Providence, R.I.--An article written by Dr. Cedric de Leon, assistant professor of sociology at Providence College, was selected as the "Best Article in Comparative Historical Sociology" by the American Sociological Association.

"No Bourgeois Mass Party, No Democracy: The Missing Link in Barrington Moore's American Civil War" was published in Political Power and Social Theory (Volume 19). The publication is an annual review that focuses on advancing interdisciplinary understanding of the linkages among class relations, political power, and historical development.

According to de Leon, the article "seeks to discern the impact of mass party formation and political discourse on modern routes to democracy" by examining mid-19th century Chicago politics.

"Initially, I was interested in another, longstanding question in sociology, namely, 'Why is there no socialism in the United States?'" he said. "That led me to the converse question, which was, 'Why did the United States become a liberal, capitalist democracy?' This article attempts to answer the latter."

De Leon, who will be honored during the ASA's annual meeting in August in San Francisco, said he was grateful to be acknowledged by the national association.

"Historical sociologists typically work alone, so one's research agenda can be a pretty isolating enterprise," he said. "Some very smart and accomplished people sat on the selection committee to review the peer-reviewed articles in my field, and they singled mine out."

De Leon began teaching at PC in the fall of 2008. This past year, he taught courses relating to the history of social thought, contemporary social theory, and introductory sociology.

He earned his bachelor's degree in sociology from Yale University, his master's degree in social and political science from Cambridge University, and his doctoral degree in sociology from the University of Michigan in 2004.

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