Ruth & John Useem Plenary Fund

Each year, the North Central Sociological Association invites a distinguished speaker to inspire the membership on a topic of cultural, social, and/or political consequence via the Ruth and John Useem Plenary Address. The Useems were instrumental in advancing the discipline of Sociology, addressing cross cultural themes using rich, ethnographic descriptions of faraway lands, that most readers would never have the opportunity to immerse themselves in, even if they were well travelled. Together, they coined the term “Third Culture Kids,” which became influential in understanding how children residing abroad in distinct cultures appropriated a sense of not only their immediate host culture, but also the culture of their parents, and a somewhat nomadic culture to which they were inextricably linked through their travel-based lifestyle. Their unique approach to understanding the acquisition of cultural norms among those living cross culturally also demonstrated the extraordinary resilience of these children, as well as their remarkable adaptability, empathy, and cultural appreciation when transplanted into fundamentally divergent cultural landscapes.

Despite their exemplary contributions to research in the field of sociology, their efforts never came at the expense of their involvement in the education of young minds. As dedicated teachers, the Useems collectively advised scores of graduate students, and exposed countless undergraduate students to tales of their travels, informed by the fields of sociology, anthropology, and education. Within the countries they studied, they trained teachers and parents, alongside students, shaping the educational experience of expatriate children across the globe. Their work became so influential that it became the foundation of educational practices in the US Department of State’s Office of Overseas Schools, and ultimately contributed to the founding of the Foreign Service Institute.

In the midst of all of these activities, both of the Useems always found time to participate in the NCSA; their service to NCSA was unparalleled, having both served as president, and occupying other pivotal roles in the organization, as well as receiving association awards. Their legacy of teaching, research, and service serves as a model for NCSA members, and thus is the namesake of the plenary enjoyed each year at the annual conference.

Please consider becoming part of their legacy this year by contributing to the Ruth and John Useem Plenary Fund. Contributions help support the costs incurred by speakers, and allow the association to continue securing high quality, engaging, and inspirational academics and practitioners in the field.

updated August 6, 2019