Affiliate(s): International Studies, Southwestern Social Science Association

Southwestern International Studies Association President Sebahattin Ziyanak recently announced publication of his new book, Native American Princess Pageants: Understanding cultural identity and representation, co-authored with Steven Aicinena. Dr Ziyanak is associate professor of sociology at the University of Texas Permian Basin. Dr Aicinena is retired professor of kinesiology, also at the University of Texas Permian Basin.

This book delivers a systematic investigation of Native American princess pageants, exploring when and why they started, how they spread across and within Native American communities, the ways in which these pageants differ from other contests (such as Miss USA), the workings of the pageants themselves, and their socio-cultural costs and benefits.

The Southwestern Social Science Association extends its congratulations to Drs Ziyanak and Aicinena on this achievement.