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
Introduction Social stratification and inequality are central concerns of sociology, as they shape life chances, access to resources, and patterns of power across societies. In the vast and diverse region of Oceania, these issues take on distinctive forms influenced by colonial histories, indigenous cultures, global capitalism, migration, and environmental vulnerability. Oceania is not a homogeneous … Read more
Introduction In the twenty-first century, social life in the United States has become deeply intertwined with digital technologies. From everyday communication to political mobilization, from identity formation to economic activities, social media platforms have transformed how Americans interact, express themselves, and understand the world. Digital sociology emerges as a vital subfield of sociology that examines … Read more
Introduction Healthcare inequality in the United States is one of the most persistent and debated social problems in contemporary society. Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world and spending more per capita on healthcare than any other country, the United States continues to experience deep disparities in access, quality, and health outcomes … Read more
Introduction Political sociology examines the relationship between society and political institutions, focusing on how power, authority, and governance are shaped by social structures. In the Australian context, political sociology offers valuable insights into how democracy functions within a multicultural, settler-colonial society shaped by class divisions, Indigenous struggles, global capitalism, and evolving state policies. Australia is … Read more
Introduction The family has long been regarded as a fundamental social institution in American society. Traditionally viewed as a stable unit consisting of a married heterosexual couple and their biological children, the American family was once considered the cornerstone of social order, moral values, and economic stability. However, over the last century—especially since the mid-twentieth … Read more
Introduction on Gender Inequality and Feminist Movements Gender inequality has been one of the most persistent forms of social inequality in the United States. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and decades of social reform, disparities based on gender continue to shape access to education, employment, political power, healthcare, and social recognition. Sociology approaches gender inequality … Read more
Introduction Work culture plays a decisive role in shaping individual identities, social relationships, and overall well-being. In East Asia—particularly in countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Taiwan—work culture is deeply embedded in historical traditions, economic development models, and collective social values. While this region has achieved remarkable economic growth and global competitiveness, it … Read more