Us Versus Them: Racial Division, Changing Communities, and the Future of American Democracy
SOCIOL 1183
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Why does deep structural inequality persist in communities and a nation that champions progressive democratic values? This course explores the future of American democracy through a sociological-psychology lens, examining how the interplay of group identities, attitudes and beliefs influence and are shaped by urban environments, neighborhood boundaries and demographic shifts. Taking the Boston-Cambridge area as laboratory, students will look beyond the Black-White divide to analyze how housing segregation and local agencies and governments impede or facilitate full civic engagement and democratic citizenship for minoritized and immigrant populations. Grounded in demographic theories of citizenship, cleavages, and the social psychological processes triggered by demographic change, students will conduct independent fieldwork to decode local civic conflicts and fashion a deeper understanding of the prospects for cross-racial solidarity and fuller realization of the potential for a vibrant multi-racial democracy.
Class Notes
This course is intended for Sociology concentrators and secondaries with experience in other concentration courses. Indicate your interest in the course when you petition.
The section day/time will be determined after registration ends.
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
NOTE: This course requires additional sections; you will be prompted to choose secondary components during the Add to Cart process
