Sociology is fundamentally concerned with how power works in capitalist societies, which is why Sociology is committed to honing a critical lens on social life. This discipline looks at how people interact with one another, the institutions they create, and the cultural beliefs and practices that shape their lives. This work aims to understand why inequalities exist in the ways they do and how to make the world a more just place to live. Sociologists study colonialism, racial and environmental (in)justice, migration, health inequalities and health systems, sexuality and gender, class and labour issues, legal and penal systems, disasters, social problems and possibilities related to science and technology, social policy, critical social theories, and much more.

To understand how power works, students develop a range of research and analytical skills that enable them to become creative problem solvers. Courses in sociology cultivate learning environments that encourage independent thinking, writing for many different audiences, diagnosing problems, thinking through possible solutions, and a mix of independent and collaborative work.

We welcome PhD research proposals in areas such as:

• Critical social theory
• Critical theories of psychiatry, mental health and illness, and professional power
• Cultural sociology
• Environmental sociology
• Ethnicity and national identity
• Feminist and queer theories
• Gender, sexualities and family life
• Labour, work and organisations
• Māori and Pacific student success in higher education
• Marxist sociology
• Medical sociology
• Migration
• Racism
• Social policy and citizenship
• Science and technology studies
• Social class
• Social movements
• Sociology of disasters