Junia Howell, University of Illinois, Chicago

Title: We Are Part of the Problem: How Sociology Perpetuates Harmful Urban Policy

 

 

Abstract: Most sociologists will readily acknowledge that some of our field's founders reified racist, sexist, homophobic, and classist assertions with deeply troubling methods and theories. Yet, it is harder for us to see how some of our contemporary practices mirror these historical trends. Using urban sociology as an exposé, this talk will examine how the main stream sociological imagination has been and continues to be constrained by White political agendas. Moreover, we will discuss how this has contributed to real world harm in urban communities. The talk will pull on three empirical pieces to demonstrate how asking questions outside of these constraints provides contrasting and often liberating findings. I will posit ways and invite conversation regarding how we might collectively break free of the White political grip and cultivate liberating sociological approaches.