Open Access Social Science Publications

Stacy Konkiel reports that open access social science publications “grew by 8% (to 38% total) from 2009 – 2011.”

Continue reading “Open Access Social Science Publications”
Red curtain on a stage

The World’s a Stage: Dramaturgical Theory

Erving Goffman’s theory of Dramaturgy draws on metaphors from stage acting to describe the public and private work that individuals maintain in their social interactions with other people. “Front stage” work is the face you show to people in different social contexts. Sometimes our modes of interaction will be different in different situations and with different groups (or “audiences”). Backstage work is how we manage our identities and emotions when we’re alone. We can work on our “performance” or rethink the behaviour we want to reflect to others.

Continue reading “The World’s a Stage: Dramaturgical Theory”
Protesters march through Sydney. Two people hold a large Aboriginal flag as they walk

Race and Identity

This is a summary of my recent social media writing about race and identity in Australia and the USA. This included my live tweets during the Sydney hostage siege as well as the Ferguson and the #BlackLivesMatter anti-police violence protests following the death of Eric Garner.

Continue reading “Race and Identity”

Governed for the Richest

“The country is governed for the richest, for the corporations, the bankers, the land speculators, and for the exploiters of labor. The majority of mankind are working people. So long as their fair demands – the ownership and control of their livelihoods – are set at naught, we can have neither men’s rights nor women’s rights. The majority of mankind is ground down by industrial oppression in order that the small remnant may live in ease.” Continue reading Governed for the Richest

Evidence-Based Social Policy

Six “What Works” research centres in the UK are promoting evidence-based social policy. This means they carry out research to provide practical solutions to governments.

Continue reading “Evidence-Based Social Policy”

Social Science Quote of the Week: Principle of Collaboration

Jacob Morgan, author of “The Collaborative Organisation,” says that positive social impact is central to teamwork.

Continue reading “Social Science Quote of the Week: Principle of Collaboration”

Anthropology of Social Death

Read a wonderful essay by Professor Faye V. Harrison on the anthropological connections between the Black Lives Matter movement in the USA, to racial profiling in Brazil, and the murders of students in Mexico.

Continue reading “Anthropology of Social Death”