The Sociology of Dollar Stores: Honoring Lived Experience with Dr. Tracy Vargas

Join us as we chat with Dr. Tracy Vargas, Assistant Professor in our Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. Dr. Vargas is a 2023 recipient UNC Pembroke Outstanding Teaching Award, and it is easy to see why after our conversation. A native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Dr. Vargas attended University of Pittsburg, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She then earned her Master of Arts Sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Ph.D from Syracuse University, where she began the research discussed in this episode. 

Since arriving at UNC Pembroke, Dr. Vargas has continued her research and teaching activities surrounding the sociology of work, specifically to do with dollar stores. Join us as we discuss this fascinating topic with Dr. Vargas, and hear how UNCP students are advancing research through their participation in service-learning projects, and finding their voice as scholars, using their lived experience to advance knowledge of work and society. 

More information on the UNCP REACH Program, which pairs students with faculty research mentors, may be found at this link. Follow the UNCP Criminal Justice Club and the UNCP Sociology Club on Instagram and stay up on their activities. 

Learn about the important work of UNCP Criminal Justice alum Virginia Locklear, Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Center of Robeson County, by visiting their website, which includes information about services and programs and how each of us can provide support. 

Find the episode transcript here

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