Whether it’s the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, the Sunday church choir, or a pickup basketball game, many individuals enjoy participating in both formal and informal groups and organizations.
Being part of an entity can offer numerous direct and indirect benefits, including, but not limited to, a sense of affiliation, camaraderie, and personal meaning. Organizations also serve as social hubs where individuals can receive mentorship and reciprocate the same to others. Groups function as social units where like-minded people can experience a sense of community.
These dynamics are not exclusive to casual settings; they also occur when individuals become members of professional and learned societies. In most academic disciplines, whether in the hard sciences (e.g., chemistry, physics, etc.) or the soft sciences (e.g., anthropology, political science, sociology, etc.), learned societies play a pivotal role in providing support.
What benefits do learned societies provide their membership?
Learned societies, regardless of the subject matter specialization, and the country and region they operate in typically:
• communicate with their members (usually through social media, newsletters, a scholarly journal),
• advocate on their behalf,
• distribute information about new scholarship in the field,
• share job and grant opportunities,
• hold meetings (sometimes called conferences),
• but most importantly are places to network.
But not all learned societies are the same, nor represent the interests of all members. They vary based not just on subject matter members specialize in and relative expertise that the members possess, but in size, management, demographic composition of their members, geographic concentration/scope (international, national, regional, etc.), etc..
Which learned societies are relevant for aspiring Criminologists?
The scholarly field of Criminology/Criminal Justice is no different. And thus, it is important for graduate students contemplating becoming academic Criminologists, and untenured assistant professors in the field of Criminology/Criminal Justice to understand the breadth and depth of these learned societies.
How does one go about doing this?
A simple scan of the web will produce lots of organizations that specialize in the field of criminology and criminal justice.
Although there are professional organizations for criminal justice practitioners like the American Correctional Association, and the International Association for Chiefs of Police, in the academic field of Criminology/Criminal Justice almost each western country has their own Criminology/Criminal Justice learned society.
In the United States the two principle learned societies in the field of Criminology/Criminal Justice are American Society of Criminology (ASC) and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). Meanwhile there are a handful of regional Criminology/Criminal Justice learned societies (e.g., the Western Society of Criminology, Southern Criminal Justice Association, etc.) worth investigating.
If you live in the United States and intend to continue your career here, although it might be interesting joining the British Society of Criminology, or the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology, unless you intend to grow your career in those countries, attend a conference sponsored by these organizations, or are deeply interested in matters of concern to members of those organizations, you might not want to join these learned societies right now.
It’s important, however, to not only read the communications that ASC, ACJS, etc. produce, but to talk to your instructors and professors (or fellow colleagues) and ask them what they know about these learned societies, with the ultimate goal of determining which one/s you should join. In short, some (or none of them) may be more appropriate to you unique interests, needs, wants, and desires and at your particular stage in your career.
Ultimately, one of the best ways to figure out which group is most relevant to you is to join one or more of these organizations.
In many respects, it’s relatively low cost to join the ASC, ACJS, etc., especially if you are a graduate student or an untenured assistant professor. Some academic departments, colleges, and universities even pay this fee. Alternatively, membership fees are typically considered to be a tax deduction in most advanced industrialized countries.
The future of your membership
Joining one of the relevant criminology/criminal justice societies is a relatively low-cost endeavor. However, over time, you might want to experiment by attending one or more conferences held by these organization/s. This way, you can observe members up close and determine how comfortable you are in this type of setting. But more importantly, it’s not just about joining the ASC, ACJS, etc.; over time, it’s crucial to become actively involved in the activities that these societies conduct.
Photo Credit
Title: Auguste Rodin, The Thinker
Photographer: Sharon Mollerus
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/52622147232_524356b0ef_c.jpg450800Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-12-09 16:29:482024-02-04 12:42:45Should aspiring Criminologists join the prominent learned societies in their field of study?
In our complex world, a subtle but persistent conflict often exists between amateurs and experts, each vying for recognition and authority.
