Introduction on Globalization and Social Change Globalization has emerged as one of the most transformative forces shaping societies in the 21st century. North America—particularly the United States, Canada, and Mexico—stands at the crossroads of global economic, cultural, and political flows that have redefined social life in profound ways. From changes in labor markets and migration … Read more
Introduction Race, ethnicity, and identity are central themes in the sociological understanding of Australian society. Australia is often celebrated as one of the world’s most successful multicultural nations, home to people from diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, and religious backgrounds. Yet beneath this image lies a complex history shaped by colonialism, racial exclusion, Indigenous dispossession, migration … Read more
Introduction South Korea is often described as one of the most technologically advanced societies in the world. High-speed internet, near-universal smartphone usage, cutting-edge electronics manufacturing, and digitally integrated everyday life have transformed how people communicate, work, learn, and form social relationships. From smart classrooms and online gaming cultures to AI-driven services and digital governance, technology … Read more
Introduction Education in the United States has long been viewed as a pathway to opportunity, mobility, and democratic participation. Yet, sociological research consistently shows that schools often reproduce social inequalities rather than eliminate them. The relationship between education reforms and social justice in U.S. schools is therefore a central concern of sociology, as it reveals … Read more
Urban sociology examines how social life is shaped by city spaces, institutions, economies, and cultural patterns. In Australia, rapid urbanisation has produced a unique urban landscape where colonial history, Indigenous presence, global migration, neoliberal economic policies, and environmental challenges intersect. More than 85% of Australians live in cities, making urban sociology central to understanding Australian … Read more
Introduction The relationship between race and policing in the United States has been one of the most enduring and contested issues in American social life. From slave patrols in the colonial era to contemporary debates around police violence, racial profiling, and mass incarceration, policing has been deeply intertwined with systems of racial hierarchy. Sociologically, policing … Read more
Introduction Education is widely regarded as a key instrument for social mobility, economic development, and democratic participation. In modern societies, schooling is expected to provide equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of their social background. However, sociological research consistently shows that education systems often reproduce existing social inequalities rather than eliminate them. In Australia, despite … Read more
Introduction on Homelessness and Housing Inequality Homelessness in the United States is not merely the absence of a physical roof; it is a complex social condition produced by structural economic forces, historical injustices, public policy decisions, and everyday social interactions. In recent years the problem has intensified: official counts and service providers report rising numbers … Read more
Australia’s LGBTQ rights movement today sits at an uneasy but consequential crossroads. Over the past decade the country has moved from a bitter national debate about same-sex marriage to a period of substantial legal advances — while also confronting new flashpoints around religious exemptions, trans youth health, and the policing of hate and speech. This … Read more
Introduction Immigration has been a defining feature of the United States since its formation. From Indigenous displacement and European colonization to contemporary debates over borders, refugees, and undocumented migrants, immigration policies have continuously shaped American society. While political science and law often focus on borders, visas, and enforcement mechanisms, sociology examines immigration as a social … Read more