California Sociology Forum vii 

 

Letter from the Editors 
 
Dear Reader, 
 
We are delighted to present our most recent publication, the 
seventh volume of the California Sociology Forum. The journal is 
student-led and features the works of many current Cal State LA 
students and alumni, with guidance from the Department of 
Sociology. One of the goals of Volume 7 was to showcase creative 
and meaningful works to a wider audience. The articles feature a 
variety of themes, including: experiences of integration at a 
commuter college; child physical abuse; homelessness; 
perceptions of disability; Marxism applied to Palestine; and 
Durkheim applied to K-pop fandoms. Our creative works and 
reviews take a sociological look at identity, gender socialization, 
agency, how cultural expectations shape transgender experiences, 
the meaning of interpersonal relationships, the symbolic role of 
animals as family, how different cultures interpret death and 
belonging, and beyond. 

The 2024-2025 academic year has seen many significant 
events causing a range of emotions, starting with the change of 
U.S. presidential administration at the end of 2024. Then, 2025 
started with wildfires sparking in Southern California and causing 
massive devastation due to environmental factors from global 
warming. The largest two fires in the Pacific Palisades and 
Altadena burned for 24 days, impacting the homes and 
communities of many Cal State LA students and staff. LA County 
already has a massive rate of unhoused individuals; the fires have 
all compounded the situation. 

This turbulent year has included major increases in 
evictions, deportations, and raids aggressively targeting 
immigrants, regardless of legal status. As of Fall 2024–according 
to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI) page on 
student demographics–Cal State LA officially has a student body 
made up of 75% ‘Hispanic ethnicity/race,’ which underscores the 
population dynamics of LA; however, this ethnicity is also one 
unfairly targeted by accusations of ‘illegal immigration’ to the 
U.S. The anxiety and uncertainty around immigration raids on 
educational institutions has been one factor in a noticeable shift 



California Sociology Forum viii 

 

on campus toward less community camaraderie. Another factor is 
the Department of Education being dismantled and canceling 
funding, as well as trying to eliminate programs like DEI; all of 
this is pointing to a rise in misinformation and authoritarian 
rhetoric in the U.S. that is harmful to the very core of freedom of 
speech. Our students deserve to focus on their education without 
fear of being deported or having members of their families 
deported. From a sociological perspective, these policies are 
deeply rooted in systemic racial and economic inequalities and 
have a strong chance of negatively impacting long-term family 
structures and community cohesion. It’s important for everyone in 
the U.S. to know their rights and unite with supportive community 
as we all navigate and persevere through these trying, scary, and 
chaotic times. 

An encouraging community is very important as we 
persist in the unfolding present. CSF members came together to 
enjoy Korean barbecue in the spirit of family and community 
during this year’s Taste of Korea event, generously supported by 
CSF founder Dr. Hyojoung Kim with Dr. Jongwook Woo and the 
Center for Korean-American and Korean Studies. This shared 
meal reminded us of the power of connection and care. In times 
of uncertainty and challenge, these moments of gathering allow us 
to affirm our identities, find a sense of belonging, uplift one 
another, and build solidarity. 

 
In Community and Solidarity, 

The CSF Editorial Board 

 
Image Description: Some of the Department of Sociology’s CSF 2024-2025 Student 
Editors, Alumni Advisors, and Faculty Board during the Taste of Korea outing. 


	4 - Letter from the Editors - Volume_7_California_Sociology_Forum_Student_Journal_2024-2025