Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The program that P.A. Sorokin labeled “Creative Altruism” is discussed as a key to achieving a better possible world of human relations. The discussion includes an overview of the idea of altruism in sociology, an examination of the considerable resistance to the idea of altruistic conduct, and commentary on the lack of a specific set of techniques to implement Sorokin’s program.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In modern cosmology, time is relative and yet irreversible. Time is not a simple succession of abstract “nows” or an objective framework within which things happen, but a dimension in the complex fields of spacetime. Similarly, time is involved in social phenomena in a complex manner. The historical nature of social being includes the emergence of the human species; the development of complex society and consciousness; and, subsequently, the geo-historical formation of all components of causal complexes, i.e. layers of agency, structure and mechanisms. Moreover, social interaction occurs in time. Adequate explanatory models have to account (i) for the irreversible temporal sequences of episodes and processes and (ii) for counterfactual, unactualised possibilities. Temporality is also an essential part of social action in a deeper sense. Following Paul Ricouer, I argue that there is a unity of having-been, coming-towards and making present, since these are thought and acted upon together by the actors. The making-present of practical action stems from the anticipation of possibilities of transformative action producing outcomes on the basis of understanding of that which has-been (history). The horizon of action is thus inherently temporal. This also raises the question of what is the practical point of social sciences if they can only say something about that which has already been and can no longer be shaped? Moreover, would it be possible to theorise history and the future in terms of structurally conditioned sequences of possibilities? I expand on the idea that there are different layers of time, in which counterfactual possibilities play out in different ways. Despite manifold contingencies, at a deeper level of world-historical time, and at a higher level of abstraction, it is plausible to develop accounts of grand stages of human history, extending them towards the future as well. I argue finally that it is not only possible but also necessary to combine the analysis of layers of geo-history, historical analogies, counterfactuals, possible futures and narratives within a single study, and that this can be done in a coherent and plausible manner.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The judicial subfield of American politics has been working for several decades to determine how judges decide cases. However, studying only the United States Supreme Court, because of its static position in the governmental system, limits the ability of researchers to test the standard models of judicial decisionmaking. One way to overcome these limitations is to use the peculiarities of the American legal system to the researcher's benefit. The supreme courts of the various states are supposed to be subservient to the U.S. Supreme Court on issues of federal law, and serve as the highest courts in the land on matters involving state law. This shift in institutional position can be used to test the models of decisionmaking. Using case law from 1995 to 1997 in Illinois, I employed an item-response model to determine ideal points for each state supreme court judge in two conditions: when deciding cases involving the U.S. Constitution, and when deciding cases involving the Illinois state constitution. While there is some evidence of shifting by judges, the results do not eliminate the possibility that either of the major models (strategic and attitudinal) could be at work in these cases.

Publication Type: Proceeding
Abstract: How are immigrants affecting ethnic and race relations, particularly in light of a persistent racial hierarchy that marks life in the United States? In what ways are demographic changes enhancing and/or inhibiting multiracial politics? Ethnic and racial dynamics are particularly salient in campaigns to restore voting rights to noncitizens in local and/or state elections. This paper explores these issues by examining immigrant voting rights campaigns in several locales in the United States – focusing on the case of New York -- using survey research, interviews, election and census data, public documents, and existing studies. Multiracial coalitions were found in nearly every campaign to restore immigrant voting rights. Coalition partners believed expanding the franchise would provide political gains for people of color. In addition, some groups found common ground regarding other policy goals. However, some campaigns fostered competition among contending ethnic and racial groups -- especially those that did not have African American leadership or that did not adopt an anti-racist agenda -- which impeded more inclusive, effective and sustainable multiracial alliances. Conflict between some groups around other policy goals also worked against alliances.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: (to be uploaded)