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In urban areas, the inequitable distribution of transit systems sand services has been shown to reproduce safety and environmental risks, while potentially exacerbating preexisting gender and class inequalities. Thus, the study of men's and women's access to, and use of, public transportation might be conceptualized as a measure of equality between men and women in society. This paper utilizes focus group data to explore women's engagement with the public transit system in Portland, Oregon. We illustrate specific ways in which transit-dependent women experience marginalization and exclusion. We find women, particularly mothers with young children, are not well served by a public infrastructure oriented toward an "ideal rider" who is an able-bodied, white, male commuter with disposable income. We argue that a public infrastructure meant to serve all riders equitably, yet fails to consider the unique experiences of low-income women riders, risks further exacerbating these women's social vulnerabilities and reproducing gender, racial, and class inequalities. In this sense, measures of vulnerability are one way in which we examine and illuminate gender relations while uncovering the structures of systems of oppression such as patriarchy, racism, and poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing expansion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) movement coincides with a continued contraction of long-standing mainstream labor organizations. The intersection of labor and LGBT politics represents an opportunity for each movement to increase their membership bases, expand their circle of influence, and to more fully embrace an intersectional framework for understanding social and economic justice. Drawing from interviews and participation with Pride at Work, an LGBT/labor organization, we explore how collaboration between LGBT and labor organizations can potentially benefit and strengthen both the labor movement and the movement for LGBT rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research explores the unique challenges of owner-witnessed euthanasia from the perspective of veterinary graduates as they begin their first year in an internship program. Veterinary interns early experiences with euthanasia in school and as technicians expose them to the sights and smells of sick, diseased and dead animals that most of the lay public would find disgusting, however, they are kept isolated from many interactions and discussions with grief-stricken owners. In other words, veterinary students receive much more experience with "backstage" procedures dealing with animals such that this work becomes normalized, whereas much of the "frontstage" work dealing with clients remains relatively unknown. Interns are found to consider this an important missing component in their education; however they recognize that there are inherent constraints that may limit the ability for students to receive satisfactory experience in this area. This paper is based on initial data drawn from an ongoing longitudinal research project on the post-graduate professional socialization of veterinarians related specifically to euthanasia. Data comes from interviews and participant observation among novice veterinary doctors (interns) as well as more experienced veterinary professionals and educators in two large veterinary teaching hospitals for small animals in the Northeast. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of new technologies and their impact on teaching and learning in sociology has become an increasingly important area of sociological inquiry--raising complex questions about pedagogy and the creation of a critical, dynamic learning environment. Much sociological teaching literature is focused on critical engagement and active learning, yet very little of the literature addresses PowerPoint use in sociology classrooms, which some have argued undermines the implementation of a critical pedagogy. Teaching sociology requires discussion, critical thinking, and debate, characteristics that seem to be at odds with results-oriented PowerPoint presentations. This paper utilizes survey data from both faculty and students at one private university to assess the use, understanding, and reception of PowerPoint in the classroom, as well as provide an empirical base for further discussion and theorizing about the ways technology is transforming critical sociological pedagogy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women in science and engineering remain underrepresented at all levels of the academic career ladder. Researchers have identified various barriers to women's advancement ranging from subtle or overt discrimination to a lack of mentoring and limited social networks that contribute to unequal access and inequalities in career opportunities. This paper contributes to this literature by focusing on how globalization of scientific work affects gender relations in science and engineering. International collaboration and some forms of mobility are increasingly a characteristic of researchers' job requirement, which amplifies some of the already existing barriers and burdens for women. Academic institutions assume the norm of a universal, internationally mobile individual without relationships or care responsibilities interfering with time and mobility. Those in dual career couples as well as parents with primary care responsibilities for children face challenges in establishing and maintaining international research networks. Our findings suggest that while women and parents are invested in pursuing international research projects, familial obligations may pose hurdles that require strategic planning in order to be successful. Suggestions are made as to how academic institutions can best support parents with primary care responsibilities who are pursuing international research programs in STEM and social science fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]