Research areas

A Focus on Systemic Injustice and Structural Harm

The Department of Sociology at the University of Calgary embraces research and teaching that recognizes, explains, and resists systemic injustice and structural harm.

Researchers in the department study the dynamics of inequity and injustice across multiple areas, including health, education, culture, work, urban studies, migration, gender, intersectionality, racialization and racism, colonialism, indigeneity, families, religion, legal studies, climate justice, digital technology, criminology and political economy. 

Much of the work in the Sociology Department furthers the Faculty of Art's strategic focus on Justice, Equity and Transformation, and department members additionally make substantial contributions to the Faculty of Art’s priority areas of Digital Futures, Health and Wellness, and Climate, Energy and Sustainability.  A guiding principle of the University of Calgary Strategic Plan, Ahead of Tomorrow, is to harness the power of research and innovation to tackle society's biggest challenges. Our disciplines -- Sociology and Law and Society -- create knowledge and understanding about the institutions, systems, social interactions and structures that are at the core of these challenges.

Department members welcome inquiries from current and prospective students, and scholars interested in building collaborations.