Contexts

Features

The Dead, the Living, and Those Yet to Come

A prominent and prolific social theorist draws on classic sociological texts to explore what he calls the Society of the Dead—the one group we must all inevitably join.

There’s No “I” in Innovation

Understanding and spurring innovation may mean abandoning the romantic notion of the lonely genius. Multidisciplinary research encourages a focus on the wisdom of the collective.

New Ways of Bowling Together

Fitness fundraisers, from the Race for the Cure to Jump Rope for Heart, are on the rise. They represent a fascinating new form of democratic engagement: civic recreation.

The Many Faces of International Adoption

In addition to re-shaping many American families, international adoption reveals a great deal about immigration, race, and globalization in the United States.

Up Close and Communal

Minnesota photographer Wing Young Huie’s images of the everyday establish and emphasize the connection between the personal and the communal.

Chasing “Closure”

“Closure” is increasingly marketed as a necessity for those who have experienced loss, but what it is, who can help us find it, and how it helps us all still need to be better understood.

Departments

From the Editors

Naked Dreams

Discoveries

Fall 2011 Discoveries

Reflected Appraisals

What Happens in Vegas

Exchange

A Life-and Death-in the Classroom

Photo Essay

Under God: Stories from Soho Road

Trends

Medicare and the Lessons of History

Culture Review

Muslim Female Athletes and the Hijab

Holden’s Hold on the Censors

Gettin’ Down on “Friday”

Book Review

Socialism and Neoliberalism in Chavez’s Venezuela

The Store—and the Nail Salon—in the Hood

Sociological Images

Land Management and the American Mustang

What I Learned

Boys vs. Girls

One Thing I Know

Policies in Practice