TEACHSOC: Depressing Sociology?

[Kristen Hefley]

Sorry I’m a little late with this, but several days ago, there was a lively discussion about the depressing nature of sociology, and how it points out the negative in the world.  I wanted to share a resource I have used in my Intro course.    There is a book called The Better World Handbook with a corresponding website, www.betterworldhandbook.com , in which the authors analyze several social problems and then provide actual things that individuals can do to effect change.  It covers everything from environmentalism to racism and sexism to the exploitation of workers both in the developing world and in the United States.  It lists several resources that individuals can use even to make changes even if they have very little time to “get involved.”  For example, if you don’t like something that a company does because of its policies concerning ANY of these issues, you can elect to shop at a company with better policies.  The book lists companies in descending order from best to worst based on what they sell.  Students like it because it IS positive and shows how easy it can be to simply stop supporting harmful practices, but it isn’t overly preachy and doesn’t condemn anyone for being a part of the problem.  It also says you don’t have to agree with everything in the book to do something about the things you do have a problem with.   The company used to provide examination copies to professors who were thinking about using this book in your course… you can check and see if they still do.  I have loaned mine out several times to colleagues and had to beg to get it back!   Anyway, thought some on this list might enjoy this.   Kristen Hefley University of Oklahoma Department of Sociology Kaufman Hall 331 780 Van Vleet Oval Norman, OK 73019 (405) 325-1751 [EMAIL PROTECTED]