The discipline Sociology is part of the Department of Social and Psychological Studies. The institution also includes the disciplines Social work, Psychology and Gender studies.
We carry out research and teach within the disciplines Sociology and Social psychology. Our largest study program is Social analysis (180 ECTS credits). In addition, we offer courses in Sociology and Social psychology and doctoral education in Sociology.
Education
The study program Social analysis is a broad social analytical program on the undergraduate level which includes the newest ideas and methods within social scientific research. The discipline Sociology also offers courses in Sociology, providing a broad insight in the social- and behavioral sciences. Studies in Sociology can lead on to a career within research and professions such as investigator and administrative official.
Social psychology offers interesting and useful understandings of group dynamics and the relationship between individuals and the society. Human resource managers and other occupational groups often study Social psychology in order to understand people, and people's roles within organisations and society in general.
Research
Since 1999, when the college in Karlstad was transformed into Karlstad University, doctoral education in Sociology is offered by the Department of Social and Psychological Studies. Some examples of important research areas are gender, resistance and power, emotions in organisations and social relationships, regional development and social capital, and organisation of care. Research projects that are being carried out concerns for example constructions of gender, sexuality and homo sociality in organisations, emotions in every day- and work life, and the relationship between global and regional/local development processes. Several of the sociologists at the department work within interdisciplinary scientific contexts and projects, for example together with researchers in Gender studies.
