Sociology is a field that studies basic human and social processes in the context of the complex realities of a rapidly changing world. CWRU’s Department of Sociology offers undergraduate concentrations in Crime, Law and Justice, Gender, Work and Family, Health, Medicine, and Aging, and Social Inequality. The Department encourages interaction between students and faculty by offering many opportunities for individualized study and participation in research projects and other field-based learning experiences. The Department has a long history of offering a friendly, student-centered culture, for both undergraduate and graduate students.
In addition to pursuing doctoral study in sociology, many of our recent graduates pursued graduate studies in the fields of medicine, law and social work. The breadth of knowledge and perspective provided by majoring in sociology is viewed favorably by researchers and employers in many fields including management and industry, health care, human resources, social work and education.
EVENTS
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Highlights
NEWS
2025 AKD Initiates and Undergraduate Award Recipients Recognized
On April 18, 2025, nine students were initiated into the Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) International Sociology Honor Society and sixteen students were recipients of Undergraduate Awards. This year’s AKD initiates were Amani Alvi, Anthony Curcio, Kylie Farrell, Jenny Fu, Naomi Hillyer, Elijah O’Connor, Amy Romanauski, Sen Shiba, and Harshini Velchamy. The...
Haoming Song Appointed to Editorial Board
Dr. Haoming Song, Assistant Professor in the Sociology Department, has been selected to serve on the inaugural editorial board of Sex & Sexualities, the newest American Sociological Association (ASA) journal. This exciting appointment reflects Dr. Song’s growing contributions to the sociology of sexualities, particularly in the study of LGBTQ families and their intersection with...
Two Department Members Honored with Flora Stone Mather Awards!
The Annual Women of Achievement & Spotlight Awards of the Flora Stone Mather Women’s Center at CWRU celebrates the scholarship and research of women faculty and outstanding achievements by women campus staff and students. This award recognizes women who, like Flora Stone Mather, address problems in their community and work...
Lacey Caporale Publishes Op-Ed About Detroit Shoreway
Lacey Caporale, recent graduate of the Department of Sociology, published an op-ed entitled "“Fancy-ass Restaurants” to “What about us?”: Gentrification in Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood" in which she discusses the repercussions of gentrification in the Detroit Shoreway, including the ostracism of working-class residents, imbalance of resources, and public safety...
2024 AKD Initiates and Undergraduate Award Recipients Recognized
On April 19, 2024, six students were initiated into the Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) International Sociology Honor Society and sixteen students were recipients of Undergraduate Awards. This year’s AKD initiates were Jeri' Avery, Kaylee Boney, Mikaela Elliott, Ellin Kim, Amanda Myles, and Sabrina Wicker. The Schermerhorn Award for a outstanding students...
Dr. Haoming Song Selected for WFRN’s Early Career Work and Family Fellowship Program
Dr. Haoming Song was selected for the Work and Family Researchers Network's Early Career Work and Family Fellowship Program, which provides support for recent doctoral recipients to advance their research, teaching, and long-term career prospects. The Work and Family Researchers Network’s mission is to facilitate virtual and face-to-face interaction among...
Dr. Pittman Claytor Cited in Forbes Article
Dr. Cassi Pittman Claytor was cited in Forbes article, "Rite Aid Facial Recognition Lawsuit Shows AI Risks Of Shopping While Black", where she discusses the potential dangers of retailers using artificial intelligence to implement security measures in their stores. “Retailers need to think carefully and cautiously before utilizing AI...
Dale Dannefer Elected President of SLLS
Dr. Dale Dannefer was elected incoming President of the Society for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies (SLLS). He will serve as President Elect next year, from 2024 to 2025, and then a two-year term as President until 2027. He currently serves as Section Editor for their journal, Longitudinal and...