Sociology attracts many students who are the first people in their families to attend college (first-generation), or who grew up as or identify as working-class. Some of these students become sociology graduate students and eventually professional sociologists. First-generation and working-class (FGWC) sociologists may face barriers to inclusion, economic insecurity, and the challenges that come with uncovering the hidden curriculum of academia. FGWC Sociologists also bring a unique perspective to their research, teaching, and mentoring of students and colleagues.
ASA’s Task Force on First-Generation and Working-Class Sociologists, formed in 2017, conducts research on FGWC sociologists’ experiences within the discipline and the organization. Learn more about the Task Force.
Community Leadership
Presider: Allison Hurst, Oregon State University
Outreach Coordinator: José Muñoz, California State University – San Bernandino
Director of Mentorship Program: Meghan O’Neil, University of Michigan
Director of Communications: Alma Nidia Garza, University of Texas at Arlington
Director of Membership: Ruby Robinson, Ivy Tech Community College
Events Coordinator: Stephanie Bohon, University of Tennessee – Knoxville
Looking for community?
You can join the Community while joining ASA or renewing your membership. You can also add the Community to your existing ASA membership from your ASA Member Portal. While it is free to join a Community, you do have the option to make a voluntary donation to the Community. By joining the Community, you will be added to the Community’s listserv. Through the listserv you will receive notifications about the latest Community happenings and can make connections with others in the Community.
First-Generation and Working-Class Sociologists have been meeting at ASA Annual Meetings and anyone who identifies as first-gen or working-class is welcome to join these activities.
