I propose the conceptual model of #lifecourseillegality or #LCI to bridge research on migrant illegality & life course approaches. I emphasize how their social environment, spatial location, social networks, and individual characteristics shape the experiences of older migrants. /2

📣 Calling all ASA Latina/o Sociology grad students! The Latina/o Sociology Section’s Cristina Maria Riegos Student Paper Award deadline is March 1, 2025. For more information, see below @asanews.bsky.social

Michael was always there for the collective good. I vividly remember him at picket lines and protests supporting graduate students, immigrant rights, Black Lives Matter, labor rights (of all kinds), Palestine & beyond. He was an organizer & practiced collective action (not just theorized about it).

He shared many dinners with students, from weekly dinners with his TAs to end-of-the-term celebratory dinners, departmental parties, ASA alumni gatherings, etc. He was generous, practiced what he taught as a scholar of Marx & supported many grad students in times of need from the “Burawoy fund.”

He created the most intricate concept maps of complex social theory ideas. During our first year in sociology he required us to sign up for office hours just to chat. He was the first professor in grad school to ask about my family & my journey to grad school. He listened carefully & celebrated us.

I witnessed his deep care for his students in the classroom and beyond. He believed close reading was more important than long readings. He pushed me (and many) to articulate my thoughts clearly by accepting only 250-word weekly reading responses – this was an incredibly difficult task.

Michael Burawoy was a brilliant scholar, relentless public sociologist & extraordinary teacher. His passing is a significant loss to sociology & to us all. Many will speak about his excellent scholarship, but he was more than that. Here, I share some memories starting with ASA 2024 in Montreal.