Wichita State University Sociology Department

03/15/2025

Saturday's Shocker Sociology lineup includes:

Dr. Chase Billingham will serve as presider and present in a session on narratives of sport(s) and athletes. His talk is titled, "Conflict in the Kitchen: Urban Recreational Land Use Disputes and the Rise of Pickleball in the United States."

Graduate student, Mahir Khan, will present part of his thesis research on "Wage Inequality in the High-Tech Sector: Exploring Gender and Racial Disparities" in a session titled Research on Gender(ed) Inequalities.

In that same session, Dr. Twyla Hill, Dr. Jodie Hertzog (not present), and senior teaching educator and Sociology undergrad coordinator Jodie Simon will present their research exploring the "The Dark Side of Digital Dating: Mid-and Later-Life Adults' Negative Experiences on Dating Apps" which explores intersectional variation in experiences based on age category (early midlife, midlife, and later-life) and gender.

At the same time, graduate student Mia Maupin will be presenting part of her thesis research in a roundtable exploring digital subcultures and social movements. Her presentation is titled, "Which Communities are for Whom?: The Landscape of Online Gaming Communities, Subcommunities, and Marginalized Gamers."

Later that afternoon, Master's program alum, Drew Thi, is scheduled to facilitate a workshop on Collective Liberation and Collaborative Learning on Gender, Race, and Querness.

Finally, to cap off the conference on Sunday, another alum of our Master's program, Dr. Derek Wilson (now at Midland University), will chair and serve as a panelist for a session on innovative teaching of sociological theory and later present some of his doctoral findings, titled: " My Digital Friend: How Older Adults Interpret Social Interactions with Conversational Smart Devices."

Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Wichita State University Graduate School

03/14/2025

Today, March 14th, the Shocker Sociology lineup includes:

Graduate student, Elisabeth Benteman - also one of MSS's student directors, will be serving as a panelist on building community among first-generation emerging scholars. She will also be a presider for the student-led plenary Q&A later in the afternoon.

Up next is undergraduate, John Navarro, presenting a poster that emerged from a class project titled, "Biases of Villans and Heroes in Video Games."

Wrapping up the day will be Dr. Jennifer Pearson's presidential address titled: "The Joy of Sociology in an Uncertain Future: What We Can Learn from Q***r Joy" followed by the presidential reception.

Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Wichita State University Graduate School

03/13/2025

It's that time of year again, and Shocker Sociology will be well represented at this year's Midwest Sociological Society's annual meeting in Chicago.

Today, Dr. Alyssa Lynne-Joseph is chairing and presenting in a session on gender-affirming healthcare from a sociological perspective. Her talk is titled, "Race, Gender, and Culture in Gender-Affirming Healthcare: Insights from Thailand and the United States."

Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University

02/26/2025

Want to explore what Sociologists do after graduation?
Check out the following events on campus this week featuring Sociology alumni.

First up, Brenda Blasetti, a recent graduate from our M.A. program, will be one of the featured panelists at the upcoming International Student Career Chats event tomorrow (Thursday, February 27th), from 4 PM to 6 PM at the Rhatigan Student Center.

Then on Friday (February 28th), Michelle DeHaven, Sociology undergraduate alumni and graduate of the Master's in Public Administration program, will be a panelist discussing the importance of attuning policy to the Social Determinants of Health. The panel will be held at 1:00pm and can be attended in person (326 Lindquist Hall) or virtually on Teams. To learn more, go to: https://www.wichita.edu/academics/centers/biomedical_humanities/HealthHum_News/2025-02-28_PanelHealthPolicy.php






Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Shocker Career Accelerator
Wichita State University Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs
Wichita State University Graduate School
Wichita State University - Rhatigan Student Center

02/25/2025

Want to put your Public Sociology skills to work in our community?
Check out the Causes and Issues Fair in the RSC to connect with Community Advocacy Organizations, learn more about local resources, and find out how to get involved with organizations to address social issues that matter to you.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center.

Email [email protected] with any questions.





Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Wichita State University - Rhatigan Student Center

01/31/2025

Spring grads and internship seekers,
Be sure to stop by the upcoming Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University career fair next Thursday, Feb 6th from 11am-1pm on the first floor of the Wichita State University - Rhatigan Student Center. Connect with employers about internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities.

Learn more at https://www.wichita.edu/FairmountFair

Shocker Career Accelerator

11/22/2024

Like the post office, our very own Dr. Twyla Hill braved the weather in Bellevue, Washington yesterday to present research conducted with WSU colleague Dr. Jodie Hertzog and M.A. program alumni, Dr. Derek Wilson (now at Midland University) at the annual conference of the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Their study, which received the 2024 Issues in Aging Focus Group award for professional papers was titled, "Computers and Connectedness: Digital Technology and Relationships in Later Life."

Data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study was used to investigate the role of technology adoption among those in later life (mean age 68) on feelings of connectedness with family and friends. Spoiler alert - technology adoption, including social media use, positively affects perceived connectedness, quality of relationships, and amount of contact among older adult relationships.

Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Wichita State University: Aging Studies

11/04/2024

How are poverty and economic insecurity affecting voters’ feelings about the election?

WSU sociologist Chase Billingham examines that question in this new op-ed in USA Today.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2024/11/04/voting-trump-economic-nostalgia-growth-inflation/75916592007/


Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Wichita State University Department of Political Science
Shocker Sociology Club - Wichita State Sociology

Stock market, GDP, household wealth and jobs are all up. Why are voters down on economy? Poverty data reveals ironic economic nostalgia.

10/24/2024

First, thanks to all who participated and attended our 11th Annual Kansas Gender & Sexuality conference last Friday.

Also want to share that sociology faculty member, Dr. Jodie Hertzog, was recognized as one of this year's Suspenders4Hope Champions for promoting prevention of issues of Dating/Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on campus as part of her teaching, research, and service scholarship.

10/11/2024

Hope you're planning to join us next Friday!

11th Annual Gender & Sexuality Conference will be held on the campus of Wichita State University next Friday, 10/18/24.

Join us for a free, interdisciplinary, state-wide professional development opportunity on Friday, October 18, 2024.

The conference brings together scholars, community organizations, and students/future professionals to discuss gender and sexuality-related work and issues in Kansas.

You're welcome to attend the full conference (just register on-site if you didn't pre-register) or just join us for this year's keynote featuring Dr. Meg Paceley, a social worker and scholar engaged in research that examines factors in the social environment (e.g. families, communities) and broader systems (e.g. policies, societal rhetoric) and their relationship to q***r and trans (QT) youth’s mental and physical health. Their keynote, titled "Health, Activism, Community, and Resistance in an Era of Anti-LGBTQ+ Policy, Legislation, and Rhetoric," will take place at 4:00 pm in the Beggs Ballroom of the Rhatigan Student Center followed by a small reception with the speaker.

For more information, go to: www.wichita.edu/genderconference

Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Wichita State University College of Applied Studies
Wichita State School of Education
Wichita State Sport Management
Wichita State Department of Anthropology
Wichita State University School of Social Work
WSU Counseling and Psychological Services
Wichita State University - College of Health Professions
Wichita State University College of Fine Arts
Wichita State University Graduate School
Cohen Honors College
WSU HOPE Services
Wichita State University Department of Political Science
Wichita State University Student Support Services
WSU's Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies
URGE Kansas
Wichita Public Schools
GLSEN Kansas
Kansas Public Health Association
Kansas Prevention Collaborative
Department of Sociology, University of Kansas
Butler Community College
Emporia State University
Emporia State School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Friends University
Fort Hays State University
Kansas State University Spectrum Center
Kansas State University
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas
Student Engagement & Belonging - Wichita State University
University of Kansas Medical Center

10/03/2024

The countdown to the interdisciplinary 2024 Kansas Gender & Sexuality Conference to be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 is on.

