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
DIY religion: More Americans finding faith outside church 
Cornell-led research finds that large numbers of Americans are leaving organized religion – not in favor of secular rationality, but to pursue spirituality in ways that better align with their individual values.
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Le Pen conviction could ‘backfire’ on French political establishment
Le Pen’s sentence for embezzling $3 million is going to push French politics into even more tumult, says sociology professor Mabel Berezin.
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How do Chinese Immigrants in Japan Move Between Ethnic and Majority Neighborhoods?
Soc Ph.D. student Hao Liang published his first sole-authored online article, investigating how language skills, housing agents, and coethnic preferences influence immigrant residential choices.
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Can Citizen Science Mosquito Data Collection Help Combat Vector-Borne Disease?
Soc P.h.D. student Álvaro Padilla Pozo published work in Nature, examining the representativeness of mosquito reports from citizen scientists and developing a method to account for their spatial sampling biases.
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'The research I did at Cornell developed my commitment to mixed methods'
Prof. Susan Rose (Cornell Soc P.h.D. '84) shares a bit about her time at Cornell.
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Book calls social scientists to robust ‘multiverse’ analysis
To cut through misinformation, noise and fragile claims, sociologist Cristobal Young calls social science researchers to adopt a new approach.
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Cook-Gray Lecture will examine transformative labor movement
Annelise Orleck, Dartmouth College, will deliver the 2025 Alice Cook-Lois Gray Distinguished Lecture on April 15: “Poverty Wages, 'We're Not Lovin' It': Gender, Race and Inequality Rising in the 21st Century.”
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Weidel, Meloni, and Le Pen: the rise of women who dominate three of Europe’s main far-right parties
Professor Mabel Berezin weighs in on the conversation about the women leading the far-right parties, historically led by men.
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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.