Understanding the Distinction
Amateurs (sometimes called novices or dilettantes) and experts (occasionally mistakenly referred to as professionals) create things or offer and engage in services (e.g., advice, consulting, etc.).
But they differ on several key aspects. Amateurs typically lack experience, formal training, or valued certifications, diplomas, degrees, and licensure. Experts, on the other hand, may not only have these attributes, but they are recognized amongst their peers as possessing unique knowledge and skills.
Amateurs may be more willing to make false or faulty claims, and take financial, life threatening or ending, risks that experts would never pursue. Experts, often seem to be risk averse, worried about losing their hard earned resources, including their reputation in their chosen field. If experts do experiment, they tend to take calculated risks, whereas some amateurs may adopt a risk-averse approach.
Put another way, amateurs may be more inclined to “think outside of the box,” whereas experts, because of ego or cognitive inflexibility may be “set in their ways.” Amateurs may also serve a necessary function by keeping experts accountable, forcing them to explain or justify their methods or conclusions, or final products.
To call someone an expert means that we (or an entity) have bestowed upon them a prestigious accolade, whereas labelling a person an amateur or a novice is typically perceived to be demeaning.
An expert often makes things in their field of expertise or skill set seem easy. Speak to any expert at length, however, and they will tell you that they have spent considerable resources mastering their craft, trade, or subject area of competence. It is not easy for amateurs to become experts. Why? It is typically a resource intensive process, including paying for a costly education or training and using the principles of deliberate practice, continuous learning, etc.
Among the numerous questions that can be asked about these two distinctions is first, does a relationship exist between these two groups of individuals, and second, what is the best way to characterize this relationship? .
One of the biggest problems is when the amateur thinks and acts as if he or she is an expert (e.g., the Dunning-Kruger effect) and when the expert categorically ignores the amateur.
Numerous people and organizations rely upon or purchase the goods and services of amateurs, and with predictable often substandard results. Experts on the other hand, are typically more costly,
Proactive Solutions
In order to recognize and support the relative contributions of amateurs and experts, proactive measures are essential. Beyond acknowledging the nuances in the differences between amateurs and experts, institutions and professional organizations should:
• encourage and sustain respectful dialogue and interactions between these two entities;
• establish meaningful and rigorous mentorship programs;
• and develop thoughtful and robust platforms that facilitate collaborative learning.
This way experts can share their experiences and insights, guiding motivated amateurs on their journey. Simultaneously, amateurs can often bring fresh perspectives and ideas, contributing to the dynamic exchange of knowledge.
Wrapping Up
The relationship between amateurs and experts is multifaceted, requiring a thoughtful and comprehensive understanding of their relative accomplishments and limitations. In order to benefit the most, with these two opposing camps we need to foster mutual respect, and actively promoting collaborative learning, we can create an environment where both amateurs and experts thrive and learn from each other.
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/28828915266_519b968a36_c.jpg533799Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-12-02 13:54:062023-12-02 14:29:45The constant tension between amateurs and experts
Music resonates with people on a visceral level, and one of its most powerful components is undoubtedly the song.
Some of these compositions seem to get suck in our heads and effortlessly occupy our minds and mental space.
Occasionally, we acknowledge the presence of an entire song, it’s most prominent melody or some of the song’s catchy lyrics, which subtly linger or becomes integral to our inner thoughts.
Many of us have the same songs that continuously play in our heads for days, months, years, decades, or our entire lives.
Emerging from the vibrant British punk scene in 1976, The Clash had anarchist sensibilities, composing and playing music that was also danceable.
Yet, why does “Should I Stay or Should I Go” frequently repeat in my mind when other equally noteworthy songs and Clash tracks like “Rock The Casbah” or “London Calling” fail to gain traction?
Maybe it’s because I haven’t traveled to or vacationed in North Africa that the lyrics of “Rock The Casbah” failed to resonate. Similarly, although I’ve stayed in London several times, I never experienced or participated in the highly local anti-racist and anti-police protests and riots of the 1980s, that “London Calling” refers to.
