School of Sociology and Anthropology Uses Diverse Media to Study the Social World

Leavell Hall quietly displays postings of studies of social interactions across the
world. As stated in the School’s mission and purpose statement on the Ole Miss website,
the sociology department “systematically studies the social world (that is) human social
life.” Most interesting are three recent examples of studies of diverse societies using
various media to help students “acquire intelligence and civil competence,” with the use
of writing, television, and university courses.
Assistant Professor, Ross Haenfler wrote a book entitled, ‘Straight Edge: Clean
Living Youth, Hardcore Punk, and Social Change’ (Rutgers, 2006). After completing an
eight year ethnographic study, he even assumed such a lifestyle. He reported that this
group is perceived differently in separate parts of the nation, although is it really a
subculture where young people can belong to a group without feeling peer pressure to
perform certain ways. Not only was the written word utilized to share Haenfler’s
findings, but there was also a televised special on National Geographic Channel.
Dr. Jason Klodt, Associate Professor of Modern Languages and 2010 UM
Humanities Teacher of the Year presented ‘Growing Up on Film: Youth and
Disaffection in Contemporary Spain,’ on the UM campus this fall. He writes, “Film has
become the de facto model of and for youth culture” and particularly in Spain, youth is
portrayed in cinema as “a brutal period of desperation and anomie.” Dr. Klodt further
states that this challenge of the role of Spain’s youth “interrogates the future of Spain
itself.” This topic certainly raises questions about social change and Dr. Klodt’s
research presentation is a powerful way to share his social analysis findings.
The new Winter Intersession Course entitled “Islam and Global Politics” sparks one’s interest as its premise is “Is there an inevitable clash of civilizations?” and “Are
Islamic and Western ways of life (in)compatible?” This course will examine not only
these questions, but will also “explore the diversity of Muslim groups – from Al-Qaida to
secular Muslims—and the role of Islam in current global conflicts.”
The Sociology department and Meek School of Journalism share common
purposes to enrich the learner’s life. Both aim to promote “civic and social competence”
and “enrich character and provide resources for living a meaningful and useful life.” The
use of media in the Sociology Department is an aspect that demonstrates the relationship
between sociological research and journalism.