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Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of the origin, development, organization, and functions of human societies. It helps to understand how individual lives are affected by for example gender, social background and ethnicity.

It comprises everything from studies of close-knit social relations to the cultural and formal institutions of society. Sociology contributes to the knowledge of how peoples´ working conditions and health are affected by organizational structures. The subject also studies how identities and groups are shaped by religion, ethnicity, and gender, creating social communities as well as social conflicts.

Cultural Sociology

The research area focuses on the cultural dimensions of social life with diverse points of departure: both cultural perspectives on the social in general and sociological perspectives on cultural objects and institutions. Studying different lifestyles is often of particular interest.

Cultural Sociology

Punk rockers at Sergels torg, Stockholm.

Economic Sociology

Economic sociologists analyze economic phenomena with sociological theories and perspectives. Sociologists have always been interested in understanding and explaining economic phenomena, from the household’s economy to the modern market society.

Economic Sociology

Person compares two piles of money, symbolizing wage gap

Education and Labour Markets

There is extensive research on education and the labor market at Stockholm University.

Education and Labour Markets

A Swedish Student with the classical hat

Ethnicity and Social Inclusion

Ethnicity and social inclusion focus on questions about how symbolic constructions of "us" and "others" take shape in relation to migration, ethnic diversity, and racialization.

Ethnicity and Social Inclusion

Social inclusion concept image - coloured figurines standing in group.

Family Sociology

The research area focuses on the relationship between family and work and the gender dimensions of family life, as well as social, economic and cultural aspects of family life. Changes in family organization and behavior in Sweden and other Western societies are a particular focus.

Family Sociology

Icon featuring adult person with baby stroller

Inequality, Social Stratification and Mobility

Social stratification has been a central research area in Sociology ever since the discipline was established. The research area focuses on theories of inequality and social stratification in modern societies.

Inequality, Social Stratification and Mobility

Abstract image of different layers in different nuances

Level of Living Research

By level of living research is meant theoretically grounded empirical studies of individuals’ living conditions, where living conditions are measured by micro-level indicators (data on individuals).

Level of Living Research

Children with football shirts are sitting on a bench

Political Sociology

Political sociology can be understood as the study of how “society” engages in political processes. Another way of approaching this relationship is to consider how political power is contested by, distributed among, and impacting different social groups.

Political Sociology

Social Networks

The research area Social networks aims at analyzing the structure in relationships among various social actors, as well as how that structure changes over time.

Social Networks

Threads in different colours in a complicated network

Social Policy

Social policy is concerned with promoting the welfare of citizens. Focus is on institutions for redistribution of income and services, their driving forces and outcomes. The research area has expanded in recent years to broader social issues and international contexts.

Social Policy

Sociological Perspectives on Gender and Equality

This is a large research area within sociology. Central is the social construction of gender, and how this relates to other social identities such as gender, race, class, sexuality among others and how these social forces relate to the overall social structure and power relations in society.

Sociological Perspectives on Gender and Equality

Gender equality concept - gender symbols

Sociology of Education

Sociology of Education explores formation, education, teaching and learning in relation to other parts of society and to radical social processes, such as globalization and changes taking place in the world of work.

Sociology of Education

Sociology of Punishment, Law and Crime

This research subject examines the relationship between punishment, law, crime and society and complements Law and Criminology.

Sociology of Punishment, Law and Crime

Sociology of Work and Organizations

Sociology of organizations is studying organizations and organizing, both within organizations and between organizations. Sociology of work is focusing on working life, labour market, and organizations of work from a sociological perspective, for example in terms of leadership, recruitment, terms and conditions of employment etc.

Sociology of Work and Organizations

People sitting at a meeting in an office