Elizabeth Hordge-Freeman, an associate professor of sociology at Rice University, is the recipient of the American Sociological Association’s 2024 Gordon Hirabayashi Human Rights Book Award by the Section on Sociology of Human Rights and the 2024 Outstanding Recent Contribution Award by the Section on the Sociology of Emotions.
Both accolades recognize Hordge-Freeman’s recent book, “Second-Class Daughters: Black Brazilian Women and Informal Adoption as Modern Slavery” (Cambridge University Press).
The Gordon Hirabayashi Human Rights Book Award is presented annually to a scholar whose work significantly elevates the understanding of human rights. The Outstanding Recent Contribution Award is given to a scholar whose work has made a significant and unique contribution to the field of the sociology of emotions.
Hordge-Freeman’s book is based on meticulous research exposing the oft-hidden injustices faced by Black Brazilian women through the practice of informal adoption (criação). Her research reveals how these women, marginalized by both societal norms and systemic failures, are subjected to conditions akin to modern-day slavery.
Through a combination of 10 years of ethnographic research, poignant personal interviews and comprehensive analysis, Hordge-Freeman illuminates the role of structural disadvantage (poverty, racism and sexism) and emotional manipulation in sustaining the hyperexploitation of her respondents. Hordge-Freeman’s work has not only contributed to the academic field of human rights and sociology but also has sparked crucial dialogue about social justice and systemic inequality.
“This award honors not just my work but the courageous defiance of the women who shared their stories so bravely with me,” she said. “I hope my work brings more visibility to the ongoing impact of slavery in Brazil and fosters greater attention to the rights of informal workers and those of all exploited individuals.”
More information on Hordge-Freeman’s work is online at https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/elizabeth-hordge-freeman.