Darlene L. Piña is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at California State University San Marcos.  She earned a doctorate in Sociology at the University of Southern California in 1992.  Professor Piña also has a M.A. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from USC.

Professor Piña's previous research projects involved organizational evaluations and interventions aimed at enhancing culturally competent practice at social service agencies.  Currently, her research focuses on the medicalization and political economy of disease detection and treatment.

Sample Publications:

Piña, Darlene L. (2001).  "Racism and Diversity in U.S. Society:  Issues for
     Clinical Sociologists" in Handbook of Clinical Sociology, Rebach, Howard
     M., & Bruhn, John G. (Eds), New York:  Kluwer Academic/Plenum, pp
     327-352.

Piña, Darlene L., and Laura Canty-Swapp.  (1999).  "Melting Multiculturalism:
     Legacies of Assimiliation Pressures in Human Service Organizations."
     Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 26(4), 87-113.

Piña, Darlene L. (1998).  "Providing Culturally Sensitive Services to Latino
     Clients:  A Case Study of a Non-Profit Organization."  Clinical Sociology
     Review.

Professor Piña teaches several courses in the Children, Youth, & Families concentration of the Sociology major, including Family Violence, Domestic Violence Prevention & Intervention, and Divorce & Remarriage.  She also teaches the Capstone Seminar on Sociological Scholarship.

Professor Piña has recently co-designed and now co-administers the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral & Social Sciences Career Mentoring Program.  Local professionals serve as career mentors for CHABSS juniors and seniors.  Her current service also includes membership on the University Global Affairs Committee.  Her goals are to help more students get involved in study abroad programs.