Matthew J. O'Neil-MA Applied Soc

This page is primarily designed for students in my classes and potential employers. Please feel free to have a look around and hopefully you'll find something interesting to read. 

I've posted materials for classes I am teaching, various articles I've written and some works in progress. I'm always improving the site so if you have suggestions let me know. Thanks for visiting!

Contact Information

Matthew J. O'Neil

mjoneil@hawaii.edu

808-291-8794

I think of myself as a scholar who studies the "big picture" of American culture. My current research includes the impact of Medicare Part D and the influence of privatization on entitlements. I have also written extensively on the conflict between corporate power and individual rights, showing how social problems are often organically tied to political economic forces.

Some of my published articles focus on the social policies associated with The Compact of Free Association migrants in Hawaii, the chemical impact of the "war on terror" and the power of multinational corporations in the biotechnology arena.     

Public sociology in the Burowoy tradition and as I practice it, seeks to bring the sociological perspective to a larger public forum and to build critical thinking skills. I write and lecture mainly for a broad, public audience and spend considerable time engaging in discussion about relevant community issues.

This reflects my view that sociologists engaged in community affairs and social policy should write and communicate in a clear and simple way rather than dress their arguments up in technical jargon. Bringing the message to the audience is a bit like leading a horse to water but that is the core of my educational and professional philosophy and in all probability, my life's work.