Sociology

What is sociology?

The focus points of sociology range from globalisation and entire societies to intimate social relationships. Current research topics include social structures and their changes; citizen movements and participation; inequality in health; dependencies; childhood and adolescence; institutions, organisations and communities such as families, cities and the welfare state; social activity, interaction and social networks; as well as people’s values, attitudes and manners of speaking.

The sociological approach makes it possible to question everyday notions and to consciously distance oneself from customary patterns of thought. Because the perspectives and research results of sociology delve deeper than conventional views, reveal hidden problems and highlight new alternatives, sociology has powerful critical potential. For the same reasons, it is also useful for decision-making and planning, which both require accurate information.

Sociology is a broad social science discipline. Its key areas include theory and research relating to social structures and social activities. Each student must explore in detail at least two research fields of general sociology, such as urban sociology or the sociology of the family. The goal is for sociology graduates to be able to independently acquire and analyse information on social phenomena and to use and apply it in various duties.

The discipline of sociology has several ongoing research projects that focus on different themes. Many projects are carried out together with other fields and universities.

Current research focus areas include

• Addictions and compulsive gambling
• Urban studies, including regional segregation and the social structures of neighbourhoods
• The social circumstances of immigrants
• Youth and ageing
• Conversation analysis of social interaction
• Sociology and social theory
• The causes and effects of health differences

Discipline coordinator: Professor Ilkka Arminen

For more information about research and grant-funded researchers, see the University of Helsinki research portal.

• Arminen, Ilkka: Know Your Neighbour. 2017–2020. Kone Foundation 
• Tolonen, Tarja: Youth in time – a qualitative longitudinal study on young people. 2014–2025. Finnish Youth Research Network
• Näre, Lena: Migrant Youth Employment – Recognition of Capabilities and Boundaries of Belonging (RECOGNITION) 2014–2018. Kone Foundation, Emil Aaltonen Foundation, University of Helsinki three-year grant
• Population research

More research projects involving the discipline are listed in the research portal. 

The discipline of sociology explores a wide range of social phenomena, which enables it to offer a broad study programme to Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral students. In addition to Finnish- and Swedish-language programmes, the discipline is also involved in the English-language Master’s Programme in Contemporary Societies. Students can also complete studies in the Master’s Programme in Urban Studies and Planning. Moreover, Master’s students can choose the Study Track of Demography.

The education provides the knowledge and skills needed to work in planning, administration and statistics, as teachers in adult education, and as journalists and other communications specialists. Many sociologists also work as researchers or experts in support of decision-making.

Degree programmes that offer teaching in sociology

• Bachelor’s Programme in Social Research (in Finnish)
• Master’s Programme in Social Research (in Finnish)
• Master’s Programme in Contemporary Societies
• Doctoral Programme in Social Sciences

​​​​​​​Postal and street address for sociology

PO Box 18 (Unioninkatu 35)
00014 University of Helsinki

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