Sociology
What role does sociology have in
community and economic development?
"Sociology helps to reveal things that deeply influence our thoughts and behaviors. Understanding that people unknowingly form predispositions as a result of their physical, cultural, political, economic etc. environments can help the successful implementation of development practices immensely. Sociology has helped to form my community development goal of helping people to create environments that they enjoy reproducing."
How does the Stevenson Center cohort impact your graduate experience?
"Working with people in other disciplines is really rewarding. Discussions that we have about community development or any number of social issues opens my eyes to the many dimensions within any single topic. Specialization is basically useless by itself. Community development requires a diverse group of people who have a respect for each other's mode of thought."
Student:
Andrew Kuka
Hometown:
Vernon, New Jersey
Undergraduate Degree:
Sociology
Rutgers University (2013)
Stevenson Center Program:
Applied Community and Economic Development Fellow
How does the Stevenson Center’s program shape your graduate experience?
"You get exposed to a lot of abstract ideas in Sociology. When I was doing my undergrad I didn’t really have a great answer for people who asked 'Sociology? What are you going to do with THAT?' aka 'What’s the point?'. Taking community and economic development courses, doing research that will benefit a local non-profit, and working for a community organization during my professional practice is giving me a much better idea of how I can apply what I am learning. That makes the whole experience extremely fulfilling."
Graduate Assistantship
Andrew is graduate assistant for SOC 300 Senior Experience and SOC 270 History of Sociological Thought. In total, Andrew is responsible for reading and grading the work of over 55 sociology undergraduates. He also directly assists seniors with navigating the thesis research process and hold regular office hours. Andrew has found that being a graduate assistant has allowed him to better connect his GA courses to his graduate theory courses for a more comprehensive understanding of the field. ​
Former Service Experience
Andrew served a year as a Corps Member with AmeriCorps NCCC North Central and another year with Rebuilding Together Bergen County in New Jersey. Rebuilding Together works exclusively with low-income households to alleviate poverty conditions through the provision of critical housing repairs for no cost to the homeowner. As homes are repaired, living and health conditions improve, the value of the property increases, and the main family asset is protected against future deterioration and loss.
