Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: One of the most commonly accepted findings in American politics suggests that many citizens lack basic political knowledge. Despite these limitations, Lau, Anderson, and Redlawsk (2008) have found that the great bulk of voters in recent U.S. presidential elections (72%, on average) somehow managed to choose the “correct” candidate (defined as the candidate they would have supported had they possessed complete information about the candidates running in an election). _x000d_Lau et al. have consistently found that political knowledge is one of the most important predictors for correct voting. This paper questions whether political knowledge – commonly understood to be information stored in long-memory – plays the same role for younger generations accustomed to retrieving information from the Internet. This paper suggests that while younger generations may not be able to access as much political information “offline” by relying on their memory, they do not need to because political information is so easily accessible online. We hypothesize that the skill to find political information online substitutes for objective political knowledge in younger voters and becomes a pertinent predictor for correct decision-making.

Publication Type: Speed Presentation
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: In the framework of the French Presidency of the European Union, the Ministry of Ecology and the Marine Protected Areas Agency have organized a technical seminar entitled �2012 marine targets : the European Marine Strategy and Issues in High Seas�, to be held in France in December 2008.

The aim of this international workshop, dedicated to the issues found in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, is to develop a comprehensive mapping programme encountered on both global and regional scales. This takes place after a year of many successful events, some of which were focused on international legacy aspects.

This seminar gives the opportunity to discuss on the best way to collect, share and use data, its value, its representativeness, its scale. This process can enhance the scientific and general knowledge on what is at stake in the High Seas. Currently, the issues in High Seas are so important that establishing a new governance for biodiversity is a major challenge.

The debate is of course on a legal ground but requires an integrated and scientific approach using mapping tools through three key themes: i) ecosystems, ii) habitats and species of special interest, iii) natural resources and human activities. This is part of the Ecosystem-Based Management approach.

Moreover, the outcomes of this event can help to identify an ecologically coherent network of high seas MPAs and subsequent adapted management measures as well as offer a set of concise and validated background documents for use as a pertinent European action plan tool.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The central chapter of Herbert Marcuse�s relatively well-known 1941 work, Reason and Revolution: Hegel and the Rise of Social Theory, presents what is actually an abbreviated version of a more through investigation of the social relevance of Hegel�s absolute idea Marcuse first developed in Hegel�s Ontology and the Theory of Historicity, published a decade earlier (1932). In addition, Marcuse�s initial, more comprehensive interpretation blunts the critical points he makes against the social relevance of Hegel�s absolute idea in the later work.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The purpose of this essay is to articulate a preliminary understanding of astrosociology in terms of its definition, scope, and its relevance as a new subfield of sociology. As an introduction to astrosociology, this essay represents a foundation on which interested scientists can build a new focused body of astrosociological knowledge and literature.

Astrosociology is defined as the sociological study of the two-way relationship between astrosocial phenomena and other aspects of society (i.e., non-astrosocial phenomena or other social phenomena) at the various levels of social reality and organization (i.e., the micro, middle, and macro levels of analysis). The concept of astrosocial phenomena pertains to all social conditions, social forces, organized activities, objectives and goals, and social behaviors directly or indirectly related to (1) spaceflight and exploration or (2) any of the space sciences (e.g., astronomy, cosmology, astrobiology, astrophysics). It includes all outcomes of these phenomena in the form of scientific discoveries and technological applications, new paradigms of thought in the astrosocial and non-astrosocial sectors of society, as well as any resulting changes of social norms and values in any of the social structures of a particular society.

The separation of a particular society into two sectors interacting at the macro-level of complexity represents a dimension of social life previously unexplored as an important element of cultural character and an instigator of social change.

The excerpts above are from Part One of the "Inaugural Essay" on my website (www.astrosociology.com).

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: How do social movements in low-income ethnic communities effectively mobilize people to advocate for land use that meets their needs? Framing, the process of assigning meaning to events and conditions, defining issues, and articulating needs and rationales for action, is critical to movement groups� ability to mobilize adherents. Some frames are more effective than others. Specifically, this paper presents findings from two ethnographic case studies. It argues that community-based movements in disadvantaged ethnic neighborhoods can more effectively mobilize by employing a radical, grassroots frame that draws heavily on indigenous and particularistic cultural elements. Conversely, frames that invoke themes of personal responsibility, economic pragmatism and meritocracy, and other universalist ideas are less effective for mobilization in these communities. These findings suggest that radical critiques based on identity politics are more effective tools for recruitment and mobilization by urban movements seeking redistributive social policies than conservative frames that the accept status quo ideology.