WASHINGTON, DC—The American Sociological Association’s (ASA) 102nd Annual Meeting, whose theme, "Is Another World Possible?", will draw some 5,000-6,000 attendees to the Hilton New York and Sheraton New York on August 11-14. In addition to featuring presentations on the latest sociological studies, this year’s meeting boasts eminent speakers such as former Chilean President Ricardo Lagos and Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI).

A wide range of social science topics will be the focus of the meeting’s more than 550 sessions. President Lagos, a key figure in Chile’s history, will speak about his country’s peaceful transition to democracy after the brutal dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. With the world’s eyes on Iraq and Afghanistan, President Lagos’ opening panel, “Democratic Transition: The Example of Chile,” will explore how the peaceful establishment of at least one democratic government was attained in the 1980s and 1990s.

The theme of the 102nd ASA Annual Meeting is an intellectual platform to explore the potential for progressive social change in the United States and abroad. In explaining the theme, ASA President Frances Fox Piven says, “Our world is changing very fast, and it is at times like this that sociological analysis should be sharpest, most illuminating, and also most useful. The ‘Is Another World Possible’ theme and our preoccupation with reform have led us to plan a series of sessions that assess the potential for progressive social change.”

Following its established tradition of bringing renowned scholars and leaders to speak at the Annual Meeting, ASA this year brings exciting discussion and debate to New York City, including Congressman Conyers’ plenary session, “The Future of American Politics.” Through eye-opening and innovative panels, workshops, and plenary sessions on American electoral politics, popular culture, the politics of natural disasters, immigration, the religious right, economic development, and the politics of incarceration, the ASA Annual Meeting promises to educate and challenge attendees and members of the press.

In addition, there will be sessions on the conflicts in the Middle East, social movements in the global south, reproductive rights, terrorism, religion and related movements, genocide in Darfur and elsewhere, the role of NGO’s in global governance, Chinese capitalism, and theorizing about another and better world.

The searchable and PDF version of the preliminary program and press releases are posted on the ASA website at www.asanet.org.

Media Opportunities at the Annual Meeting include:
• Interviews with high-profile sociologists
• Releases of new research findings
• Newsworthy topics and exciting presentations

Journalists are invited to attend all Annual Meeting events. Press facilities will be located at the Hilton New York.

About the American Sociological Association
The American Sociological Association (www.asanet.org), founded in 1905, is a non-profit membership association dedicated to serving sociologists in their work, advancing sociology as a science and profession, and promoting the contributions to and use of sociology by society.