Benjamin FieldsVisiting Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Redlands
PhD Candidate in Sociology, University of California, Riverside My research interests lie at the intersection of identities, organizations, and institutions. Using social psychological theories of identity – identity theory and affect control theory – I explore issues of emotions, workplace satisfaction and burnout, and attitudes as they relate to the broader meso and macro-level social arenas in which people interact. My current projects include research on anti-Semitism and Jewish identity, non-religious identity verification, and my dissertation on academic faculty identities and burnout.
In my dissertation, I draw on affect control theory of selves to suggest a multi-level model of burnout stemming from organizational factors such as culture and commitment and a lack of self-actualization driven by differences in individuals’ fundamental selves and their workplace identities. In this project, I investigate different types of identity actualization including: self-actualization through personal identity meanings and fundamental self-meanings and verification through personal identity meanings and reflected appraisals. In addition to my research agenda, I am passionate about teaching sociology. In my courses, I emphasize the importance of sociology as a toolkit for analyzing one's own social world as well as the broader social phenomena students may encounter. I have taught courses on the sociology of family, formal organizations, work and organizations, and sociology education. Additionally, I have served as a teaching assistant for classes ranging from introductory-level methods and statistical analysis to upper-division social psychology. Recent PublicationsCross-national Governmental Treatment toward Atheists since 1816
“Troubled” Meanings: An Affect Control Theory Exploration of the Conflict in Northern Ireland ACTing Like a Lawyer: An Affect Control Theory Explanation of Gender Gaps in Law An Uneasy Peace: How STEM Progressive, Traditionalist, and Bridging Faculty Understand Campus Conflicts over Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Free Expression |