China and the Tiananmen Square Protests (Part One)
Professor of Sociology and History Craig Calhoun tells the story of what led up to the 1989 Tiananmen Square Protests in China, including the role of the media and the erosion of communist rule in various locations around the world.
When I Grow Up: War Between the Sexes, The
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.
Wealth, Technology and Society
Professor of Sociology and History Craig Calhoun talks about the impact of social organizations and culture on everyday life. He points out that most of us find it much easier to understand and appreciate the impact of physical phenomena than to ful...
Worlds Apart: Advantages of Wealthy Nations
Approximately ninety-six percent of research and development is carried out in the more economically advanced countries. These nations dominate innovation and the ability to transform technological breakthroughs into manufacturing processes.
Waves of Change: Pros and Cons of Social Change, The
The process of social change is helpful for some people, but hurtful for others. As a result, the prospect of social change is often accompanied by resistance and fear.
Worlds Apart: Poverty and Uncertainty in Africa
Along with their struggle to survive poverty, the people of Africa must also endure a pervasive sense of uncertainty that casts an enormous shadow over their daily life.
Rise and Fall: Population, Urbanization and the Environment
Part of the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley in central California, Fresno is a city in transition. While it maintains its links with the land and its past, Fresno faces many of the same growing pains, including crime and pollution, that char...
Protests Against Globalization
Professor of Sociology and History Craig Calhoun talks about globalization protests, stating that these are not spontaneous reactions, but rather part of a concerted effort to achieve better working conditions, greater access to healthcare, and a cl...
Racism in the United States
Professor of Sociology and Public Policy Dalton Conley talks about the perpetuation of unequal opportunity in the United States. Professor Conley notes that there are a number of cultural, economic and social channels by which racial and class disti...
Institutional Racism
Professor of Sociology and Public Policy Dalton Conley talks about the forces that perpetuate racism, even when there is no particular racial motivation in mind. In many cases, Professor Conley notes, there is no awareness that race plays a part in ...