372 - Thematic Session. Researching Obama: Race, Health Care, Democracy, Culture-CANCELLED

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

Since his successful run for the Presidency in 2008 and subsequent reelection in 2012, Barack Obama’s meteoric rise to the nation’s highest office has been marked by successes, failures, and near-constant discussion and analysis. Importantly, his campaigns, administration, and presidency have also given rise to a wide breadth of sociological research examining the consequences, implications, and significance of his status as the first black president, the initiatives he has sought to champion, and the policy decisions he has advocated in his role. This exciting panel brings together some of the top names in sociology to discuss the various research and scholarly studies on different aspects of Obama’s presidency. Tackling topics as diverse as health-care reform, democratic processes, racial politics, and the role of gender, this panel will present their important empirical and theoretical studies of this historic administration.

Sub Unit

• Thematic Sessions

Session Organizer

• Adia M. Harvey Wingfield, Georgia State University

Presider

• Nadia Y. Kim, Loyola Marymount University

Panelists

• Jeffrey C. Alexander, Yale University

• Enid Logan, University of Minnesota

• Michael Tesler, Brown University