Eric Bonds

Associate Professor of Sociology University of Mary Washington

  • Fredericksburg VA

Dr. Bond is author of a book on social issues.

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1 min

Experts in the Media – UMW’s Eric Bonds on With Good Reason discussing human rights and the fact we all still have a lot to learn

Human rights are one of the few basic and universal aspects shared by people across the globe. But is the concept of human rights being taught and its importance shared and put into practice here at home? Recently, UMW’s Associate Professor of Sociology Eric Bonds, the author of “Social Problems: A Human Rights Perspective," sat down with Sarah McConnell, the host of With Good Reason to discuss the topic. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most translated document in the world. But it’s not typically taught in American classrooms. Eric Bonds says we could learn a lot from studying the document and applying its moral framework to our communities right here in the United States. If you’re a journalist looking to learn more about this topic, then our experts are here to help. Dr. Eric Bonds is author of the social issues textbook "Social Problems: A Human Rights Perspective." The work is based on his teaching style, which encourages students to evaluate U.S. society from an international human rights framework, while also considering--from a sociological vantage--what human rights are and what they can mean.  A renowned expert in his field, Eric also teaches courses in environmental sociology, social problems and political sociology. Eric is available to speak with media regarding these subjects, simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

Eric  Bonds

1 min

Carbon Conference: Global Problem/Local Solutions

Carbon in the atmosphere is driving a rise in ocean temperature, climate change and a host of other problems. The conference, which is free and open to the public, will explain some of the risks and solutions. Hosted by the League of Women Voters, Rappahannock Group Sierra Club, We Are for American and others; the event will include talks in the library theater, and several activities along with refreshments. Topics include: “Climate Change is Real” by Pamela Grothe, University of Mary Washington assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences. Her current research involves a study of the central Pacific climate and El Niño-Southern Oscillation variability over the past 6,000 years. “Local Actions” by Eric Bonds, Fossil Free Fredericksburg coordinator, and UMW associate professor of sociology and anthropology. He recently published an essay in the journal “Peace Review,” entitled “Challenging Climate Change’s New Security Threat Status What: “Carbon Conference: Global Problem/Local Solutions” Where: Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St. Fredericksburg When: Sunday, July 22 1:30 to 5 p.m. To learn more about the speakers or arrange an interview – simply click on Eric or Pamela’s icon. Source:

Eric  BondsPamela Grothe

Social

Biography

When social norms fail to curb human rights abuses, how are these violations justified? Eric Bonds, associate professor of sociology at the University of Mary Washington, aims to find out. Through his current research, he expects to better understand the extent to which environmental and humanitarian laws can curtail violence.

Dr. Bonds is author of the social issues textbook "Social Problems: A Human Rights Perspective," which takes an exciting and new approach to the field. The work is based on his teaching style, which encourages students to evaluate U.S. society from an international human rights framework while also considering--from a sociological vantage--what human rights are and what they can mean. Bonds also teaches courses in environmental sociology, social problems and political sociology.

His articles have appeared in journals such as The Journal of World-Systems Research, Critical Sociology and Peace Review.

Areas of Expertise

Environmental Sociology
Human Rights
Political Economy
War and Violence

Education

University of Colorado

Ph.D.

Graduate Studies

2011

University of Wyoming

B.A.

Undergraduate Studies

2001

Media Appearances

For data center sustainability in Virginia, state regulation is a must

Chesapeake Bay Journal  online

2025-05-19

Spreading out from Northern Virginia, data centers are being proposed in communities across the Chesapeake Bay region.

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Fredericksburg residents gather to discuss the pros and cons of data centers

The Free Lance-Star  online

2025-02-03

The panelists were Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine, Daren Shumate, who said he has been designing data centers for 25 years, Tracy Vargo, Brent Hunsinger of the FOR and University of Mary Washington sociology professor Eric Bonds.

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Data centers and Virginia’s special kind of denialism

Virginia Mercury  online

2024-12-02

The reelection of Donald Trump shows the continued prevalence of climate denialism, which involves a rejection of the scientific consensus that human activity is changing the climate.

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Articles

Challenging Global Warming's New “Security Threat” Status

Journal of Social Justice

2015-04-09

Our particular historical era is beset by monumental challenges, one of the foremost of which is climate change...

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UMW Research Team Presents at Public Sociology Conference

Eagle Eye

2014-10-21

Undergraduates Beatrice Ohene-Okae (Environmental Science) and Zakaria Kronemer (Philosophy) presented their research project, “Studying Carbon Violence,” with Assistant Professor of Sociology Eric Bonds at George Mason’s annual public sociology conference, which this year was titled “(Re)Visions of the Future: Public Sociology, Environmental...

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Bonds Publishes New Social Problems Text

Eagle Eye

2014-06-10

Eric Bonds, assistant professor of sociology, recently published a new book with Routledge Press, titled "Social Problems: A Human Rights Perspective." The book is based on Bonds’ teaching approach in his Social Issues class at UMW, in which he...

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