"Appearing as a white male, I was raised in an almost all-black community," Sociology Prof. Matthew Hughey said. "It gave me a different perspective on the world. I developed from an early age this way of looking at the world that most white Americans don't experience and thus don't understand."
This is one of the reasons he entered the field of sociology, Hughey said. In addition to the sociology department, he also teaches in the media studies department and, as of this summer, the African-American Studies department. Another reason he chose these types of disciplines is his religious background.
"I was raised a Bahá'í, and [the religion's] principles of racial unity and equality of the sexes and the abolition of inequality [were] instilled into me at an early age," Hughey said. "I also got involved with groups like the Black Panther Party early on. I think those things all pushed me toward a discipline where I could analyze inequality, representation in media, this identity we call 'blackness' and its relation to the nation and the world."
In addition, he "wanted to seek how to transform the things we're studying -- not simply an intellectual endeavor, but linking the intellectual to the quest for social justice," Hughey said.
Yet another reason lies behind Hughey's interest in teaching -- his respect for his mother, a high school history teacher, and the work she did.
In addition, seeing the "destructive power of what the schooling system itself can do to a young mind" also inspired him, Hughey said. "I wanted to do something. I think we have a lot of good-natured, warm-hearted teachers. They just don't know how to reach students. I think it's important for teachers to relate what they're talking about to students' lives."
In addition to teaching, Hughey also conducts research. He said he enjoys both teaching and research and tries to bridge the two by bringing his work into the classroom.
He lamented the fact that "research is valued more than teaching" at the University, Hughey said. "I think this is evidence of our slow transformation from a teaching institution into a diploma factory, in that most faculty is not rewarded by their part in the intellectual development of students, but their publication in highly dense journals."
However, Hughey said he enjoys being at the University greatly and integrating differing points of view in his classes.
"I try to bring in marginalized perspectives and as a consequence, I have experienced an uphill battle in being accepted as a 'legitimate scholar,'" Hughey said. "When a scholar attempts to explain the world from a perspective that's unpopular -- different or directly opposed to what people naturally believe -- it's going to create ill feelings. While this is certainly true here, I think that is indicative of our generally political moment [as] a nation, not necessarily an indictment of U.Va alone."
Hughey said he is fond of his work, although sometimes it makes it difficult to find free time.
"As a teacher and a student finishing my graduate degree, unfortunately guilt has become an inherent feature of relaxation," Hughey said.
Nonetheless, he does try to relax.
"What I've tried to do that keeps me sane is develop a few very close friendships," Hughey said. "So, in my spare time, I watch movies, listen to music, and try to develop and nurture my relationships with good friends."
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 4 days agoWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | 6 days agoWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
