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:
Spotlight on Recent Sociology Graduates
Sociology News
Simon Kuznets & the Invention of the Economy | CITED PODCAST
CITED PODCAST producer Alec Opperman talks to Sociologist Dan Hirschman, speaking about the man who pioneered the GDP.
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Professor Mabel Berezin: The People Behind Trump are Scarier Than He Is
The potential re-election of Donald Trump on November 5, 2024, raises significant concerns for American democracy, according to Professor Mabel Berezin.
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Cornell experts analyze rhetoric used by both campaigns in final stretch
Following former President Trump’s campaign rally at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Cornell experts comment on the event's speeches and on Democrats' responses.
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Global experts look abroad for lessons in super election year 
Voters in more than 60 countries are heading to the polls to elect new leaders in this record-breaking “super election” year. In many of those countries, democracy itself is on the ballot.
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Indie drama depicts Cornellian couple's role in web history
Set in the 1980s, The Man Who Saved the Internet with a Sunflower chronicles two ’69 classmates in Silicon Valley
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Soc Ph.D. Students awarded East Asia Program Fellowships
Hyo Joo Lee, Hao Liang, and Zhipeng Zhou conduct research focused in East Asia.
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Prof. Schnabel selected to be a PRRI Public Fellow
Landon Schnabel is one of 15 interdisciplinary scholars, selected from 90 qualified candidates. Public fellows will learn to more effectively engage general audiences.
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Ph.D. Student named Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar
Shio Lim’s research focuses on reproductive decision making in uncertain times.
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Giving 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.