Benjamin Frymer
Professor of Sociology
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Carson 55About
Professor Ben Frymer explores how society, education, media, and culture shape the way we think, learn, and experience the world.
His teaching and research focus on critical social theory, sociology, social philosophy, youth experiences, and the influence of media on everyday life.
Through interdisciplinary learning, he encourages students to question assumptions, examine social issues, and explore how education and culture influence individuals and communities.
Education
| Academic Qualification | Institution |
|---|---|
| Ph.D., Sociology | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
| B.A., Psychology | University of California, Berkeley |
| AERA–IES Postdoctoral Fellowship | Teachers College, Columbia University — Institute for Urban and Minority Education |
Academic Interests
- Critical Social Theory
- Sociology & Social Philosophy
- Education & Youth Culture
- Alienation & Social Inequality
- Media & Popular Culture
- Psychopathology of Everyday Life
Selected Publications & Presentations
Books & Edited Collections
Hollywood's Exploited: Corporate Movies, Public Pedagogy and Cultural Crisis (2010)
Co-edited with Tony Kashani, Anthony Nocella, and Richard Van Heertum. Published by Palgrave.
Book Chapters
| Publication | Year |
|---|---|
| The Frankfurt School and Education — The Handbook of Cultural Politics and Education | 2010 |
| Youth Alienation in Everyday Life: The Promise of Critical Pedagogy — Reinventing Critical Pedagogy: Widening the Circle of Anti-Oppression Education | 2006 |
Journal Articles & Interviews
| Publication | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Media Spectacle of Columbine: Alienated Youth as an Object of Fear | American Behavioral Scientist | 2009 |
| Sacred Profanities: Youth Alienation, Popular Culture, and Spirituality — An Interview with Donna Gaines | Interactions: UCLA Journal of Education and Information Studies | 2006 |
| Freire, Alienation, and Contemporary Youth: Toward a Pedagogy of Everyday Life | Interactions: UCLA Journal of Education and Information Studies | 2005 |
Projects & Community Engagement
Modern Media Dialogue Project
Co-Director | Hutchins Dialogue Center
Professor Frymer serves as Co-Director of the Modern Media Dialogue Project, an initiative exploring the relationship between media, society, culture, and public conversation.
Modern Media Dialogue Series
Founder
Founded the Modern Media Dialogue Series to encourage thoughtful conversations and critical engagement with contemporary media and social issues.