Panel Discussion on Social Theories and Normativity

September 30, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Mānoa Campus, Saunders 244

Social science endeavors entail not only empirical discovering but also theory building. Theories are crucial because they provide the conceptual frameworks through which scholars interpret, explain, and critically engage with the dynamics of social life. This panel brings together ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ sociologists from diverse fields and traditions to discuss the relationship between social theories and normativity (e.g., normative judgment, ideology and politics). Panelists will start with what theory is and then use examples of leading theorists to show how different theories are operationalized in research. They will interrogate the degree to which theories are normative, objectivity is socially constructed, and the conditions under which theories become political. Even though these topics may seem abstract, their consequences influence decisions about how scholars and students position themselves and generate theory regarding major social issues—everything from criminal justice, affordable housing, and access to health care to immigration, colonization, and genocide. Students and scholars of any disciplinary backgrounds are welcome. Panelists: Sun-Ki Chai, Professor of Sociology Ashley Rubin, Associate Professor of Sociology Nandita Sharma, Professor of Sociology Manfred B. Steger, Professor of Sociology Moderator: Le Lin, Associate Professor of Sociology


Event Sponsor
Sociology, Mānoa Campus

More Information
Lisa Nhomi-Koza, 808-956-7653, socdept@hawaii.edu,

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