Honneth, Butler and the Ambivalent Effects of Recognition

This paper examines the ambivalent effects of recognition by critically examining Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition. I argue that his underlying perfectionist account and his focus on the psychic effects of recognition cause him to misrepresent or overlook significant connections between recognition and power. These claims are substantiated by (1) drawing from Butler’s theory of gender performativity, power and recognition; and (2) exploring issues arising from the socio-institutional recognition of trans identities. I conclude by suggesting that certain problems with Butler’s own position can corrected by drawing more from the Foucauldian aspects of her work. I claim that this is the most promising way to conceptualise recognition and its complex, ambivalent effects

SOC3330-01.Sociology of Gender.Su15.Preves,Sharon

Goals: To understand and evaluate gender as a form of social structure and the consequences that structure holds for individuals and society. To understand gender as a social, rather than purely biological, construct. Content: Covers a variety of topics including social constructionism, biological explanations of gender difference, feminist theory, and sexuality, as well as a selection of contemporary issues in gender studies. Taught: Annually Prerequisite: SOC 1110 or instructor permission Credits:

SOC1220-01.Sociological Practice II.Sp16.Preves,Sharon

Goals: SOC 1220 is the second of a two-course sequence. Each course carries two credits. In this gateway seminar, students explore the discipline of sociology and engage in further discovery about what it means to employ a sociological perspective. The goal of this course is to help sociology majors successfully navigate their undergraduate education and prepare for advanced study in the field and/or their career. Ideally, students must take these courses in their sophomore year. Transfer students will complete the sequence during their first year at Hamline. Content: Students will review the core concepts (e.g., the sociological imagination), theories (e.g., structural functionalism), and methods (e.g., survey research) to which they were introduced in their introductory course. Students will learn how to formulate a research question, conduct a literature review, and consider how theory and methodology inform one’s work, whether theoretical or applied. In addition, students will conduct mini-methodology assignments, considering the appropriateness of method to question. Taught: Annually in spring term. Prerequisite: SOC 1210 with a grade of C- or better. Credits:

SOC1330-02.Women, Men, and Society.F13.Preves,Sharon

Goals: To introduce students to gender as an area of sociological inquiry. Content: The course will cover a variety of topics including cross-cultural issues, socialization, education, communication, intimate relationships, employment, crime, politics, spirituality, and health. Taught: Annually. Prerequisite: SOC 1110

SOC3700-01.Medicine, Morality & Mortality.Sp16.Preves,Sharon

Goals: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 1) describe the socialization experiences of students in medical school; 2) identify and describe historical shifts regarding the place and practice of medicine in American society; 3) describe patient-doctor interactions and experiences in various clinical settings; 4) compare and contrast health and illness across social differences including race, socio-economic status, and gender; 5) articulate key ethical issues in medicine including the case of organ transplantation; 6) comprehend some of the complexities of medical practice, such as the role of patient compliance, surgical risk, and the anatomy of hope. Content: This course explores the social worlds of medicine. Topics include the process of becoming a doctor, the history of medicine, patient and doctor experiences, inequities in access to health care, organ transplantation, medical complications, and the anatomy of hope. Using literature, film, text, and guest speakers, we will examine the roles of doctors, patients, and the institution of medicine in a social exploration of health, illness, and healing. Taught: Alternate years Prerequisite: SOC 1110 or consent of instructor Credits:

SOC5330-01.Sex and Sexuality in America.Sp16.Preves,Sharon

Goals: To understand and evaluate sexuality as a form of social structure and the consequences that structure holds for individuals and society. To understand sexuality as a social, rather than purely biological, construct. Content: The course will cover a variety of topics, providing a structural analysis of sexuality. Topics include social construction of sexuality, the history of sexuality in America, sexuality and religion, medicine, law, family, commerce, and education. Students have the option to complete the Liberal Education as Practice (LEAP) component of the Hamline Plan. Taught: Annually, spring term Prerequisites: SOC 1110 and SOC 3330 Credits:

SOC1110-02.Intro to Sociological Thinking.F15.Preves,Sharon

Goals: To introduce students to the basic sociological concepts. To show how these concepts are used to analyze society. To increase our knowledge of how society is organized and operates. To encourage creative and critical thinking. Content: Study of culture, socialization, social institutions such as the family, religion, and government, race, gender, social class, and social change. Taught: Annually, fall, winter and spring terms. Credits: