ASA (American Sociological Association) is a professional organization for sociologists that promotes the advancement of sociology as a scientific discipline and serves as a resource for professionals in the field. As such, ASA has established a set of guidelines for writing and formatting sociological research papers and essays that are known as the ASA style.
The ASA style is a widely used citation and formatting style in the field of sociology and social sciences. It is similar to the APA (American Psychological Association) style, but there are some important differences. One of the key differences is that ASA style requires the use of parenthetical citations in the text of the paper, rather than footnotes or endnotes. In addition, ASA style requires a specific format for the reference list at the end of the paper.
When writing a research paper or essay in ASA style, it is important to follow the guidelines for formatting and citation. This includes using appropriate margins, font, and font size, as well as properly citing sources in the text and in the reference list.
One of the key elements of ASA style is the use of parenthetical citations in the text of the paper. This means that when you refer to a source in your paper, you include the author's name and the year of publication in parentheses at the end of the sentence. For example, "According to Smith (2020), sociological research has shown that social media use has a significant impact on people's relationships and communication patterns."
Another important aspect of ASA style is the reference list at the end of the paper. This list should include all of the sources that you cited in the text of your paper, and should be organized alphabetically by author's last name. Each entry in the reference list should include the author's name, the year of publication, the title of the work, and the publication information.
Overall, ASA style is a useful tool for writers in the field of sociology and social sciences, as it helps to ensure that research papers and essays are properly formatted and that sources are properly cited. By following the guidelines for ASA style, writers can ensure that their work is professional and scholarly, and that it adheres to the standards of the discipline.
Tom Shiftlet is a character in the short story "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" by Flannery O'Connor. The story, set in rural Georgia in the 1950s, follows Tom as he travels through the countryside looking for work as a handyman. Along the way, he meets a woman named Lucynell Crater and her disabled daughter, whom he agrees to marry and take care of in exchange for a place to live.
Tom Shiftlet is a complex character who is both deeply flawed and pitiable. On the surface, he appears to be a drifter with no real sense of purpose or direction in life. He is an itinerant handyman who is always on the move, seeking out the next job and the next place to sleep. Despite his lack of stability, however, Tom is deeply intelligent and well-read, with a deep understanding of literature and philosophy. He is also a skilled craftsman, able to fix and repair a wide variety of objects and machines.
Despite his many talents, Tom Shiftlet is also deeply flawed. He is selfish and manipulative, using his charm and intelligence to get what he wants from others. He is also prone to violence, lashing out at those who cross him or stand in his way. Despite his many flaws, however, Tom is also deeply pitiable, as he is deeply lonely and isolated, with no real sense of connection or belonging.
Throughout the story, Tom Shiftlet is constantly searching for a sense of purpose and meaning in his life. He is drawn to Lucynell and her daughter, hoping to find a sense of stability and belonging in their household. However, his own selfishness and manipulations ultimately drive them away, leaving him alone once again. In the end, Tom Shiftlet is left to wander the countryside, searching for a place to call home and a sense of purpose in life.
Overall, Tom Shiftlet is a complex and multifaceted character, representing the struggles and uncertainties of life in the rural South in the 1950s. Through his actions and interactions with others, O'Connor paints a vivid and poignant portrait of a man struggling to find his place in the world.
