Look beyond taken-for-granted views of reality, to a deeper, more illuminating and challenging understanding of social life. Sociology offers a distinctive and inquisitive way of seeing and understanding the social world in which we live and that shapes our lives.

Through its particular analytical perspective, social theories and research methods, sociology is a discipline that expands our awareness and analysis of human social relationships, cultures, and institutions that profoundly shape both our lives and human history.

As part of the prestigious Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the Sociology Department faculty focuses on understanding, critiquing and addressing structural and social inequalities. With expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, our award-winning faculty provides excellent training in research methods, theory and a wide variety of sociological issues. Our faculty research—and our courses—include a range of areas such as globalization, immigration, transnational studies, health, aging, life course, family, education, work, power, capital and culture.