Research
The Department of Sociology has a dynamic research program, with scholars engaged in empirical research using quantitative and qualitative research methods and making contributions to sociological theory.
Our areas of strength cluster around the following themes:
- Gender, Sexuality and Family
- Social Psychology and Mental Health
- Race, Ethnicity and Immigration
- Political Sociology and Social Movements
- Work and Occupations
- Education
- Social Control
Ongoing Research Projects
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New Drugs, New Fears: Synthetic Opioids and Adaptations to Police Practice Learn More
Examining how the emergence of the synthetic opioid fentanyl as an illicit recreational drug has changed how front-line police officers perceive danger and alter their practices.
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Dependency and Hardship in the Gig Economy: The Mental Health Consequences of Platform Work Learn More
Examining the relationship between platform work engagement and worker mental health.
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Exploring Changes in the Transition to Post-Secondary Between Two Toronto High School Cohorts Learn More
Examining short-term change in the predictors of four possible pathways after high school.
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A Troubling Presence: Indigeneity in English-Language Canadian Sociology Learn More
How does the discipline deal with the settler colonial history and current realities of Indigenous social lives, and where is the place in our field for Indigenous voices and perspectives?
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The Consequences of Living in Childcare Deserts: Evidence from Canada Learn More
Do working parents with young children living in childcare deserts experience greater work-family conflict and psychological distress compared to those in more resourced areas?
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Feminist Identity and Sexual Behaviour: The Intimate is Political Learn More
Examining whether feminist identity is associated with solo and partnered sexual behaviour.
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Survey of Hamilton’s Two-Spirit And LGBTQIA+ Community: On Moving Forward with Hamilton Police Service Learn More
In the wake of violence at Hamilton Pride 2019, an external review found that Hamilton Police Service provided inadequate protection of Hamilton’s Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ community and their allies celebrating that day.
Research Institutes & Centres
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Advanced Research on Mental Health and Society (ARMS) Learn More
A unique interdisciplinary approach to lead the way for advanced research on mental health from a social science perspective.
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McMaster Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI) Learn More
A world-class facility recognized for its leadership in the field of Indigenous research.
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Spark: a centre for social research innovation Learn More
Spark connects researchers to the people, skills and tools needed to stand at the forefront of social research innovation.
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The Krader Project Learn More
The Lawrence Krader Research Project focuses on research and publication based on approximately 150 unpublished manuscripts authored by Krader after he retired as director of the Institute of Ethnology at Freie Universität Berlin.
Latest News
![Anne-Marie Livingstone Headshot](https://sociology.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2024/05/image-3.png)
Dr. Livingstone’s take on new Police badge
Departmental News
![melanie health photo](https://sociology.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2024/06/IMG_6486-1-scaled-1.jpeg)
2024 Section on Sexualities Award Recipient – Dr. Heath
Departmental News
![Geraldina Polanco headshot](https://sociology.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2024/05/image.png)
FSS Research Award winner – Dr. Polanco
Departmental News