Robert Vargas

RobertVargas2012@u.northwestern.edu
Advisor: Freese

Areas of Interest

Urban Sociology, Sociology of Organizations, Social Psychology

Current Research

Studies on the geographic concentration of violent crime typically focus on the individual as the unit of analysis, often ignoring the role of institutions and organizations in the social construction of violent hotspots. Through a three-year neighborhood case study, my research highlights the role of middlemen and neighborhood organization leadership in the social construction of violent crime hotspots. Based on fieldwork with violence prevention organizations, observations of public spaces, and a household survey of neighborhood residents, I have found that factors such as the incarceration of gang leaders, funding priorities of philanthropic organizations, employee turnover at non-profits, and city politics disrupt the local social order. Even further, these factors consistently undermine the neighborhood’s ability to build social capital and collective efficacy. These findings may contribute to understanding inconsistent results with regards to the social effects of mass incarceration, as well as theories of social mechanisms.

Awards/Honors

2010 – National Science Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant

2010 – Northwestern University Graduate Research Grant

2009 - Robert F. Winch Award For Outstanding Second Year Paper

2009 – Spencer Foundation Research Grant (co-PI with Lincoln Quillian)

2008-2011 Fellow of the Multi-Disciplinary Program in Educational Sciences

2008 – MacArthur Summer Research Grant (co-PI with Lincoln Quillian)

2005 – Ronald E. McNair Scholar

William Henry Exum Award

The intent of this prize is to honor the memory of William Henry Exum, a member of the Department of Sociology and the African American Studies Department, who died in 1986 at the age of 37. Exum was concerned with the quality of writing and research analysis in student papers. He was also interested in racial problems facing minority youths in higher education. This award was established as a means of continuing his goals of breaking barriers for all minorities.

The award submission deadline is April 27, 2012. All interested students should submit a 15-20 page paper, typed and double-spaced, on a topic dealing with race and ethnicity. Students are not limited to a sociological approach in preparing their submissions, nor is the award limited to sociology or social science majors.

The paper should include a cover sheet with the student's name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, year in school, and major.

Three copies of the essay must be submitted by the announced deadline to the Exum Award - Department of Sociology, 1810 Chicago Ave., Evanston Campus or one copy by email to sociol@northwestern.edu.

This award is open to all undergraduate students from all disciplines.

Upcoming Events

COLLOQUIUM: Aldon Morris, Sociology, Northwestern University
May 24, 2012 • 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM