History

The CSA was established in 1990. The association grew out of the belief that California, with a population larger than Canada, an economy larger than most nations, and a greater number of sociologists than many states, needed its own association for the following reasons.

• We work in a state that is increasingly multicultural and diverse, more than the rest of the nation. California is often seen as a bellwether state, and we, as sociologists, seek opportunities to exchange ideas on studying, teaching, and learning about this dynamic milieu.
• Having a common environment, we benefit from working together and sharing ideas about the economics, politics, and culture of California.
• We need a relatively small forum that facilitates interpersonal communication and encourages the involvement of teachers, applied sociologists, and students throughout California, including UC, CSU, community colleges, and private institutions.

In1990, Chuck Hohm (then of San Diego State), Phylis Martinelli (St. Mary’s College), John Kinch (then of San Francisco State), and Gordon Clanton (Bakersfield College, at the time) got together to discuss progress regarding the inaugural meeting of the California Sociological Association. John had taken responsibility for being the program chair, and he reported having received one paper. Chuck had conferred with Hal Charnofsky (CSU, Dominguez Hills) about an appropriate venue for the occasion. Phylis and Gordon were handling membership and registration. Prospects looked dim.

About a year and a half earlier, Chuck–then chair of the Sociology Department at San Diego State sent out more than 8,000 letters to California sociologists, trying to ascertain the interest in starting a statewide organization. He secured some time during that year’s ASA meetings in San Francisco to present the concept.

After the meeting, about 20 people signed up to serve on a “planning committee.” The first few meetings were very informal but key decisions were made and they required money. Lifetime memberships were offered as a way of generating revenue. Enough money was raised to reserve the newly constructed Carson Community Center for the initial conference.

Gordon Clanton (San Diego State) was probably the head cheerleader, beating the bushes for attendees and papers. Robin Franck (who recently retired from Southwestern College) worked tirelessly to round up community college faculty to participate. And Earl Babbie (Chapman University) offered to give the keynote address. Peter Suczek of Imperial Valley College came up with a logo design that was “smoothed” by an artist at Bakersfield College.

Chuck Hohm was chosen as the first President by acclamation. John Kinch became Vice President, Phylis Martinelli was selected as Secretary, and Gordon Clanton was Treasurer.

Earl Babbie’s presentation was inspiring and invigorating. He said that if the organization was still in existence in ten years, it would be considered a success.

The 2020 annual meeting, which was online, celebrated three decades of existence, growth, and vitality for the California Sociological Association. The CSA has been a great way for sociologists in our state to share their interests and research, a pleasant forum for students to mingle with professors, and a valuable resource for our policy makers. From its humble beginnings, our association has become one of the nation’s preeminent sources of “the sociological imagination.”