275 - Special Session. The Obama Presidency

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Description

The election of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States was an historic moment. His election raised the expectations for bold social policy aimed at reducing inequalities and improving the situations for the most disadvantaged Americans. The Obama Presidency has also motivated an abundance of academic research and political and social commentary. This session will explore how the country has changed (or not) over the eight years of the Obama Presidency. Panelists will explore the impact and potential legacy of The Obama Presidency on immigration; race, class, and gender inequality; international politics and relations; labor and employment; health care; criminal justice, and political participation and organizing. The panel will not only look backwards, but also highlight how sociological knowledge can and should inform policymaking and organizing into the next election.

Sub Unit

• Special Sessions

Session Organizer

• Mary E. Pattillo, Northwestern University

Presider

• Mary E. Pattillo, Northwestern University

Panelists

• Tanya Maria Golash-Boza, University of California, Merced

• christopher sebastian parker, University of Washington

• Jake Rosenfeld, Washington University-St. Louis

• Rubén G. Rumbaut, University of California, Irvine

• Theda Skocpol, Harvard University

• Christopher Uggen, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities