Tuesday, March 01, 2005

The Bloodsport of Social Science

In class today we went further into the heated debate around the excellent book written by sociologist Mitch Duniere (sp?) entitled Sidewalk. Highly respected French sociologist Loic Wacquant thought it was a load of stercus (if you don't know the meaning of stercus, find a latin dictionary), while most everyone else, despite its weaknesses, thought it was very impressive. I agree with everyone else - well written, and while not perfect, it's readability and message that homeless people aren't all bad is an important one that needs to be read. Go out and find the book - an excellent read.
Other than that, guest lecturer Anna Secor of the University of Kentucky came to visit class, which was very interesting, as she does research in Turkey. The biggest news of the day, however, is that I have a ticket to see the Rev. Al Sharpton speak here in M-A-D one week from today. Now that's gonna be cool.

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