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
The California Campaign to Introduce a First-of-Its-Kind Billionaire’s Tax
Cristobal Young, sociology professor, comments on taxing unrealized capital gains in CA.
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Student spotlight: Raul Armenta
Raul Armenta, a doctoral student in sociology from Los Angeles, studies the intersection of education and the criminal legal system under the guidance of Bryan Sykes.
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Nearly 60 students recognized at pinning ceremony
A&S-affiliated graduate students were among nearly 60 welcomed by the Graduate School as new Dean’s Scholars at an event to honor students selected for this distinction for academic excellence, leadership, and service.
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Whose God goes on the classroom wall? Cornell expert on religious freedom
Coordinated efforts across Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments "test whether American public schools belong equally to all families—or whether some families' faith gets privileged by law while others' gets diminished by the state.”
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Political views, not sex and violence, now drive literary censorship
Liberals and conservatives both oppose censorship of children’s literature – unless the writing offends their own political ideology, showing how a once-bipartisan issue has become polarized.
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The Assembly of an American Sociologist
Professor Victor Nee’s autobiography in the Annual Review of Sociology traces the accumulation of experiences involved in a research journey aimed at explanation of social behavior and institutional change.
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Prof. Young adds Empirical Clarity to NYC Wealth Tax Plans
Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s controversial tax plan sparks debate amongst business leaders and economists. Prof. Cristobal Young contributes to conversation in the New York Times DealBook.
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In Memoriam: Cornell Sociology Professor, Steven Caldwell
Caldwell was known as both a pioneering scholar in demographic microsimulation and a devoted teacher and mentor. He played a central role in revitalizing the Department of Sociology during a period of renewal.
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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.