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.
The department also has close ties with the many other research centers on campus. Interdisciplinary research touches on subjects such as inequality, economics, social sciences, nonlinear systems, politics and social dynamics.
Department Resources
Alumni Spotlight: Catherine Zhang ’22
Learning about sociology was fascinating, said Catherine Zhang ‘22, about her experience delving into subjects like inequality and how institutions shape social phenomena.
During her time at Cornell, she appreciated learning under the brilliant faculty members in the department and finding support in her advisor Professor Bischoff.
Learn more about Catherine's journey and her future endeavor joining pioneering technologist program Schmidt Futures.
Explore more profiles of recent sociology majors below:
Sociology News
France’s abortion rights vote sets potential ‘worldwide precedent’
France is the first county in the world to include a right to an abortion in its constitution, underscoring the role of culture, religion and secular governance in the preservation and progress of individual freedoms, says sociologist Landon Schnabel.
Read moreFinal Reading: Flight Myth
State lawmakers consider whether to raise taxes on Vermont's richest residents this year...could higher taxes on the wealthy drive them out of the Green Mountain State?
Read moreCornell expert on same-sex marriage in Greece vote
Legalizing same-sex marriage in Greece would show other Eastern Orthodox Christians that providing rights does not undermine culture and values, says sociology scholar Landon Schnabel.
Read moreBest & Worst States for Singles (2024)
Everyone has different priorities when searching for love, but certain places simply make dating easier than others.
Read moreSoc PhD named to Bouchet Graduate Honor Society
Katherine Zaslavsky has been selected to join the Cornell Chapter of the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society.
Read moreIs France having a George Floyd moment?
Violent protests have died down in France after the police killing of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk. But now the country’s far-right seems to have an opening.
Read moreDonald Trump said he'd be a dictator for one day. His supporters say they're not worried.
Former President Donald Trump drew a torrent of criticism when he told Fox News' Sean Hannity earlier this month he wouldn't be a dictator "except on Day One" of a second administration.
Read moreLGBTQ Catholics in a state of ‘conditional belonging’
Sociologist Landon Schnabel says the blessing of same-sex couples is an important and complex step for the Catholic Church.
Read moreGiving to the Department of Sociology
Unrestricted gifts, no matter what the amount, help support every facet of the Cornell Sociology Department. Gifts may also be designated to support a specific area of the the department's activities.
You can make a gift online at Cornell's Alumni, Parents & Friends page here.