Everyday Sociology Blog

Crowdfunding for Companions: Exploring the Social Dynamics of Pet Healthcare Assistance

By Monica Radu

Sociologists are intrigued by the relationships individuals form with their pets. Beyond mere companionship, pets often serve as sources of emotional support, providing solace and a sense of connection in people's lives. Pet ownership can positively impact mental and physical health, indicating a significant intersection between pets and well-being. Investigating these relationships offers valuable insights into the complexities of human socialization and emotional fulfillment outside of conventional human interactions.

Pets are frequently considered integral members of the family, prompting sociologists to explore the dynamics of caregiving roles and the construction of familial identity within households. Findings from Pew Research suggest that 51% of pet owners reported that their pets were as much a part of their family as a human member.

Structural Mobility and the American Dream: Push and Pull Factors

By Karen Sternheimer

You are probably familiar with the concept of the “American Dream,” the idea that anyone who works hard in the United States has the chance to experience upward mobility. What factors make this more or less possible?

First, some history (which I write about in my book Celebrity Culture and the American Dream: Stardom and Social Mobility). The phrase “American Dream” was first used—ironically enough—during the Great Depression, when the dream was largely out of reach for most Americans (more on this in a moment).