Conference Abstracts
CGME
Subaltern Voices, Indigenous Knowledge & Liberatory Pedagogy
Sociology Department
Critical, Transformative & Practical
The 1st Annual Sociology Undergraduate Student Conference, May 6, 2011
Sharing Voices / Building Communities
Contemporary Reflections on Canadian & Global Issues
Session 1 Race, Ethnicity & Women
Woman as a Minority: Through Gender, Ethnicity, and Sexuality
Sim Badesha, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to bring attention to the multifaceted inequalities faced by women in Canada. These inequalities stem from the intersectional effects of gender, race, ethnicity and sexuality. Women are socially constructed as inferior in comparison to the dominant male gender. Within the category ‘woman’, there are women of colour, also minorities, who are constructed as inferior to white women. This paper focuses on how women of colour are considered minorities, hence placing them in their own social class - a class status created due to colour of skin and enhanced by gender and sexuality.
Women in Canada: How Gender and Ethnicity Create a “Double Oppression” for Aboriginal Women
Umme Mansoory, Simon Fraser University
Abstract
Aboriginal women in Canada face a “double oppression” (Fleras 149); they not only experience discrimination on the basis of their racial identity, but also on the basis of their gender. Aboriginal women have had to endure more inequalities than any other female minority in Canada. In this paper, I offer an intersectional analysis of Aboriginal women’s experience in Canada. First, I will examine the various government cutbacks that have drastically affected Aboriginal women. Next, I will discuss how access to the health care plays a role in Aboriginal women’s lives. I will also explore the range of violence they endure on a day to day basis. Finally, I will argue that several factors such as sexism within their society, patriarchy in Canadian society, and the effects of colonialism all contribute to the daily hardships that they face.
The Multifaceted Practice of Veiling: Moving Beyond Orientalism and Stereotypes
Sara Yasan, University of British Columbia
Abstract
The particular image of veiled Muslim women, prevalent in the western media, has provided a monolithic and stereotypical depiction, signifying backwardness and victimization. Despite the prevalent and distorted depiction of veiling as a homogeneous practice frozen in time and fixed across cultures and peoples, veiling is varied and complex. The practice of veiling has never been a singular, static and homogenized practice for Muslim Women around the world. The ways in which women put on the veil, its colour, shape and thickness, the ways it is wrapped around the body, and the context in which women put it on has historically been diverse and multifaceted.
Veiling is complex and dynamic phenomena through which Muslim women have articulated their religious, political, social and cultural identities. The practice of veiling, thus, should be conceptualized as rich nuanced phenomena, a symbolic language that historically has been used as a potent social signifier.
Session 2 Sociological Approaches by Criminology Students
Qualitative Analysis of Bridges
Iman Ghahremani, Arafat Kalam, Gregory Doyle, Jenis Jeet & Raj Bhatti
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
This paper explores the effectiveness of the Bridges Mentoring Program based on the results of a descriptive qualitative study that was conducted by Kwantlen Polytechnic University Criminology students. We evaluated the program after its first year of implementation, and looked at four categories of: perception, implementation, effectiveness, and recommendations. The Bridges program is peer orientated mentoring initiative that was funded by Health Canada in collaboration with the Surrey School District. Bridges involved 25 secondary school students (mentors), 50 elementary level students (mentees) and 11 staff members. In our study, we explored the perspectives of staff members and mentees involved in this program. Our results show that Bridges is seen as a very effective program for helping students transition into high school, educating students about drugs and alcohol, increasing their knowledge about available services and support programs, and improving their sense of belonging through relationship building. We recommend continuation and expansion of mentoring programs across various school districts in Surrey and other municipalities.
Controlling Corruption: Police Use of Internal Safeguarding Structures
Matthew Hutchinson, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
Corruption within Canada’s law enforcement services isn’t non-existent, nor is it a new phenomenon: there is significant evidence of corruption in the frontend of our criminal justice system. Organizational and institutional characteristics may enable or inhibit police corruption. The research outlined addresses one small component of what is needed in the overall picture; namely the use of internal anti-corruption policies and procedures- or lack thereof- in corruption control. This paper begins by locating the research against a broader background context of attempts to combat the development of police corruption before addressing three specific questions: First, whether and to what extent Canadian police forces have implemented anti-corruption policies and procedures. Secondly, what kinds of corruption measures are currently being used. And finally, what sorts of institutional and organizational characteristics function as barriers or enablers to the implementation of policies and procedures which aim to prevent police corruption. The research is of criminological import for three reasons: First, the summarized empirical data addresses aspects that are missing in the existing research literature regarding police corruption in Canada. Secondly, for the purposes of reform, it will give us a better understanding of forces which have inhibited the precipitation or adoption of anti-corruption policies and procedures. And finally, the research will enhance our understanding of the nexus between policing and corruption control.
