Tag: Social Inequality

New Publication: “Fuzzy Boundaries: A Mechanism for Group Accumulation of Advantage” by Dr. Heba Alex

On By Neha JangetiIn Announcements, PublicationsLeave a comment

Alex, Heba. 2025. “Fuzzy Boundaries: A Mechanism for Group Accumulation of Advantage.” Sociological Theory. Online first. https://doi.org/10.1177/07352751251378516

Abstract:
This article describes a strategic mechanism, fuzzy boundaries, that groups use to accumulate advantage. In contrast to the dominant view that rigid, well-defined boundaries maximize group rewards, I argue that ambiguity in membership criteria can, under certain conditions, more effectively secure and promote group benefits. Fuzzy boundaries are defined by two features: an intentionally ambiguous criterion for inclusion and the selective, inconsistent application of that criterion to adjust the insider-outsider line as needed. I illustrate the operation of fuzzy boundaries through a historical analysis of occupational boundary drawing in the nineteenth-century United States. Ultimately, the study offers a generalizable framework for understanding how strategic ambiguity in group boundaries can serve actors seeking to preserve privilege across domains, such as education, hiring, and professional accreditation. Unlike well-defined qualifications, the malleability of fuzzy boundaries often insulates them from legal challenge, making them an effective mechanism for maintaining social and institutional advantage.

Dr. Alex is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Sociology at the University of Chicago, and studies topics related to evaluation, differentiation, and morality in diverse institutional contexts such as lower courts, rights, and occupational organizations.

At present, Dr. Alex is developing a book about the moral character clause (being of good moral character) in licensing laws in nineteenth-century America.  You can read an article that emerged from one aspect of this project here. Dr. Alex is also in the early stages of a comparative study examining how the moral clause relates to voting and jury rights during the same period.

Dr. Alex received their Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Chicago in 2025. Before that, Dr. Alex obtained a B.A. in History from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. in Gender and Women’s Studies from UW–Madison. Dr. Alex’s professional journey includes a year at the International Center for Transitional Justice in New York and a Doctoral Fellowship at the American Bar Foundation.

Job Announcement: TT Assistant Professor Position at the University of California, Merced

On By Sarah MosseriIn Announcements, Job PostingsLeave a comment

The School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts at the University of California, Merced, invites applications from exceptional scholars for a faculty position in Sociology at the Assistant Professor level (tenure-track).

The committee is interested in applicants whose research will contribute to the department’s existing strengths in social inequality (race, class, gender and sexuality), social institutions (e.g., education, health), and politics (social movements, public policy); and who have an excellent record of publication. Preference will be given to those who have the ability to teach graduate statistics. In addition, the committee is interested in applicants with a history of and/or commitment to mentoring students from underrepresented groups. UC Merced is building a dynamic and high-quality Sociology faculty and seeks an outstanding scholar to assist with training graduate students in our new PhD program.

For the full ad and more information, go to:  https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/apply/JPF00288

Call for Proposals: 2015-2016 New Scholars Grant Competition

On By Sarah MosseriIn Calls for ProposalsLeave a comment

Request for Proposals: 2015-2016 New Scholars Grant Competition

Research on Trends in Poverty and Inequality

Purpose

The Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality (CPI), a National Poverty Research Center funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, seeks to support research that will expand our knowledge of key trends in poverty and inequality. The CPI anticipates funding up to 3 proposals with a maximum award of $20,000 each. The awards will be made to “New Scholars” (i.e., scholars who have received their Ph.D. no earlier than 2008) who will then work collaboratively with one of the CPI’s Research Groups to carry out the proposed research project.

Continue reading “Call for Proposals: 2015-2016 New Scholars Grant Competition” →