Sociology is a study of society and human behavior. It is concerned with the interrelationships between people, within social groups and institutions, from local communities to global societies. A sociology research paper can be written about virtually any topic that falls under this broad umbrella of sociological analysis.
Sociology research papers cover a wide range of topics and are written for many different purposes, including coursework assignments, term papers and even dissertations. Regardless of your purpose in writing a sociology research paper you should follow some basic guidelines when developing your topic into an actual research project.
Steps of writing your research paper
Study your professor’s teaching materials or syllabus to see what criteria they use when evaluating sociology research projects. A good grade depends on the quality and depth of your work (i.e., the amount of research, number and variety of sources consulted). Remember that a good sociology project is more than your opinion on a subject. It requires careful research, analysis and documentation.
Because any topic you select must be able to support a significant amount of information about how it relates to the sociological perspective, even if your paper is simply exploring one aspect of sociology in depth, it is important to choose an appropriate topic.
Obtain at least three or four books from the library that treat this general area as well as some specific sub-topics you are interested in so that you can conduct a comprehensive search for information related to your topic. Some libraries have databases specifically for scholarly journals which may contain articles directly related to your topic.
When evaluating your sources remember that not all books or articles written on a specific subject are valid. You must use quality material if you want to produce an acceptable paper. One way of gauging the validity of a source is to look at how current it is. Try to find sources that were published within the last five years. Another way of determining validity is to evaluate whether it contains appropriate references for its claims as well as footnotes and end notes for citations in the text. It should also be noted that some sources contain information biased by personal experience, opinion or speculation rather than solid research findings. A good rule of thumb when reading any sociological information is “trust but verify.”
List of Good Research paper Topics
Here is a list of 200+ sociology research paper topics for college students.
- What is the extent to which homelessness is socially caused?
- Discuss with reference to the dominant ideas regarding causes of homelessness.
- Do you think that social status is determined by one’s natural abilities? Explain your views and cite examples to support your opinions.
- What is Social Stratification, and how does it relate to economic inequality? Discuss the differences in status between social classes, with specific focus on race and gender inequalities.
- How would you define social distance, and why do you think it may be important? In what situations do people feel most comfortable keeping their distances from others?
- How has gender inequality changed over time?
- What is the relationship between society and individual?
- Are eating disorders solely behavioral problems or are they a result of biochemical imbalances in the body?
- When we look at history, why do so many societies develop authoritarian structures of government instead of democratic ones?
- Is it inevitable that human beings create hierarchical structures within their social groups?
- Why do governments frequently make policy decisions which hurt parts of the population even though those policies are made by democratically elected officials who were themselves elected by members of that very same populations? What causes this inconsistency in voter mentality and societal attitudes surrounding major political issues over time?
- How does television affect our lives today more than any other technological innovation in recent history?
- What are some of the social determinants of educational achievement?
- How does a culture affect the way people interact with one another socially?
- Can you explain how racial discrimination occurs in society today?
- How is gender bias portrayed in the media?
- Are there any similarities between political terrorism and religious terrorism? How are they different from one another? Is it possible to compare them at all or should it be avoided altogether?
- What is the importance of family and friends in creating a sense of well-being? It seems as though your circle (social group) has a good deal of influence on your well-being.
- Are you more likely to remain happy if you have a supportive buddy system, or would it be better to try and strike out on your own away from others so that you can only worry about yourself?
- What role does education play within the development of social capital? Why is education important for young people, but seeming less relevant as they mature into their adulthood years? In life we are often tolddon
- What role do the films we watch play in our development as adults? Is it a positive one?
- How are male and female sexual identities formed, and can they be changed?
- What causes homosexuality and heterosexuality?
- Discuss how welfare policies may lead to social exclusion.
- The media presents people of higher status as morally superior. How does this affect society’s treatment of the poor?
- Look at the differences between private and public institutions that offer education. Discuss whether commercialism has affected education for the worse or better.
- Why is there an increase in teenage pregnancies among girls who come from lower socio-economic classes but not among those from middle class families? What might explain this difference, it is related to the social class or it is a cultural phenomenon?
