October 13, 2005

Teach-in analyzes social contract

A social contract is an agreement of rights and responsibilities between citizens and their government. This November, that contract will be the topic of a panel discussion at Sacramento State, “Reinvigorating the Social Contract in the 21st Century.” The free lecture will take place from 1-5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1 at the Hinde Auditorium in the University Union.

University of California, San Francisco sociology professor Carroll Estes will lead the conversation and accentuate the responsibilities of the government in times of widespread crisis. The discussion will highlight the emergency response to Hurricane Katrina and criticisms by the public and media.

The panel will also discuss how California’s upcoming special election, the nation’s social security program and effective disaster relief are all affected by the social contract. The event is sponsored by the Sacramento State Division of Social Work and the Government, Gerontology and Women’s Studies departments.

For more information, contact Sacramento State professors Lynn Cooper at cooperlb@csus.edu or Sue Taylor at (916) 278-7176 or at taylors@hhs4.hhs.csus.edu. For media assistance, contact the Sacramento State Public Affairs office at (916) 278-6156.

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