Jim Cosgrave, Associate Professor
BA (hons) Sociology, York University, Toronto; MA, Social and Political Thought, York University, Toronto, Ph.D. Social and Political Thought, York University, Toronto
Durham Campus, DUR 174, ext. 5049, jimcosgrave@trentu.ca
My research interests include:
My main research interest is the sociology of gambling and the state’s role in gambling markets. I also have research interests in the mass mediation of Canadian cultural and national identity, money and financial markets, humour, and sociological theory as it relates to gambling and risk.
How does your research translate into your teaching, both through courses and supervision?
I have been able to teach courses that relate to my research, particularly in 4th year. I teach Key Concepts in Sociological Analysis, where I have been able to teach material on risk and gambling, and in The Sociology of Culture and Knowledge, I have taught material based on my research on Canadian national and cultural identity.
My current or recent projects include:
A project is in development that looks at the state’s handling of legalized cannabis, through marketing and state legitimation processes. Another current project looks at the role of lotteries in late capitalism. A longer-term project is a book on gambling and social theory.
Five publications that exemplify my work:
“Where Isn’t the Action?” Critical Gambling Studies Spring 2020 1 (1): 1-11.
“A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to Sociology: Goffman, Mills, and Berger,” with Dr. Patricia Cormack and Dr. David Feltmate. The Sociological Review. May 2017 Volume 65 (2): 386-400.
“The Market Totem: Mana, Money, and Morality in Late Modernity.” Canadian Journal of Sociology, Special Issue: The Elementary Forms of Religious Life: Contemporary Engagements. 2014, 39 (4): 667-696.
“Theorizing the State Celebrity: A Case Study of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.” Co- authored with Dr. Patricia Cormack. Celebrity Studies 2014. 5 (3): 321-339.
Desiring Canada: CBC Contests, Hockey Violence and Other Stately Pleasures. Co-authored with Dr. Patricia Cormack. Toronto: The University of Toronto Press. March 2013.
What achievements and/or contributions in research are you most proud of?
I am particularly proud of my contributions to the sociology of gambling and my research on the state’s role in gambling markets. This work is recognized internationally. I am also proud of contributions in my other research areas: Desiring Canada was nominated for the John Porter Tradition of Excellence Book Award (in Canadian Sociology) in 2014, and my co-authored article “A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to Sociology: Goffman, Mills, and Berger,” on the uses of humour in sociological writing was short-listed for The Sociological Review Award for Outstanding Scholarship in 2017.
Accepting new UG and Graduate student supervisions:
Yes (UG).