Three students present research at the Southern Sociological Society conference

Three Elon University students presented research at the annual Southern Sociological Society Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, from April 9 through April 12.

Mason Carter ’25, a sociology major, presented “Racial Conceptualization and Classification: Understanding in Color” in a session on Racial Appraisals, Conceptualization, and Attitudes. The presentation drew on survey data in which respondents were asked their race in an open-ended question and then asked to explain their answer—that is, respondents shared the grounds for how they define their racial identity. The presentation examined variation by factors like education, race, and gender in how Americans think about the basis of race. Raj Ghoshal, associate professor of sociology, mentored Mason’s research.

Sol Addison ’25, a sociology and applied math double major, presented a cross-cultural study on how individuals use brands to express their authentic selves, comparing people in the U.S. and China. Using survey data from nationally representative samples, the research explored how cultural orientations—specifically individualism and collectivism—shape brand-related identity expression. Surprisingly, Chinese respondents reported higher levels of individualism than expected, and both orientations positively predicted brand authentication. Chinese participants were also more likely than Americans to use brands to reflect both personal and social identities. By introducing the concept of “brand authentication,” Sol’s work highlights how global brands can act as cultural connectors, shaping identity and community across borders. Alexis Franzese and Rena Zito, associate professors of sociology, mentored Sol’s research.

Trinity Barnett ’25, a psychology and media Analytics double major, gave a presentation that explored the intersection of gender, labor and leisure by examining who takes on the work of planning family vacations to Walt Disney World. Drawing on survey data from over 200 respondents recruited through Disney trip planning forums, the study found that women—who made up the vast majority of respondents—were significantly more likely than men to experience trip planning as laborious. The findings reveal that while trip planning can serve as both a source of stress and satisfaction, it also highlights the often invisible labor that women disproportionately shoulder, even in contexts meant for relaxation and enjoyment. Alexis Franzese, associate professor of sociology, co-authored and mentored Trinity’s research.