2006 Conference Program - Midwest Political Science Association

Presenter Economic Inequality, Its Spatial Concentration and ItsAffect on Civic LifeAmy Widestrom, Syracuse UniversityOverview: Political participation has declined as economicinequality and segregation has increased, a relationship thatremains understudied. This paper explores how economicsegregation affects the civic life of neighborhoods and civicengagement.47-11 ISLAMIC POLITICAL THOUGHTRoomChairPaperPaperPaperPaperDisc.TBA, Thur 10:30 amSergei I. Zhuk, Ball State UniversityFundamentalism Revised: Mawdudi, Khomeini, and theFundamentalist ParadigmSimon Wood, University of Nebraska, LincolnOverview: This paper critiques the prevailing model of religiousfundamentalism, which was first advanced in theFundamentalism Project (1991-95). I draw on the writings ofMawlana Mawdudi and Ayatollah Khomeini to argue that themodel lacks utility.A Critical Analysis of Khomeini's Theory of PoliticalLegitimacyGamal A. M. Gasim, Texas Tech UniversityOverview: This study will attempt to answer the followingquestion: How does Khomeini manage to revolutionize thepolitical thought of Shi'iah on the issue of legitimacy withoutchanging the basic pillars of the Shi'iah doctrine?Protesting the Heresies of ModernityHassan Bashir, Texas A&M UniversityOverview: The development of Islamic fundamentalism inSouth Asia is a result of the advent of modernity. The genesis ofIslamic fundamentalist political thought has parallels with thetheories of Habermas and Rawls.Equal, Subservient, or Something in Between?Megan Kerr, Northern Illinois UniversityOverview: Due to some important moral and politicalimplications for the development of liberal democracy inMuslim states, one must seek to acquire an accurateunderstanding of the role of women under Islamic teachings.Ted G. Jelen, DePauw UniversityShodja E. Ziaian, York University49-301 POSTER SESSION: WOMEN IN POLITICALSCIENCE: TRENDS IN EMPLOYMENT ANDFAMILY STATUSRoom TBA, Board 17, Thur 10:30 amPresenter Sarah Hughes, NORC at the University of ChicagoOverview: Using data from the most recent Survey of DoctoralRecipients this paper assesses the relationship between gender,employment, and family status for female political scientists.51-1 THE RIGHT TO MARRY IN THEORY ANDPRACTICERoomChairPaperPaperTBA, Thur 10:30 amSusan Burgess, Ohio UniversitySame-Sex Marriage in the United States and CanadaAmanda J. Burgess, Wayne State UniversityOverview: This paper presents an in-depth examination of thesame-sex marriage debate simultaneously occurring in theUnited States and Canada. The political, constitutional andsocietal elements of this debate will be considered.Gay Marriage As a Religious RightDebra DeLaet, Drake UniversityRachel Paine Caufield, Drake UniversityOverview: This paper explores the implications of framing gaymarriage as a "religious right," the validity of conceptions ofmarriage as a sacred heterosexual union, and pertinent U.S.legal cases that define religious liberty and marriage rights.PaperDisc.A Fundamental Right to Marry: Why Bigamy Cases MayUndo Same-Sex MarriageMary B. McThomas, University of California, Los AngelesOverview: The courts have progressively recognized theindividual's fundamental right to marry over the state's interestin limiting that right. The exception is bigamy cases. How willthis precedence impact the same-sex marriage debate?Julie White, University of Wisconsin, Madison96