Ethnocentrism and the Ideology of Class: Deciphering The Word for World is Forest
Navjeet Bhupal, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
In this presentation, I argue that critical readings of books such as Le Guin’s The Word for World is Forest in the education system play significant roles in teaching about tolerance, respect, and open-mindedness towards marginalized groups to students. This is imperative to the battle against and the destruction of ethnocentrism, racism, and the ideology of class. Ursula Le Guin points to how ethnocentrism and the ideology of class are perceptual structural lenses that individuals use to understand and evaluate the world and to justify existing forms of inequalities. These attitudes function as a ‘fatal disease’ which spreads as a ‘contagious infection’ within society, promoting the interest of the ruling elites. Once introduced into a society, the prevalence and intensity of these ideologies continually increases resulting in structural forms of inequalities that negatively affect marginalized people. Guin’s book allows the reader to deconstruct these relations and to understand how they play out in reality and affect the life chances of marginalized groups.
Conference Abstracts
Session 3 Film as Ethnography
Exploring Research Methods with Michael Apted’s Up Series
Faith Bates, Faith Chern, Meliza Yang, Shima Farhadi, Jennifer Job & Alana Iggulden
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
This panel will present group research projects from our sociology class, Introduction to Research Methods. These individual projects examined the relationship between one’s class and the ability to achieve social mobility. In particular, we were interested in examining the role that social class and class inequality has in shaping one’s life chances. Our main source of data was Michael Apted’s Up! Series – a longitudinal documentary that follows the lives of fourteen individuals from various class backgrounds. The film begins in 1964 when the children are 7 years of age and revisits them every 7 years until the final episode in 2006 at the age of 49. We watched these subjects move through their different life stages and connected their stories to our own, lived experiences.
Session 4 Education & Society: Canadian & Transnational Perspectives
From Exclusion to Inclusion: Citizenship Education
Karrie Beard, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
My final paper will focus on citizenship education through construction of a new national identity in post-apartheid South Africa. 1990 marked a new chapter in South Africa’s history with apartheid ending, and then again in 1994 with the first all racial democratic elections removing White rule with a new government in charge of the education system and curriculum. South Africa’s national motto, “Unity In Diversity”, eloquently addresses the issues South African policy makers are facing in creating a united citizenship since the end of apartheid, moving past their historical policies of segregation and separated development. Government policy makers have looked to the national education system to address these challenges by revamping the entire public education system for equal development for all citizens.
Education & Capitalism: The New Labor Force
Eva Botten, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
Comparative education provides insight down avenues, such as poverty, racism, inequality, exclusion, minority differences, geography, politics, privatization, neoliberalism, repression and exclusion. The list seems impossible to exhaust since the topic of education is a very elastic. The right to an education is reproducing within itself a stronger dominant class. Drawing from Antonio Gramsci theory of the traditional and organic intellects, the dominant class is able to provide for its own intellectual class by having the means to educate themselves and the organic intellectual is educated to learn specific tasks/trades that support the dominant class. With one class being exploited to provide for the other, this paper tries to unravel the connection between hegemony, neoliberal policies and education. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to critique some cornerstones of comparative education and critical pedagogy that has transformed the education system we all take part in collectively.
The Transitional Nature of the Croatian Education System
Sandra Asic, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
The Croatian educational environment and experience is one that has undergone significant change and modification over the last sixty years. Therefore, this paper will explore the transitional nature of the Croatian education system, examining the relationship between national identity formation and globalization factors. To begin with, the suppression of a Croatian national identity within its educational system, under the Communist regime and leadership Josip Tito will be addressed. Second, this paper will then investigate how the fall of Communism created a political vacuum whereby ethno-nationalism emerged within the educational framework. Finally, the encroachment of globalization within the tradition of higher education in Croatia, specifically dealing with the Bologna Process will be concentrated on. It will be illustrated that through globalizing forces and practices, like Bologna, the Croatian education system is once again being controlled and standardized.
Session 5 Gender & Sexuality
Misconceptions of Beauty
Anjneet Panesar, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
This paper explores the extent to which “white European hegemonic beauty” is now a global phenomenon. I examine many journal articles that explore how colorism, skin bleaching, the history behind the significance of whiteness as a powerful hegemonic tool, and the effects and consequences of white beauty find diverse global manifestations. The common theme of all these articles is that in many countries “white European hegemonic beauty” has been incorporated as the dominant evaluative norm. I maintain that the definition of beauty in terms of the ideals of patriarchal Euro-Western societies has the power to make or break life goals and opportunities of non-White women who will do anything to “become white or white-like”. My aim is to eliminate the unconscious dislike for non-White forms of beauty by problematizing the socially constructed conceptions of beauty that promote whiteness or whiter-skin as ideal aesthetic forms of good looks.