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” accurately captured the zeitgeist of the day, but more importantly perfectly expressed the ambivalence I was experiencing in my life when I first listened to it, a feeling that frequently persists till this day regarding many important decisions surrounding many people, places, and things.
During moments of indecision, when clarity eludes me, I often experience confusion and a sense of immobilization.
It’s at these times, or more appropriately, whenever I feel a significant sense of uncertainty, that the song seems to return.
Seeking advice from individuals, without considering the finer nuances of the source tends to compound the issue, as the guidance I receive is frequently contradictory. Later in life, I determined that while most of the people I consulted had my best interests at heart, they lacked a comprehensive understanding or appreciation for all the contingencies I needed to consider. A crucial realization was that many of these individuals offering advice were not experts in the matter I was dealing with.
Over time, when I’m in a similar situation of indecision, I’ve gravitated to grabbing a piece of paper and writing down the pros and the cons of making a particular decision. Although this process is helpful, it doesn’t always offer a clear resolution.
Nevertheless, my journey with “Should I Stay or Should I Go” serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to mirror our experiences and emotions. It’s a reminder that sometimes, amid life’s complexities, a song can serve as a signifier, used to quickly clarify the exact emotion we are experiencing, thereby echoing our inner conflicts.
In short, we might have multiple theme songs (a playlist, if you want to call it that) which are specific to different situations. They form a background in our mind to enable or perhaps even frustrate us. These songs may even serve as mnemonic devices to help us remember particular scripts on how to deal with people, places, and things that we encounter.
In sum, it’s important to consider your musical companions and the unique ways they have shaped your journey. After all, the beauty of music lies not only in the notes but also in the stories it helps us tell.
Photo Credit:
Title: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, and Paul Simonon in concert with the Clash in 1980
Photographer: Helge Øverås
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-11-22-at-5.14.03-PM.png453795Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-11-25 13:32:382023-11-25 13:32:38What’s your theme song?
Should aspiring Criminologists join the prominent learned societies in their field of study?
/by Jeffrey Ian RossWhether it’s the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, the Sunday church choir, or a pickup basketball game, many individuals enjoy participating in both formal and informal groups and organizations.
Being part of an entity can offer numerous direct and indirect benefits, including, but not limited to, a sense of affiliation, camaraderie, and personal meaning. Organizations also serve as social hubs where individuals can receive mentorship and reciprocate the same to others. Groups function as social units where like-minded people can experience a sense of community.
These dynamics are not exclusive to casual settings; they also occur when individuals become members of professional and learned societies. In most academic disciplines, whether in the hard sciences (e.g., chemistry, physics, etc.) or the soft sciences (e.g., anthropology, political science, sociology, etc.), learned societies play a pivotal role in providing support.
What benefits do learned societies provide their membership?
Learned societies, regardless of the subject matter specialization, and the country and region they operate in typically:
• communicate with their members (usually through social media, newsletters, a scholarly journal),
• advocate on their behalf,
• distribute information about new scholarship in the field,
• share job and grant opportunities,
• hold meetings (sometimes called conferences),
• but most importantly are places to network.
But not all learned societies are the same, nor represent the interests of all members. They vary based not just on subject matter members specialize in and relative expertise that the members possess, but in size, management, demographic composition of their members, geographic concentration/scope (international, national, regional, etc.), etc..
Which learned societies are relevant for aspiring Criminologists?
The scholarly field of Criminology/Criminal Justice is no different. And thus, it is important for graduate students contemplating becoming academic Criminologists, and untenured assistant professors in the field of Criminology/Criminal Justice to understand the breadth and depth of these learned societies.
How does one go about doing this?
A simple scan of the web will produce lots of organizations that specialize in the field of criminology and criminal justice.
Although there are professional organizations for criminal justice practitioners like the American Correctional Association, and the International Association for Chiefs of Police, in the academic field of Criminology/Criminal Justice almost each western country has their own Criminology/Criminal Justice learned society.
