Department of Sociology

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. The subject matter of sociology ranges from intimate family interactions to riots on city streets; from organized crime to religious traditions; from divisions of race, gender, and class to the shared beliefs of a common culture.

Although the humanities and arts also frequently examine the social world, sociology is distinct because it is a social science. As social scientists, sociologists use theoretical and scientific methods of research to investigate the social world by collecting, evaluating, and disseminating empirical research findings. Sociological methods include observations, interviews, content analysis, ethnography, conversational analysis, institutional analysis, survey research, and statistical analysis. The results of sociological research taking place at and beyond UVic contribute to public policy debates, the formation of laws, and the shaping of better ways of living.*

Sociologists at UVic conduct research on a broad range of contemporary sociological issues, including corporate capitalism and globalization, immigration, health, aging, surveillance, policing, social movements, sexuality, gender relations, street youth, and sex work. Some of our research is highlighted in the interactive links below.

At UVic Sociology, we encourage our students to develop skills through practical involvement with actual research activities. We also promote interdisciplinary research activities and public outreach, making the Department of Sociology a diverse and dynamic centre for applied sociological inquiry.

Our programs

We offer comprehensive undergraduate General , Major , and Honours and graduate ( MA and PhD ) programs, with courses in sociological theory and method, as well as in the general areas of social inequality, political sociology, social movements, health, aging, and gender studies.

Faculty focus: The department welcomes three new colleagues

Kevin Walby

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Kevin Walby is an incoming Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology. He completed his doctoral dissertation under Aaron Doyle at Carleton University (2005–2010).

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Min Zhou

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Min Zhou is an incoming Assistant Professor in the Department. He is completing his doctoral dissertation under the supervision of Jason Beckfield, Peter Marsden, and Martin Whyte at Harvard University.
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Don Fetherston

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Don Fetherston joins the department as a Senior Instructor. Don previously enjoyed an interesting law career, along with teaching and curriculum development experience in both law and sociology.

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*This definition of sociology is based on the one appearing in 21st Century Careers with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology, American Sociological Association, 2009.