Without Gender & Sexuality, Strip Clubs Would Not Exist.
Christina Petersen, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
As a former employee of a strip club, I have always been fascinated by the rigid roles one must conform to when visiting a strip club, because a strip club is a place where gender and sexuality matter, by defining the role of the dancer, the customer and the employee. She (the dancer) is female, attractive and sexual (IE heterosexual). The role of the dancer is defined by the job she does; where her gender is a necessary component, and her sexuality is not relevant. He (the customer) is male, masculine, likes masculine activities and is heterosexual. The employees fit somewhere in the middle with the female employees being subordinate to male employees and paid less, whereas the male employees are paid better and hold positions of power. Gender and sexuality intersect and are dependent upon one another because without heterosexism, the typical strip club scenario (female dancers and male customers) would not exist.
Laura Croft and the Male Gaze
Jonathan Mountain, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
The Sony PlayStation 3 has thousands of games and millions of people play them worldwide. There are many examples of the male gaze in video games, but one game in particular, ‘Tomb Raider: Underworld’, makes no attempt to hide its blatant sexual exploitation of the female protagonist Lara Croft. There are examples of the male gaze being used to attract consumers before the game is even played. This paper will show how the male gaze in the game ‘Tomb Raider: Underworld’ not only objectifies Lara, but also how it capitalizes on a typical male’s sexual fantasies and exploits them for a profit.
Session 6 Sociological Analysis of Films
A Critical Analysis of "The Breakfast Club"
Chu Yi (Cherrie) Han, Ania Jedrzejewska, Raechel Malapitan & Jessica Byrne
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
"The Breakfast Club," the movie that we analyze in this presentation, is about five high school students and their experiences in detention. We argue that this movie conveys ideological messages such as classism, ageism and sexism to the audience. The presentation will be divided into five parts. We will analyze each character and highlight their features. We will explore how society defines beautiful women as being white, blonde, good-looking, young and slim. These characteristics also enable us to determine whether a woman has a middle or working class background. We will also show how middle class boys are constructed as more superior to those from working class backgrounds. We will argue that this movie promotes a hegemonic and patriarchal view of gender roles, and portrays the cultural capital of middle class people. We will maintain that middle class values and norms are constructed as “normal”, thus placing working class culture as the other, who is defined as dangerous, unruly and in need of change.
East vs. West: The Issues of Patriarchy, Identity Crisis and Adaptation
Robin Curry & Saira Hayre, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
In this presentation, we explore how issues of homophobia, patriarchy and sexism are reflected in the two movies of East is East and West is West. We explore the discourses that are drawn upon to depict an inter-racial family in these two movies by examining how multiple and intersecting issues/factors are presented to the audience. We explore and analyze how issues like racialization, homophobia, sexism, patriarchy, identity crisis, conflicting moral values, assimilation and socialization are portrayed in the movie East is East. We argue that this film perpetuates racist and sexist views and a negative image of non-White family relations. We maintain that this movie promotes stereotypical gender roles and hegemonic masculinity, despite its attempt to critically challenge/highlight issues of sexuality and gender relations. We conclude that the movie emphasizes conformity and adaptation to male dominance as the norm in non-Western families living in a western society. We also compare and contrast this movie to its sequel; West is West, for depictions of race, ethnicity, sexuality, masculinity and femininity.
Session 7 Cyber Media
The Homeless Blog: A Virtual Tool for Civic Re-Engagement among Homeless Canadians
Amanda Cheong, University of British Columbia
Abstract
This study explores the ways in which individuals who are homeless in Canada resist negative stigmatization through the use of the internet blog. Extensive research has been conducted on the ways in which homeless people are misrepresented in the mass media as criminally deviant, mentally ill, and simultaneously invisible and hyper-visible—parochial characterizations that strip homeless individuals of their civic rights and control over their own lives. Little attention has been paid, however, to the recent phenomena in which homeless individuals are mobilizing virtually through the use of new media technologies. Through a discourse analysis of three Canadian homeless blogs, it was found that the internet has empowered homeless individuals to share their life stories, resist negative stereotypes, and re-assert themselves as legitimate stakeholders within the local community.
