Manfred Steger, Faculty, Department of Sociology, UH Mānoa

Manfred B. Steger

Professor, Department Chair
Office: Saunders 236
Telephone: 1 (808) 956-7117
Email: manfred@hawaii.edu

Browse My Publications:

Background

I have always been passionate about higher education. I enjoy working with people of diverse social and cultural backgrounds in a collective effort to connect theory with socially engaged practice. As a global citizen embedded in the Pacific region, I firmly believe that the acquisition and sharing of knowledge can go a long way in improving the lives of people that go hand in hand with ecological sustainable practices.

Education

  • PhD, Political Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey (1995)
  • MA, Political Science, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI (1991)
  • BA, Religion and Political Science, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI (1990)
  • Advanced Diploma, Banking and Finance, First Austrian Bank Business College, Vienna, Austria (1984)

Courses

  • SOC 180: Introduction to International and Global Studies
  • SOC 321: Survey of Sociological Theory
  • SOC 413: Analysis in Economy and Society
  • SOC 455/REL 452: Sociology of Religion
  • SOC 611: Classical Sociological Theory
  • SOC 612: Contemporary Sociological Theory
  • SOC 711: Sociology of Knowledge
  • SOC 715: Seminar in Current Issues in Sociology: Globalization
  • SOC 715: Seminar in Current Issues in Sociology: Neoliberalism

Research

My research focuses on social theory. In particular, I explore the central role of ideas, beliefs, language, images, and other symbolic systems in shaping the discourse on globalization in both academic and public arenas. Firmly committed to a transdisciplinary approach that crosses the artificial boundaries separating the social sciences and humanities, my internationally recognized scholarship brings together diverse geographically and methodologically forms of sociological inquiry. I have also made major contributions to the formation of Global Studies - a new field of academic inquiry organized around the study of globalization.

Community Engagement

I have served many academic communities on four continents in a variety of leadership roles that include executive administrative positions, editorial guidance, and mentorship to both students and faculty. As an active member of socially engaged NGOs such as Doctors Without Borders and Greenpeace, I am committed to social justice. My community engagement also includes providing spiritual guidance as a Zen Buddhist meditation teacher.