Sociology

Sociology studies how societies are organized, and the consequences of varying forms of organization on people's lives. It is scientific, based upon systematic analyses of evidence; it is non-obvious, in making discoveries that might not otherwise be noticed; and it is important, in identifying opportunities and strategies for change that can improve society.

Purdue's Department of Sociology: produces world-class scholarship, in the books and articles it publishes; offers two outstanding undergraduate majors, one in Sociology and another in Law and Society; and delivers an exceptionally strong graduate program leading to the Ph.D. At the graduate level, the Department's research and training programs are currently organized into six areas: Family and Gender; Health, Aging, and the Life Course; Law and Society; Sociology of Religion; Social Inequality; and Social Movements and Political Sociology.

Linda Renzulli
Professor and Head

Spotlight

The Department of Sociology would like to welcome two new faculty joining us in fall 2018, Dr. David McElhattan and Dr. Robin Stryker!

Dr. David McElhattan- Research interests in punishment & social control; collateral consequences; race; the social organization of risk.

Dr. Robin Stryker- Research interest in law, politics, inequality and social change.