Newswise — More than 5,000 sociologists will convene in San Francisco this August to explore ideas and scientific research about how community affects contemporary social issues as part of the American Sociological Association's 104th annual meeting.

In addition to three plenary sessions featuring leading sociological minds, a mini-symposium will examine how the election of Barack Obama might signal a refreshed spirit of community activism and involvement. More than 200 additional sessions will feature the latest sociological research and perspectives from the leading minds in social science.

WHAT: The American Sociological Association's 104th Annual Meeting: "The New Politics of Community"

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 7, through Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009

WHERE: Hilton San Francisco and Parc 55 HotelSan Francisco, Calif.

MAJOR PLENARY SESSIONS:

+ Building Excellent, Diverse and Just Communities: A Conversation Among Artists, Academics and Activists Friday, Aug. 7, 7:00 " 9:00 p.m. A distinguished and diverse panel will address the connections between social justice and community-building, discussing the needs of contemporary and future communities with a special focus on youth.

+ Why Obama Won (and What that Says About Democracy and Change in America)Saturday, Aug. 8, 12:30 " 2:15 p.m.Social scientists examine the potential for change — the oft-used buzzword of the Obama campaign — in the post-election era, taking into account new forms of political engagement; the changing American population; and the revitalization of democratic institutions. Panelists will discuss the actual and potential significance of Barack Obama's victory. + Bringing Communities Back In: Setting a New Policy AgendaMonday, Aug. 10, 12:30 " 2:15 p.m.Given the influence of social networks on individual actions and beliefs, prominent sociologists discuss how sociology's conception of communities can assist in the development of public policies that effectively address social problems.

ADDITIONAL SESSIONS OF INTEREST

Mini-Symposium on the Social Significance of Barack Obama+ A Defining Moment? Youth, Power and the Obama PhenomenonSaturday, Aug. 8, 10:30 a.m. " 12:10 p.m.

+ Through the Lens of Gender, Race, Sexuality and Class: The Obama Family and the American DreamSunday, Aug. 9, 10:30 a.m. " 12:10 p.m.

+ Understanding Democratic Renewal: The Movement to Elect Barack ObamaSunday, Aug. 9, 8:30 a.m. " 10:10 a.m.

+ The Future of Community Organizing During an Obama PresidencySunday, Aug. 9, 2:30 p.m. " 4:10 p.m.

+ Asian-American Movements, Identities and Politics: A New Racial Project in the Obama Years?Saturday, Aug. 8, 4:30 p.m. " 6:10 p.m.

Selected Author Meets Critics Sessions+ Black on the Block: The Politics of Race and Class in the City by Mary E. PattilloSunday, Aug. 9, 2:30 p.m. " 4:10 p.m.

+ God Needs No Passport: Immigrants and the Changing Religious Landscape by Angie Y. ChungSaturday, Aug. 8, 4:30 p.m. " 6:10 p.m.

+ Opting Out: Why Women Really Quit Careers and Head Home by Pamela StoneSaturday, Aug. 8, 10:30 a.m. " 12:10 p.m.

+ Shopping for Safety: How We Changed from Protecting the Environment to Protecting Ourselves by Andrew SzaszMonday, Aug. 10, 2:30 p.m. " 4:10 p.m.

+ Toxic Exposures: Contested Illnesses and the Environmental Health Movement by Phil BrownSaturday, Aug. 8, 2:30 p.m. " 4:10 p.m.

+ Won't You Be My Neighbor: Race, Class and Residence in Los Angeles by Camille Zubrinsky CharlesTuesday, Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m. " 12:10 p.m.

CONTACT: Jackie Cooper, ASA Media Relations Officer, [email protected], 202-247-9871

Editor's Note: Complimentary media registration is open. Download the press policy and registration form from ASA's online press room at http://www.asanet.org/cs/root/topnav/press/media. Visit http://www.asanet.org/cs/meetings/2009 for the meeting's searchable preliminary program and additional details.

About the American Sociological AssociationThe American Sociological Association (www.asanet.org), founded in 1905, is a non-profit membership association dedicated to serving sociologists in their work, advancing sociology as a science and profession, and promoting the contributions to and use of sociology by society.

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