Norms, Farting, Social Order
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The pursuit of a college education is often seen as a surefire path to a better life and social mobility. Yet for black families the story is not so straightforward. When selecting a college, black families utilize a number of strategies such as self-censorship while contending with how minority scholarships or enrollment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are perceived. We sit with Dr. Deborwah Faulk, a race scholar, to learn more about the impact of anti-black racism on college selection for black families.
Keywords
College selection, Black culture, Racism and Anti-Racism, Higher Education
Follow Deborwah!
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‘Watchmen,’ the 1980s comic, has been adapted into a television series on HBO and a film. Which one is better? Brian Brutlag, from the Sociologist’s Dojo, joins our debate and explains how the comic has shaped the imagery and storylines of those that followed. We also discuss how capitalism recycles profitable plotlines and characters and how that cycle influences audiences’ interest. Tune in here and be sure to follow the Sociologist’s Dojo!
Keywords
Pop culture, Watchmen, Capitalism, Superheroes, Anti-Heroes
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Follow Brian and check out his podcast!
Abstract
Violence against women in sports is a common topic in the news nowadays, with allegations of abuse and misconduct coming to light. Criminal and deviant behaviors in sports, from basketball to the NFL, happens more often than you think but what are the consequences of such behaviors? How do the institutions and actors involved respond to allegations? Do allegations of violence against women impact the career trajectory of professional athletes at all? (spoiler: nope). Join us and our guest, Daniel Sailofsky, as we discuss sports and violence, and you can fill your Social Breakdown bingo card slot marked “Capitalism”!
Keywords
Sports, violence, capitalism, masculinity, celebrity status
Check out Daniel’s work!
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Abstract
Is the COVID-19 pandemic the death of tourism? Is the Venetian in Vegas authentic? We have a guest episode for you today with Marta Soligo, who will take us on a tour of the sociology of tourism, the creation of culture, celebrity deaths, dark tourism, and much more. Even though tourism may be for leisure and relaxation, it remains one of the largest money making industry for many economies and cultures that have had to turn to commercialization to survive. COVID-19 brings interesting implications with the sudden immobilization of people, but what does the future hold? Join us to learn more!
Keywords
Tourism, death tourism, celebrity deaths, culture
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We’re back with a fun breakaway episode talking about monster artists and girl power! In light of recent revelations about Joss Whedon, we breakdown classic feminist girl power TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Is it really about female empowerment? Or is it just a masculinized vision of femininity? Join us to learn more as we rethink our favorite girl power heroines.
Keywords
Girl power, feminism, popular culture, monster artists
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We’re flashbacking to everyone’s favorite year – 2020! The three of us get together to reflect on 2020 and the pandemic, how that affected us, and discuss how we think that’ll affect society moving forward. The pandemic that froze the world is one to remember, but how will it actually impact socialization, restaurant-going, movie-watching, and all that social stuff? We take a personal dive into 2020, so join us for the ride!
Keywords
2020, COVID-19 pandemic
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What is art? What is the value of fine art? What is art? What is the value of fine art? In this week’s episode, Anina Englehardt joins us to explore how sociology understands the world of contemporary fine art, from its hierarchical and exclusive nature to the meaning-making process of art. When judging and valuing art, what is more important – the intention of the artist, the story behind the art, or the whimsical, and sometimes random and irrelevant, interpretations of the everyday audience? We tour the world of fine art, its view of digital art, political art, and much more!
Keywords
Contemporary art, fine art, political art
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Guns are a hot button topic. They are imbued with politics, religion, masculinity, danger, safety, emotions, and more. Ellen was lucky enough to sit down with Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow, Visiting Assistant Professor of Public Health at Florida State University, and talk about the role firearms play in American society today. A trained medical sociologist, Dr. Dowd-Arrow helps us break down why guns are seen as a public health concern, and explains how the values we attach to firearms have evolved over the past 50 years. Tune in here to learn more!
Keywords
Firearms, guns, culture, America, public health
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Abstract
Ahh, student loans… who doesn’t have ‘em nowadays? Today, we’re diving into the complex world of education-based debt with the help of our guest, Sam. How does student loan debt influence major life decisions, like starting a family or buying a house? What role does financial literacy play in all of this? And will president-elect Joe Biden really cancel student debt?! (Pretty please, Joe– we could all use a little help right now.) Sam is here to break it down for us using findings from her own qualitative research. Tune in here!
Keywords
Student loans, academia, higher education, debt, financial literacy
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