Todd Powell-Williams, PhD

Associate Professor of Sociology Augusta University

  • Augusta GA

Professor Powell-Williams is an expert in social movements, social control, religion, police science and symbolic interactionism.

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2 min

Protests and politics – let our expert explain how one influences the other

The protests that have been occurring across most of America have seen politically charged language, action, and reaction. Calls for change have been made, and promises have followed by those seeking to attain office or remain in office once the dust has settled and America goes to the polls in the fall. In a recent essay, former President Barack Obama touched on how those protesting can translate emotions into action. “Throughout American history, it’s often only been in response to protests and civil disobedience that the political system has even paid attention to marginalized communities,” said Obama. ”Eventually, aspirations have to be translated into specific laws and institutional practices — and in a democracy, that only happens when we elect government officials who are responsive to our demands.” Social movement expert and Augusta University Sociology Professor Dr. Todd Powell-Williams says protest movements have a significant impact on politics. His research shows societal change not only happens as a result of the crowd but also because the protests get people politically activated. “From the Boston Tea Party to the protests of the Civil Rights Movement, protests have had some degree of success in changing the course of history,” said Powell-Williams. “The recent protests against racial injustice are no different and I’m sure it will influence the outcomes of upcoming elections.” If you are a journalist looking to cover this topic, then let our expert help with your questions and coverage today. Dr. Todd Powell-Williams is an expert in social movements, social control, religion, police science and symbolic interactionism. He is available to speak with media regarding this topic — simply click on his name to arrange an interview. Also, check out the Augusta University Expert Center to view a complete list of our experts.

Todd Powell-Williams, PhD

2 min

It’s been 50 years since Stonewall…but has America really accepted gay rights?

It’s been a half-century since the Stonewall Uprising and the emergence of the gay pride movement. As cities across the world celebrate this month, it might also be time to look at where America stands today when it comes to gay rights. “From the perspective of veteran activists, the progress has been astounding. In 1969, every state but Illinois outlawed gay sex, psychiatric experts classified homosexuality as a mental disorder, and most gays stayed in the closet for fear of losing jobs and friends. “Today, same-sex marriage is the law of the land in the U.S. and at least 25 other countries. LGBT Americans serve as governors, big-city mayors and members of Congress, and one — Pete Buttigieg — is waging a spirited campaign for president.” June 17, ABC News But there is still a lot of work to do. LGBTQ people not only face discrimination in the workplace, in health care settings and even public restrooms, but can also suffer threats of violence. Just last month, the nation was shocked to learn of the chilling attack of an American woman and her partner overseas in London. The lesbian couple was violently assaulted by teens on a double-decker bus, leaving one of the women with a broken jaw, after they refused to publicly kiss one another in front of the group of young men who were harassing them. Are you covering this topic? There are a lot of questions about what needs to be done and that’s where our experts can help.   Todd Powell-Williams, associate professor of Sociology at Augusta University, is an expert in social movements, social control, religion, police science and symbolic interactionism. Dr. Powell-Williams is available to speak with media about gay rights and where America stands 50 years after Stonewall. Simply click on her icon to arrange an interview.

Todd Powell-Williams, PhD

Biography

Professor Powell-Williams is an expert in social movements, social control, religion, police science and symbolic interactionism.

Areas of Expertise

Social Control
Police Science
Religion
Symbolic Interactionism

Media Appearances

What's in a name? Exploring the practice of name discrimination

WFXG 54  tv

2015-11-05

Todd Powell Williams, a sociology professor at Georgia Regents University said, "It shows that there are, indeed, disparities in employment opportunities and that people make judgments not so much on social class, but, rather race based upon the name."

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How Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is using data to curb crime

WRDW  tv

2022-05-11

New numbers show Augusta ranks as one of the deadliest cities in the nation.

The latest statistics from the FBI’s 2019 crime data stats show a point-three percent increase in the number of people murdered across America. Augusta ranks with the 32nd highest per capita murder rate in all major U.S. cities.

Here’s how this kind of data can help curb crime in Richmond County.

We spoke with an Augusta University professor who shared insight into the common interest he shares with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office to help reduce gun violence.

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Articles

“God Hates Your Feelings”: Neutralizing Emotional Deviance within the Westboro Baptist Church

Deviant Behavior

Todd Powell- Williams & Melissa Powell-Williams

2016

Drawing on individual and peer-group interviews, participant observations, and analysis of media content, we examine the habitual emotional deviance and neutralization techniques employed by the Westboro Baptist Church.

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Engaging Boys in Eradicating Gender-based Violence: A Pilot Study of a Promundo-adapted Program

MSC - Masculinities and social change

Allison Foley, Kimberly Davies, Todd Powell-Williams

2015

The Brazil-based Promundo organization originated in 1997 and developed Program H to engage young men in the fight for gender equality...

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"I Help the Ones that Want Help": Emotion Work and the Victim Advocate Role

Sociological Spectrum

Powell-Williams, M., White, S. D. & Powell-Williams, T.

2013-03-28

Using data gathered from participant observation and 32 individual in-depth interviews, this study examines how victim advocates achieve emotion management in their work with battered women. This research reveals that victim advocates often experience difficulty coping with occupational stress via daily “deep acting” strategies as they work to change their understandings of battered women and the advocate role from the “inside out.” The data reveal that the core of their ability to cope requires victim advocates to redefine their perceived role from “savior” to “options giver” to more accurately define their role interactions with battered women.

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