Rise and Fall: Population, Urbanization and the Environment
Much of the change that has occurred in many cities over the past century has come about as a result of the interplay among three factors: population shifts, the environment, and urbanization.
Barriers to African-American Wealth Accumulation
Professor of Sociology and Public Policy Dalton Conley talks about discriminatory practices which prevented most African-Americans from participating in the great American housing boom from the 1950's through the end of the 20th century. Professor C...
Residential Segregation
Professor of Sociology and Public Policy Dalton Conley talks about residential segregation, noting that it has important economic, educational and family consequences. Professor Conley observes that there is a premium for being a white neighborhood ...
Responding to Epidemics
Professor of Sociology and History Craig Calhoun talks about the ways in which nations respond to epidemics. Professor Calhoun focuses on the importance of prevention, as well as setting up a triage process that allows for prioritization.
Redlining
Professor of Sociology and Public Policy Dalton Conley talks about the origins of the discriminatory lending practice known as "redlining."
When I Grow Up: Gender Equality
Author and feminist Betty Friedan observes that while full equality between the genders has not yet been achieved, American society is closer to reaching that goal than at any time in the past.
When I Grow Up: Women Who Act Tough
Author and feminist Betty Friedan talks about the "war between the sexes," noting that, at one time, the mere mention of the words "my wife" in comedy routines made the audience laugh.
Waves of Change: Technology and Social Change
Twentieth century sociologist Gerhard Lenski said that one way to understand social change is to look at the basic subsistence technology of a society. With that information, much can be deduced about stratification, gender relations, and politica...
Waves of Change: Winnemem Wintu Make A Stand, The
The Winnemem Wintu tribe joins forces with environmental activists in an effort to persuade those in political power to recognize the tribe and put a stop to the raising of Shasta Dam
War and Rebuilding in Iraq
Professor of Sociology and History Craig Calhoun talks about the sociological dimensions of the rebuilding effort during the war in Iraq. He focuses on the challenge of bringing together vast numbers of people with different cultural backgrounds, in...