The heritage of sociological study has involved sharing academic knowledge with the community, as part of understanding and responding to social concerns. Through systematic fieldwork, sociologists explore and illuminate how people’s “private problems” are “public issues.” As part of their fieldwork, Clark researchers frequently partner with Worcester organizations to conduct research in, and with, the community.
Clark faculty study issues as large as finding moral meaning in political organizations, and the intersection of ethnic enterprise, mutual aid, gender, education, and identity — and as intimate as the relationship between mothers- and daughters-in-law.
Sociology majors and minors are encouraged to pursue research independently or in collaboration with fellow students or faculty. Students frequently share their work through publications and poster presentations at Clark.
