Sociology is often imagined as a downer discipline, focusing too frequently on social problems, but we are pleased to present an array of articles in this issue that respond to an emerging intellectual movement to elevate joy, happiness, community, and love as phenomena of genuine social scientific interest. To shine a light on such issues is something we have strived to do, intentionally and with courage, over the course of our editorial term.
As the days grow shorter, we hope these pages spread some light and cheer, sparking your sociological imagination like they have ours.
Contexts is a quarterly magazine that makes cutting-edge social research accessible to general readers. We're the public face of sociology.
It is a publication of the American Sociological Association, edited by David Grazian with managing editor Elena G. van Stee, both at the University of Pennsylvania.