TASA Conference Day 3

Although I tried very hard, and after walking around for almost 2 hours, I was unable to find anything to buy last night. Not too many shops were open so that may have had something to do with it! One thing I should mention is that I love the train system here. I have mastered the Myki card and have never had to wait more than a few minutes for a train - great way to travel.

I feel like I was part of history today. Prof. Raewyn Connell, perhaps the best known and most renowned Australian sociologist, gave the keynote address this morning on the history of Australian sociology and TASA over the last 50 years. Raewyn was a student in the 60's and regaled us with stories of the early days and the establishment of sociology as a stand alone discipline within Australian universities. She started with a picture of 1963, playing music from the era, and even passing around some of her old 45s as she demonstrated the twist!

She finished her presentation by announcing she is soon to retire and urged us to keep "fighting" for sociology as we all sang together "For the times they are a changin'". Who said I missed out on the 60s - we saw it back in action today at TASA in 2013! If you get the chance, you should google Raewyn - a very interesting woman. She was given a standing ovation.

A hard act to follow...but the next concurrent session I chose to attend was on digital sociology and I was so glad I did. Four great speakers talked about digital sociology, the first in terms of using it, researching with it, researching it, and reflecting on it (the pros & cons). The second speaker had an amazing   look at Google Glass and what that means for sociology in all sorts of ways, the third speaker had some interesting insights into google algorithms and the last speaker gave a critique of the ABC show Q&A in relation to Public Sphere Theory. They were all really interesting...I am learning so much!

After lunch I decided to stick with the digital sociology theme and attended another session on this topic. Once again four speakers with four great presentations. They discussed digital sociology using Pinterest as a case study, ethical considerations in online environments, the digitalisation of ethical consumption (aps), and the change in mobile technology from 'dumb' phones to 'smart' phones and tablets. (It reminded me of Olivia screwing up her nose at Gary's flip phone and saying "but it doesn't do anything Grumps!")   Once again, I found them all of value in one way or another and was glad I attended. 

In the final session of the day we got to listen to three panelists who spoke about interdisciplinary work - some really interesting case studies eg. sociologists and engineers working together on water sustainability issues. 

It is the big gala dinner tonight at the members dining room of the MCG - should be interesting. My ankle is still massively swollen after soccer last week so I'm not sure how much dancing in the high heels will take place!