- How can we be sure that our politicians are truly democratic representatives of the people? Should certain political rights, like voting, be restricted to those who have achieved a certain minimum level of financial independence?
- What does globalization mean for your country and for its citizens in terms of access to resources? How can inequalities due to globalization be reduced?
- Are women paid less than men because they choose different professions or work fewer hours than men do? What other reasons would there be for this gap in pay between men and women working similar jobs with comparable skills and experience levels?
- Is racism increasing or decreasing in your country and why do you think this is happening? Do politics play any role in racism?
- Is there a new global culture emerging or is it just an illusion? What kind of world are we moving towards and what will be the consequences?
- Are the family structures in your country changing? Why do you think this is happening, and how do you think it will affect people’s sense of identity and well-being in the future?
- How are natural resources distributed throughout the planet, who benefits from them, and how can they be used to reduce world poverty levels?
- Does nationalism help or hinder attempts to redistribute wealth across different nationalities?
- Why does environmentalism appear as a growing concern for many people all over the globe while individualism continues to spread? How should environmental issues be dealt with in the future?
- How is difference among people perceived in your society? What problems are associated with viewing differences as negative rather than positive, and how can we change this attitude?
- Why do some societies tolerate or even encourage homosexuality while others condemn it severely? How should homosexual relationships be regarded: positively, neutrally or negatively?
- What role does self-interest play in democratic governance? Is there any room for other motivations during political processes such as equality and social justice? Discuss.
- Why racial diversity is controversial and what forms does it take in different national contexts?
- How can racism be challenged through education and policies that promote tolerance within society?
- How are girls and boys treated differently in your society? How do people justify their attitudes towards girls and boys?
- How are men and women represented in the media, and what are is the effect of this portrayal on how they regard themselves?
- Are women sometimes held responsible for sexual violence perpetrated against them?
- What role does materialism play in determining the political behavior of different societies around the world?
- Discuss whether democratic governance can prevent undue influence by special interest groups during decision-making processes. In your opinion, which countries have managed to overcome such influences?
- Why is it easy to manipulate votes when elections take place over long periods of time rather than within a single day or week?
- Is greater participation in social networks a good thing?
- What does it mean when gender roles are breaking down and people – especially women – choose not to marry at all?
- Do we have enough opportunities available to us that will help combat teenage bullying, teen depression, suicidal thoughts and feelings among teens? How do we go about getting involved with these groups (schools, communities) so they know about the resources already available and develop a support system/safe place for everyone regardless of age or ethnicity?
- How is a good society defined?
- Does the media endow specific role models of behavior in children and adolescents?
- What are the effects of identity theft on social trust levels?
- Is there a correlation between crime rates and city size or population density?
- To what extent can personality traits be inherited by children from their parents?
- Do high school students have more respect for teachers than they used to have years ago?
- How much does education affect voting patterns and political opinion formation in America today?
- To what extent do people with different political views prefer to live close together or far from each other geographically speaking? How might this affect American democracy as a whole, if at all. What is the influence of peer group pressure during childhood on adult social bonds? How might this affect people’s opinions and outlook on life?
- What can be done to reduce the rate of suicide in America (excluding gun control)?
- How do the poor affect American government policies, if at all? Can our current immigration laws be more effective, or need revision. Are Americans following these immigration laws fairly well already?
- What effect does illegal immigration have on both receiving and sending countries when it comes to crime rates, if any?
- To what extent will individuals who suffer from insomnia feel stigmatized especially if they also suffer from a mental illness such as depression?
- Does paternalistic behavior always result in negative relationship outcomes for employees and employers alike?
- Do cultural differences increase international marriages because spouses are willing to tolerate some level of cultural differences?
- Does the media have an influence on consumers’ tastes and desires for high-risk products such as cigarettes, alcohol, etc…? How about violent entertainment forms such as movies and video games?
- What can be done to reduce the number of abortions in America today? Given that it is still a widespread problem, what can we learn from other countries that seem to be experiencing less abortion rates than America has? Are Americans following these recommendations already at all?
- What importance do nonhumans have in intergroup relations between humans and nonhumans alike (i.e., dolphins)?
- Can gender stereotypes concerning women’s leadership skills or potential affect economic growth within a nation?
- How valid is the “Pro-Life” movement with respect to abortion?
- Is it possible to learn more about human behavior through experiments rather than observation?
- Can obesity be attributed to corporate America trying to make a profit?
- What makes people behave altruistically or socially in other ways that are considered deviant by society?
- How do we decide what will be censored in movies, books and music?
- Why does education have little effect on reducing crime rates among lower income groups and minorities?
- How has religion changed over time since it first began as a spiritual practice for hunter gatherers 10,000 years ago?
- What causes one person to become an artist while another becomes a doctor or lawyer? What lessons can sociology us help us learn in life?
- What is the extent to which human genetics determines one’s role in society?
- Why are people with lower education levels more likely to be involved in crime and violence than those with college degrees or higher?
- How does sociology research on socialization shed light on what makes a person responsible for their actions. How can we prevent violent crimes from occurring through proper socialization of members of society?
- Do low income families become violent towards children because they lack resources, or do parents without money act violently not only towards children but also other family members because of mental illness?
- How has technology changed our perception of distance among humans as geographically separated individuals?
- What manner of sociological theories could explain the current decline in religious affiliation?
- How does the practice of arranged marriages affect family stability? What is more effective: Instituting a welfare system on a national scale or local community basis?
- Crime can be defined in different ways, what are the advantages and disadvantages of Canada’s official way to define crime as opposed to that of the United States?
- The media has been blamed for many social disturbances including child molestation, violence and suicide; how valid are these accusations.
- How should inflation (the cost of living) be calculated? Does it reflect real human needs such as food water, clothing shelter, and comfort or just corporations trying to make more money by producing less with higher prices?
- The process of urbanization in the U.S. has led to racial segregation in cities – how prevalent is this phenomenon?
- What are some ways that a community can work together to stop crime?
- Is there evidence to suggest that violent video games encourage violent behavior among youth?
- Discuss the extent to which you agree with Galbraith’s view on social classes and their alleged role in influencing consumer culture in American society today. Is this still valid for modern-day America?
- What is the relationship between television and violence seen by children both on screen and off screen? Do you think these effects are negative or positive on average, as well as long term?
- What type of structure would you build for a homeless person who wishes reintegrate into society?
- How prevalent is the stereotype of Asian Americans as successful and overrepresented in college?
- Discuss how social control operates in today’s prison system.
- What are some ways in which a community can work together to reduce drug abuse among adolescent members?
- The purpose of this essay is to determine what, if any, factors influence an individual’s chances for success or failure in professional sports. What is the underlying cause of professional athletes’ high rate of bankruptcy?
- Do you think that living near areas of economic wealth brings people closer to achieving their goals? Would it be more likely to help or hurt them economically speaking? Please provide examples and/or statistics and facts that support your response.
- Do you think that living near areas of economic wealth brings people closer to achieving their goals? Would it be more likely to help or hurt them economically speaking? Please provide examples and/or statistics and facts that support your response.
- How does the social order presented in The Grapes of Wrath differ from the one you believe exists today? How significantly has government policy contributed to this change, if at all?
- Why do human beings want to produce works of art so badly, especially when they have no need for it (as is often the case)? What type of culture would mankind develop if humans don’t create things like artworks by themselves?
- In analyzing class structure in the United States, how important do you think government policy is in maintaining these divisions between classes in America?
- How would you describe the structure of society in Brave New World by Aldous Huxley? While reading this book, I felt like it was a world very similar to ours. Please discuss your opinions.
- Should drug tests be required for all students in public schools? What are the benefits and disadvantages of doing so? Should drug tests be required for all students in public schools? What are the benefits and disadvantages of doing so?
- Do you think that wealth is what drives success for people (i.e. rich get richer), or do other factors play a more important role, such as hard work, intelligence, education and/or luck? Give examples from your own personal experience that support your position. In analyzing class structure in the United States, how important do you think government policy is in maintaining these divisions between classes in America?
