Thomas Davidson, PhD Student in Sociology, works with Michael Macy

Department of Sociology

 The department is known for the cutting-edge research of its faculty and for its exceptionally strong graduate and undergraduate training programs.

The department’s focus on basic science is complemented by a deep commitment to informing public and educational policy, particularly on issues related to gender and racial inequality, income inequality, poverty, drug use, economic development, school funding, organizational practices and race and ethnicity.

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Events

Nov 20
Wednesday

Emerging Global Cities: Origin and Significance | Alejandro Portes

Wednesday, Nov, 20 - 04:00 PM

Goldwin Smith Hall G76, Lewis Auditorium

This is a inperson event.

Description

TALK TITLE:

Emerging Global Cities: Origin and Significance

ABSTRACT:

Certain cities—most famously New York, London, and Tokyo-- have been identified as 'global cities' whose functions in the world economy transcend national borders. Without the same fanfare, formerly peripheral and secondary cities have been growing in importance, emerging as global cities in their own right.​ The similarity of the skylines of Dubai, Miami, and Singapore is no coincidence. Despite their very different historical paths, all three have achieved newfound prominence by fulfilling the same set of economic and social pre-conditions. 

In my recent book, Emerging Global Cities (co-authored by Ariel C. Armony of the University of Pittsburgh), we seek to identify the constellation of historical factors that allowed these cities to allow to their current prominence and the role that they play in their respective world regions—South Asia for Singapore; the Middle East for Dubai; and  Central and South America for Miami. We contrast their experiences with those of other cities that, at one time or another, aspired to a similar role in their respective regions but that, for reasons identified in the study, failed to reach it. These we term  'global hopefuls'.

Time permitting, I will also describe the looming threats confronting these emerging cities-- from political crises to climate change, including rising sea levels. The experience of the three cities indicates that there are 'degrees of freedom' permitting formerly peripheral cities and nations to rise in global prominence, but that this is a difficult feat and constantly under threat from external competition and forces unleashed by the same world system that allowed their rise in the first place.

Dec 06
Friday

Open Science, Multiverse Analysis and Preferences for Redistribution | Nate Breznau

Friday, Dec, 06 - 03:00 PM

Uris Hall G08

This is a inperson event.

Event speaker

Nate Breznau

University of Bremen

Description

Abstract:

Recent discoveries across science make clear that the way we do research and market it to others incurs bias. This bias is present prior to, during and after conducting research. This bias takes on myriad forms. I discuss some of this bias in this talk as a method of self-awareness, and a step in the direction of correcting it. Therefore, the talk proceeds with a discussion of bias in general and how this might be specific to sociological research and the sociological career. Then I present my own research on public preferences for redistribution. I show how some of this bias can be accounted for through open science practices and a multiverse analysis approach. In this particular study, I propose a theory of government heuristics that impacts the way individuals respond differently to the same survey questions across countries. Where government affect is more negative, individuals are less likely to express preferences for redistribution that are consistent with their ideals. This helps explain an observable paradox, where many individuals say that there is too much inequality in their society, but disagree that the government should take redistributive action. I run some tests of this theory using International Social Survey Program Data covering many rich and middle income countries of the world. 

Crowd around a fountain

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts.

Because all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious cults; from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sports.

Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is increasingly tapped by those who craft policies and create programs.

If you think you might be interested in Sociology, start by taking a class. Or, learn more about the major.

Professor Michael Macy with a grad student

The Graduate Program

Cornell’s Graduate Field of Sociology provides top-notch training toward the PhD in Sociology, and has long been known for its emphasis on both theoretical innovation and methodological rigor. The Field, which is much larger than the Department, has close to thirty faculty members. 

Click here to explore our graduate program.

Sociology Jeopardy

Jeopardy!

Check out the Department's Jeopardy! display case on the 3rd floor of Uris Hall and the corresponding Jeopardy! page, home to solutions, history, and a place where you can share your trivia ideas with us. 

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