SUMMER 2013 Social Problems Theory Division Newsletter Theory Division Chair, 2012-2014 John Barnshaw Department of Sociology University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, WI JBarnshaw@uwlax.edu MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Greetings! I hope this finds you well. The Social Problems Theory has been very active this year in preparation for the upcoming meetings in New York City in 2013. This newsletter highlights key division issues and events. In this issue of Social Problems Theory News you will find several items of note, including: • The winner of the division’s Outstanding Article Award • Information about how you can become a “Meeting Mentor” • Information about panels sponsored and co-sponsored by the Social Problems Theory Division IN THIS ISSUE Outstanding Article Award…………………………p. 2 Be a “meeting mentor”……………………………… p. 3 . Become more active in division business…………...p. 3 Sponsored sessions at the 2013 meetings…………..p. 4-5 Kudos and Congratulations! Congratulations to Jared Del Rosso for winning the 2013 Outstanding Article Award! Jared won for the paper “The Textual Mediation of Official Denial: Congress, Abu Gharib, and the Construction of an Isolated Incident,” which appeared in Social Problems in Volume 58 (2), on pages 165 – 188. INTERESTED IN BEING A MENTOR? The Meeting Mentor Program seeks experienced mentors who can spend a few minutes at the annual meetings speaking with a student or newcomer, making them feel welcome, and offering suggestions to help newer members get the most out of their conference experience. While meeting times and locations are set by each individual pair, it is recommended that pairs communicate prior to or early in the meeting, so mentees can get the most out of this program. We received a high response from students and new members seeking mentors.  Unfortunately, we have a low response from members volunteering to serve in this role.  We know you are very busy at the meeting and have little spare time.  But if you are willing to spend a few minutes speaking with a student or newcomer, making them feel welcome, and offering suggestions for making the most of our conference, that would be great.  Online pre-registration ends on July 8.  Visit http://www.sssp1.org/index.cfm/pageid/926/fuseaction/ssspconf.portal TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN DIVISION AFFAIRS We are always interested in identifying division members who are willing to participate in the administrative operation of the division and help to shape its future directions. There are a variety of ways to become more actively involved including: Attend the division business meeting This is a great way to have a direct voice in division affairs. The meeting provides an opportunity to suggest sessions for next year, volunteer to serve on an awards committee, or network with other scholars who share your interest in social problems theory. Volunteer or nominate a colleague to serve on a committee or in an administrative position This can be done by attending the division business meeting or by sending me an e-mail with nominating information (john.barnshaw@gmail.com ). We have two annual award committees: one for graduate student papers and one for published journal articles/books. Please do not hesitate to contact me or a former Division Chair if you have any questions about these roles. Submit content for future newsletters Submissions of all sorts are welcome! From comments and calls for papers, to brief analyses and critiques related to Social Problems Theory. Let us know your reactions to this newsletter, the events at the annual meetings, or inform us of your new work so we can help spread the word. Send submissions to: John Barnshaw at john.barnshaw@gmail.com 2013 SOCIAL PROBLEMS THEORY DIVISION SESSIONS and CO-SPONSORED SESSIONS Moving Beyond Ignoring Social Constructionism: What is Critical? Organizer: Mitch Berbrier Time: August 9th 8:30AM Room: Gershwin I Critical Dialogue in Social Problems Theory Organizer: Joel Best Time: August 11th, 4:30PM Room: Gershwin I Theorizing Scandal in Social Problems Organizer: John Barnshaw Time: August 10th, 10:30AM Room: Imperial 2013 SOCIAL PROBLEMS THEORY DIVISION SPONSORED AND CO-SPONSORED SESSIONS