Portrayal of women in media
Wing Hon Richie Li, Simon Fraser University
Abstract
A society under a system of patriarchal relations influences the way how social groups are defined and portrayed. Women have been historically marginalized by social institutions. The marginalization could be seen in media coverage and various work settings. In the 21st century, the growth of the cosmetic industry is accompanied by a wave of new superficial products, which emphasizes ‘thinness’ as the beauty standard. Using media as a source to the public domain, corporations are able to foster unattainable standards for the female population; hence, they are able to secure a continual flow of customers as they make exorbitant profits. This is general objective behind the concept of ‘consumerism,’ with the whole system predicated to their ‘enslavement.’ Media has the power to influence the portrayal of people in society. This paper gravitates towards the portrayal of women typically in magazines, television commercials and films. It specifically focuses on the how their portrayal in these mediums influences the way they are viewed in today’s society.
Session 8 Development & Poverty
Reducing Child Mortality MDG # 4
Deepak Guraya, Nasim Mossallaie & Karrie Beard, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
The Millennium Development Goal (MDG) #4 strives to reduce child mortality by two-thirds by year 2015. Child mortality is defined as the death of a child under the age of five no matter the cause of death (Gordon, 2009). It is now 2011, and even though there has been some progress in reaching this goal in isolated areas, not enough change has occurred. In our paper and presentation we have discussed child mortality by reviewing the fourth Millennium Development Goal and its course of action. This has been done by understanding the root causes of child mortality, and by learning of the prime actors: their role, how they have impacted the solution, and who the winners and losers are. Lastly, we will present to you our strategic plan and proposal on what modification need to be made in order to see the reduction of child mortality worldwide as opposed to specific regions.
Foreign Aid: Alleviating Poverty or Political Strategy
Iman Ghahremani, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
This paper explores the extent to which contemporary official development aid programs in Africa are influenced by political and other strategic factors other than moral, ethical, and humanistic reasons and obligations to alleviate and reduce poverty. Despite the fact that aid funds had amounted to 11% of African recipient’s GDP from 1972 to 2000, and over the past 60 years African countries have received over one trillion USD in development related aid, aid-led development projects have not been successful in achieving their goals and objectives. I examine the political, cultural, social, and economic reasons for Africa’s economic stagnation. I focus on issues surrounding aid, particularly, who the major contributors are, to whom foreign aid is given to and why, and the effects of corruption on the distribution of foreign aid. I will also discuss a number of recommendations in promoting development in Africa, some of which have previously been attempted with promising results.
Session 9 Regionalism, Identity Construction & National Politics
Racism and Quebec: Voices from Quebec
Charles Michael Goodwin, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
In this essay, I examine my theoretical exploration on Quebec racism from a historical-nationalistic-linguistic perspective and within the context of socio-cultural and political events. More specific, the relationship between ideological, institutional, and individual faces of racism by references to secondary sources. In this paper, I argue that Quebec’s surge of nationalism puts ethnic minorities at a greater risk for exploitation than the rest of Canada.. I deduct that power dynamics and patterns of exclusion are enforced to a greater extent in Quebec than in any other province or territory in Canada.
On the Exclusionary Canadian Identity
Brian Hnatiak, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
Thesis: The Canadian nation-state is an exclusionary entity.
The people who created Canada as a modern political entity, the “founding fathers,” were universally white, wealthy, landowning males who fostered Confederation in order to protect their interests. They did not include the poor, Indigenous peoples, women, and various other marginalized groups. Based on this exclusion, they created a nation to serve their interests which made Canada from the beginning a fundamentally exclusionary entity. We can see, therefore, that Canada has been and continues to be a political entity which exists at the service of the white, the wealthy, and the patriarchal.
The exclusionary nature of the Canadian nation-state has historically led and continues to lead the excluded to exclude themselves and others via a false consciousness. For example, a white working class person will identify with the whiteness of the Canadian ruling class, and will exclude him/herself from participation in society as a member of the working class. This white working class person will then proceed to exclude, for example, an Indigenous person or a working class woman, on the basis of identification with the false consciousness of whiteness and masculinity respectively. From this example we can see how members of excluded and marginalized communities actively participate in the exclusion and marginalization of themselves and others.
The Presidential Election of 2008: Media and Voter Turnout
Andrea Harvey, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Abstract
The presidential election of 2008 can be considered the most significant election in United States (U.S.) history. This election marked a historical moment in American political history for many reasons. A phenomenal increase in voter turnout including a wide variety of socioeconomic groups was a major contributor to this milestone.
My paper will examine the issues of why voter turnout increased in the 2008 election, how presidential candidates campaigned to encourage political participation, and how the media played a role in dictating coverage, and how this coverage influenced electorates.
