Geoff Harkness, assistant professor of sociology at Morningside College, recently presented his research at the American Sociological Association’s annual conference in San Francisco.

Geoff Harkness, assistant professor of sociology at Morningside College, recently presented his research at the American Sociological Association’s annual conference in San Francisco.

The presentation focused on a paper Harkness co-authored, titled “Modern Traditionalism: Consanguineous Marriage in Qatar.” The article examines the social processes that lead to inner-family matrimony, which remains an enduring marital arrangement in the Middle East. Despite rapid modernization, inner-family marriages have increased in Qatar.

Harkness came to Morningside College this fall after serving as a visiting assistant professor of sociology at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. The University of Minnesota Press recently published his first book, “Chicago Hustle and Flow: Gangs, Gangsta Rap, and Social Class.” Harkness has a doctorate in sociology from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.