In the United States the two principle learned societies in the field of Criminology/Criminal Justice are American Society of Criminology (ASC) and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). Meanwhile there are a handful of regional Criminology/Criminal Justice learned societies (e.g., the Western Society of Criminology, Southern Criminal Justice Association, etc.) worth investigating.
If you live in the United States and intend to continue your career here, although it might be interesting joining the British Society of Criminology, or the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology, unless you intend to grow your career in those countries, attend a conference sponsored by these organizations, or are deeply interested in matters of concern to members of those organizations, you might not want to join these learned societies right now.
It’s important, however, to not only read the communications that ASC, ACJS, etc. produce, but to talk to your instructors and professors (or fellow colleagues) and ask them what they know about these learned societies, with the ultimate goal of determining which one/s you should join. In short, some (or none of them) may be more appropriate to you unique interests, needs, wants, and desires and at your particular stage in your career.
Ultimately, one of the best ways to figure out which group is most relevant to you is to join one or more of these organizations.
In many respects, it’s relatively low cost to join the ASC, ACJS, etc., especially if you are a graduate student or an untenured assistant professor. Some academic departments, colleges, and universities even pay this fee. Alternatively, membership fees are typically considered to be a tax deduction in most advanced industrialized countries.
The future of your membership
Joining one of the relevant criminology/criminal justice societies is a relatively low-cost endeavor. However, over time, you might want to experiment by attending one or more conferences held by these organization/s. This way, you can observe members up close and determine how comfortable you are in this type of setting. But more importantly, it’s not just about joining the ASC, ACJS, etc.; over time, it’s crucial to become actively involved in the activities that these societies conduct.
Photo Credit
Title: Auguste Rodin, The Thinker
Photographer: Sharon Mollerus
The constant tension between amateurs and experts
/by Jeffrey Ian RossIn our complex world, a subtle but persistent conflict often exists between amateurs and experts, each vying for recognition and authority.
Understanding the Distinction
Amateurs (sometimes called novices or dilettantes) and experts (occasionally mistakenly referred to as professionals) create things or offer and engage in services (e.g., advice, consulting, etc.).
But they differ on several key aspects. Amateurs typically lack experience, formal training, or valued certifications, diplomas, degrees, and licensure. Experts, on the other hand, may not only have these attributes, but they are recognized amongst their peers as possessing unique knowledge and skills.
Amateurs may be more willing to make false or faulty claims, and take financial, life threatening or ending, risks that experts would never pursue. Experts, often seem to be risk averse, worried about losing their hard earned resources, including their reputation in their chosen field. If experts do experiment, they tend to take calculated risks, whereas some amateurs may adopt a risk-averse approach.
Put another way, amateurs may be more inclined to “think outside of the box,” whereas experts, because of ego or cognitive inflexibility may be “set in their ways.” Amateurs may also serve a necessary function by keeping experts accountable, forcing them to explain or justify their methods or conclusions, or final products.
To call someone an expert means that we (or an entity) have bestowed upon them a prestigious accolade, whereas labelling a person an amateur or a novice is typically perceived to be demeaning.
An expert often makes things in their field of expertise or skill set seem easy. Speak to any expert at length, however, and they will tell you that they have spent considerable resources mastering their craft, trade, or subject area of competence. It is not easy for amateurs to become experts. Why? It is typically a resource intensive process, including paying for a costly education or training and using the principles of deliberate practice, continuous learning, etc.
Among the numerous questions that can be asked about these two distinctions is first, does a relationship exist between these two groups of individuals, and second, what is the best way to characterize this relationship? .
One of the biggest problems is when the amateur thinks and acts as if he or she is an expert (e.g., the Dunning-Kruger effect) and when the expert categorically ignores the amateur.
