Editor’s Introduction

I am pleased to present the second volume of The Edwardsville Journal of Sociology (ejs). I think you’ll agree that this version is as engaging as last year’s inaugural volume. Like the first, this volume includes a variety of sociological analyses, some qualitative, some quantitative, and others that are more theoretical and reflective. The paper topics are also varied: we have contributions on racial segregation, folk devils, 9/11, policing, and cooperation and conflict. One of the things I have always loved about sociology is its wide purview and relevance. I am happy that ejs reflects some of this diversity.

The lead article in this volume is by Dr. John Farley, Professor of Sociology here at SIUE. Using 2000 Census data, Professor Farley examines patterns and trends in racial segregation in the St. Louis area. Dr. Farley concludes that while racial segregation is declining in the area, it is doing so at a very slow rate. The findings also show that the St. Louis area remains one of the most segregated in the United States.

The second contribution to this volume, “Folks Devils of Seattle,” is authored by Darla Hernandez, a graduate student in the SIUE Department of Sociology. Hernandez describes and theoretically interprets Seattle business owners’ attempts to curtail juvenile delinquency by blasting classical and country music in places where punks, homeless youth, and other “deviants” congregate. Her analysis is guided by Stanley Cohen’s work on moral panics.

The next selection is a question and answer session with Professor and Chair of Sociology at SIUE, Dr. Hugh D. Barlow. Professor Barlow provides answers to my queries on his teaching, research, and service. He also shares his thoughts on criminology, criminologists, and the role of professors in academe.

The fourth contribution is by Dr. Bob Blain, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at SIUE. Dr. Blain’s contribution is special because it is a “first glimpse” of the book he is writing, encapsulated in the phrase Share the Work = Share the Wealth.

This formula, called the cooperation equation, is the basis for Bob’s broader theory of society, partially articulated in his contribution to volume one of ejs.

The fifth contribution to this volume is by Vincent Warren, a graduate student in the Department of Sociology here at SIUE. Vince examines the structure and function of school resource officer programs, reviews research on their effectiveness and popularity, and provides a theoretical analysis of their utility, noting both problems and prospects.

Completing this volume is an essay by Dr. Linda Markowitz, Associate Professor of Sociology at SIUE. Professor Markowitz provides us with thoughts on 9/11 as it relates to her research on overcoming moral dichotomies. She problemitizes moral polarization in the post-9/11 context and explains how it may reproduce violence and hatred. Linda’s commentary is especially compelling when viewed in light of the fact that her brother was working in one of the World Trade Center towers when it was attacked on 9/11.

In closing, I would like to acknowledge my debt to John Farley and Alison Crane: their help with technical and editorial matters made my job easier. I would also like to thank each author and reviewer for contributing to this volume of ejs. There are many venues available for the publication of scholarly work in this day and age. I am honored that you chose ejs as the outlet.

David Kauzlarich, Ph.D.

Editor

April 24, 2002