Be sure to register by 10/6/24 to help us with refreshment planning: www.wichita.edu/genderconference

To see a sneak peek of the conference agenda, check the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/7230421817073436

For details on visitor parking, go to: https://www.wichita.edu/services/parking-1/visitor-parking.php

Wichita State University
Wichita State University - Rhatigan Student Center
WSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Student Engagement & Belonging - Wichita State University
WSU Student Affairs
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Shocker Sociology Club - Wichita State Sociology
Wichita State University School of Social Work
WSU's Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies
Wichita State School of Education
Wichita State Sport Management
Wichita State Department of Anthropology
Wichita State University College of Fine Arts
Wichita State University - College of Health Professions
Wichita State University College of Applied Studies
Wichita Public Schools
GLSEN Kansas
URGE Kansas
Butler Community College
Emporia State University
Emporia State School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Friends University
Fort Hays State University
Kansas State University
Kansas State University Spectrum Center
Department of Sociology, University of Kansas
The University of Kansas

During the parking enforcement period (7 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays when classes are in session), visitors may park without a permit for 3 calendar days during each semester in the lots indicated in blue above.

09/19/2024

Looking for a second 8-week course this Fall?
Join Dr. Billingham in studying urban environments, like Wichita, from a sociological perspective.

The course format is hybrid with in-class meetings once a week on Tuesdays from 1:00-3:30pm starting in October.

And bonus, it counts as a Bucket 5 Gen Ed class that satisfies the new LAS competencies 2 and 5.

Feel free to reach out to Dr. Billingham if you have questions about the class.

Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Wichita State University Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs
Wichita State University Department of Political Science
Wichita State University School of Social Work
WSU Criminal Justice Student Association
Shocker Sociology Club - Wichita State Sociology

09/17/2024

It’s time to register for the 2024 Kansas Gender & Sexuality Conference.

The 2024 conference will be held Friday, October 18th at Wichita State University in the Rhatigan Student Center.

Registration is now open and will be available until 11:59 pm on October 6th.

We request that all attendees pre-register to help us with the conference planning process. However, there will be an opportunity for onsite registration for those who miss the deadline.

To register, go to: https://wichitastate.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cBYdY8zDqf7eRa6

About this year's keynote:
While we are still putting together the agenda and sessions (the CFP closes Wednesday), we are excited to share that our keynote speaker will be Dr. Meg Paceley (they/them) whose talk is titled, "Health, Activism, Community, and Resistance in an Era of Anti-LGBTQ+ Policy, Legislation, and Rhetoric."

Dr. Paceley is a social worker and scholar engaged in research that examines factors in the social environment (e.g. families, communities) and broader systems (e.g. policies, societal rhetoric) and their relationship to q***r and trans (QT) youth’s mental and physical health. They aim to identify and evaluate macro strategies (e.g. community organizing & activism, policy advocacy, education) to confront stigma, discrimination, and victimization that contribute to mental and physical health disparities among QT youth. With the goal of promoting social justice for QT youth, Dr. Paceley embeds their research in principles of anti-oppressive practice and theoretical frameworks such as social-ecological systems theory, minority stress theory, and critical theories. Their scholarship is rooted in more than five years of social work practice experience developing, leading, and evaluating a QT community-based organization; engaging in community organizing and advocacy to promote QT equity; and direct practice experience with QT youth.

Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Student Engagement & Belonging - Wichita State University
Wichita State School of Education
Wichita State Sport Management
Wichita State Department of Anthropology
Shocker Sociology Club - Wichita State Sociology
Wichita State University School of Social Work
Wichita State University College of Applied Studies
Wichita State University - College of Health Professions
Wichita State Feminists
WSU's Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies
WSU SAC
WSU Counseling and Psychological Services
Wichita State University Counseling Program
WSU HOPE Services
Wichita State University Libraries
Wichita Public Schools
Barton Community College
Bethel College, North Newton, KS
Bethel College Social Work
Butler Community College
Coffeyville Community College
Emporia State University
Emporia State School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Friends University
Fort Hays State University
FHSU Department of Social Work
Kansas State University
Kansas State University Social Work Program
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University Social Work Program
The University of Kansas
Department of Sociology, University of Kansas
University of Kansas Medical Center
Washburn University
Washburn Sociology and Anthropology Department
WSU Tech
Equality Kansas
URGE Kansas
GLSEN Kansas
Kansas Prevention Collaborative
Kansas Health Foundation
Kansas Public Health Association
Kansas School Social Worker Association Group

09/06/2024

Faculty Spotlight:
Dr. Alyssa Lynne-Joseph is participating in the Second International Trans Studies Conference being held at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL this week. The interdisciplinary conference gathers global scholars from arts, humanities, social sciences, and STEM, committed to research on transgender and gender-minority issues. Dr. Lynne-Joseph presented as part of a panel on "New Trajectories in Thai Trans Studies" and is featured in the photos below.

08/23/2024

Want to present your scholarship at the 2024 Kansas Gender & Sexuality Conference?

Our 2024 Conference will be held Friday, October 18th at Wichita State University. The purpose of this free annual interdisciplinary conference is to showcase the gender- and sexuality-related scholarship happening across our state, highlighting the scholarly and creative work of students, faculty, staff, and community partners, and to provide an opportunity to network across departments and universities within Kansas. We are currently seeking submissions of original research, interactive training/workshops, or other scholarship and creative work related to gender and/or sexuality from Kansas communities and universities.

The deadline for submitting your presentation proposal, consisting of a 200-300 word summary/abstract, is Sunday, September 8th, 2024.

More detailed information about the conference as well as the submission link can be found by going to our conference website: www.wichita.edu/genderconference

08/21/2024

Lots of fun and resourceful events are happening on campus as part of Wichita State University's Welcomfest events over the next two weeks including the annual Career Connection Root Beer Kegger on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the East Hubbard Hall Lawn.

To learn more about planned events, go to: https://www.wichita.edu/student_life/activities/si_events/welcomefest/index.php

Shocker Sociology Club - Wichita State Sociology
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Shocker Career Accelerator
Student Engagement & Belonging - Wichita State University
WSU SAC

08/08/2024

Attention Kansas Colleagues:
It's time to submit Presentations for the the 11th annual Kansas Gender & Sexuality Conference to be held at Wichita State University on Friday, October 18th in the Rhatigan Student Center.

We seek submissions of original research, interactive training/workshops, or other artistic scholarship related to gender and/or sexuality from students, scholars, staff, community organizations, and interested others associated with a college/university or community in Kansas from any discipline.

The deadline for submitting your presentation proposal (200-300 word summary/abstract) is Sunday, September 8th, 2024.

More detailed information about the conference as well as the CFP submission link can be found by going to our conference website: https://www.wichita.edu/genderconference

Please feel free to share this call for presentations widely with faculty, staff, students, or interested community organizations in Kansas that may want to participate.

Student Engagement & Belonging - Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University
Cohen Honors College
Wichita State University Graduate School
Wichita State University School of Social Work
Wichita State University: Department of Public Health Sciences
Wichita State Psychology Department
Wichita State University Department of Political Science
WSU Criminal Justice Student Association
Wichita State Department of Anthropology
Wichita State Sport Management
Wichita State University Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs
Wichita State University Libraries
Wichita State University Department of English
Wichita State Feminists
WSU's Spectrum: LGBTQ & Allies
WSU Community Psychology Association
Shocker Sociology Club - Wichita State Sociology
Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center (WASAC)
Barton Community College
Bethel College, North Newton, KS
Butler Community College
Coffeyville Community College
Emporia State University
Emporia State School of Humanities and Social Sciences
ESU LGBTQ +Advisory Council
Fort Hays State University
FHSU Sociology Program
FHSU Gay Straight Alliance
Kansas State University
Social Transformation Studies Department
Kansas State Polytechnic Family Studies & Human Services
K-State Department of Applied Human Sciences
Kansas State University Spectrum Center
The University of Kansas
University of Kansas Medical Center
Department of Sociology, University of Kansas
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Kansas
KU Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity
Washburn University
Washburn Sociology and Anthropology Department
Washburn University Women's & Gender Studies
WSU Tech
URGE Kansas

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