Numerous people and organizations rely upon or purchase the goods and services of amateurs, and with predictable often substandard results. Experts on the other hand, are typically more costly,
Proactive Solutions
In order to recognize and support the relative contributions of amateurs and experts, proactive measures are essential. Beyond acknowledging the nuances in the differences between amateurs and experts, institutions and professional organizations should:
• encourage and sustain respectful dialogue and interactions between these two entities;
• establish meaningful and rigorous mentorship programs;
• and develop thoughtful and robust platforms that facilitate collaborative learning.
This way experts can share their experiences and insights, guiding motivated amateurs on their journey. Simultaneously, amateurs can often bring fresh perspectives and ideas, contributing to the dynamic exchange of knowledge.
Wrapping Up
The relationship between amateurs and experts is multifaceted, requiring a thoughtful and comprehensive understanding of their relative accomplishments and limitations. In order to benefit the most, with these two opposing camps we need to foster mutual respect, and actively promoting collaborative learning, we can create an environment where both amateurs and experts thrive and learn from each other.
Photo Credit:
Title: “In experts hands” (2016)
Photographer: Brandon Price
What’s your theme song?
/by Jeffrey Ian RossMusic resonates with people on a visceral level, and one of its most powerful components is undoubtedly the song.
Some of these compositions seem to get suck in our heads and effortlessly occupy our minds and mental space.
Occasionally, we acknowledge the presence of an entire song, it’s most prominent melody or some of the song’s catchy lyrics, which subtly linger or becomes integral to our inner thoughts.
Many of us have the same songs that continuously play in our heads for days, months, years, decades, or our entire lives.
For me one of these songs is The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
Emerging from the vibrant British punk scene in 1976, The Clash had anarchist sensibilities, composing and playing music that was also danceable.
Yet, why does “Should I Stay or Should I Go” frequently repeat in my mind when other equally noteworthy songs and Clash tracks like “Rock The Casbah” or “London Calling” fail to gain traction?
Maybe it’s because I haven’t traveled to or vacationed in North Africa that the lyrics of “Rock The Casbah” failed to resonate. Similarly, although I’ve stayed in London several times, I never experienced or participated in the highly local anti-racist and anti-police protests and riots of the 1980s, that “London Calling” refers to.
“Should I Stay or Should I Go” accurately captured the zeitgeist of the day, but more importantly perfectly expressed the ambivalence I was experiencing in my life when I first listened to it, a feeling that frequently persists till this day regarding many important decisions surrounding many people, places, and things.
During moments of indecision, when clarity eludes me, I often experience confusion and a sense of immobilization.
It’s at these times, or more appropriately, whenever I feel a significant sense of uncertainty, that the song seems to return.
Seeking advice from individuals, without considering the finer nuances of the source tends to compound the issue, as the guidance I receive is frequently contradictory. Later in life, I determined that while most of the people I consulted had my best interests at heart, they lacked a comprehensive understanding or appreciation for all the contingencies I needed to consider. A crucial realization was that many of these individuals offering advice were not experts in the matter I was dealing with.
Over time, when I’m in a similar situation of indecision, I’ve gravitated to grabbing a piece of paper and writing down the pros and the cons of making a particular decision. Although this process is helpful, it doesn’t always offer a clear resolution.
Nevertheless, my journey with “Should I Stay or Should I Go” serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to mirror our experiences and emotions. It’s a reminder that sometimes, amid life’s complexities, a song can serve as a signifier, used to quickly clarify the exact emotion we are experiencing, thereby echoing our inner conflicts.
In short, we might have multiple theme songs (a playlist, if you want to call it that) which are specific to different situations. They form a background in our mind to enable or perhaps even frustrate us. These songs may even serve as mnemonic devices to help us remember particular scripts on how to deal with people, places, and things that we encounter.
In sum, it’s important to consider your musical companions and the unique ways they have shaped your journey. After all, the beauty of music lies not only in the notes but also in the stories it helps us tell.
Photo Credit:
Title: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, and Paul Simonon in concert with the Clash in 1980
Photographer: Helge Øverås