- What factors are most influential on an individual’s chances for success or failure in professional sports?
- How has the role of women changed since the start of globalization? What are some ways that a community can work together to reduce drug abuse among adolescent members?
- How effective are books and films at presenting a clear picture about crime, poverty and drug use?
- What factors inhibit or promote successful reintegration into society after incarceration for those who have been convicted of felony offenses?
- Discuss why the homeless population may be increasing.
- Why does it seem like there are more people living on the streets now rather than ten years ago?
- Discuss what measures of success or failure are most important to a middle class American.
- Were you successful? Would you consider yourself unsuccessful?
- How are social problems like poverty and drug abuse handled in your community?
- What does it mean to be a success/failure in society today, according to the standards of America’s upper class?
- Why do Americans have such an obsession with sports?
- What is the positive aspect that comes from people forming cliques?
- How does globalization help spread cultural diversity around the world and what effect this has on cultures throughout the globe (i.e., pro and con)? Are we living in a more “globalized” world now than 20- 50 years ago? If so, how did it happen and why did it happen?
- Do you think that the amount of money spent on advertising is essential to maintaining a successful business? Why or why not?
- In what ways is globalization impacting your local community, if it has been at all? What are some positive aspects of negative factors that have come about due to globalization?
- How do you think drug addiction and alcoholism as problems in society can be solved in America today?
- Which other factors are also important?
- Why is immigration such a source of controversy in the world today? Can any solutions be found for this issue?
- What does it mean to say that ‘society is stratified’? What does this imply about how we view social class, and what steps can be taken to help those at the bottom end of society? Can these views be successfully implemented or do they create tension within modern day society?
- How should the media cover crime stories? Are there ethical issues involved, if so what should be done about them. How do these issues differ from country to country and over time? Discuss both (the) media’s role in the influencing public perception of criminal acts as well as its role in informing of the general public as to what is actually occurring with regards to crime within their respective country.
- What do you consider to be the most significant social problem in your country? Discuss why it has occurred and whether or not there are any possible long-term solutions. How does this compare to other countries around the world? How do these issues differ from one another?
- Discuss how immigration can impact upon democratic societies. What needs must a country have met in order for immigrants to be able to make a positive contribution, rather than having an adverse effect on society? Are there ways in which immigration can benefit a democratic society even if the above requirements are not fulfilled? How should governments engage with minority groups within society who wish to express their feelings of difference on such issues?
- How far can the state be justified in intervening into family life to protect children from harm? What are the racial implications of this issue, and how should governments approach them? Should there be a difference in government approach depending on what race the child is, or whether they are adopted or not?
- What sort of political policies might help to reduce ethnic tension within modern society? Is it significant that politicians rarely focus upon this issue, even though it seems to play such a key role in many conflicts? Why do you think this is so? Can anything be done about it – If so what would have the best results (in your view).
- Why do some groups respond more actively than others to issues surrounding inequality – both globally and nationally? For example why are the relatively privileged more likely to participate in politics than the homeless or those who have never had a chance to go to college?
- Is it necessary for the state and its authorities to intervene into situations of domestic abuse, even if these actions often impinge upon issues of individual rights? Should any restrictions be placed upon individuals regarding their freedom of movement and speech?
- To what extent should governments take responsibility for providing their citizens with certain types of social support? The provision of subsidized housing is an example of this – How far should states go in such situations (in your view)?
- Should citizens have the right to select where they live based on whether they agree or disagree with specific aspects that occur within society. If so sorts of issues should be taken into account (in your view).
- Explain the meaning of the term ‘social capital’. What sorts are there? How does it differ to social network?
- What can we learn if we look at domestic violence from a sociological perspective?
- Is there a difference between different countries in this respect – and why – or is it possible to see that these ideas are fundamentally similar across all cultures. Can taboos surrounding domestic abuse ever be overcome?
- Does offering assistance to those who become victims of such abuse encourage them to accept their situation, or will they see themselves as victims for life if aid is not offered.
- What makes a hero?
- Do men and women differ in their attitudes to violence?
- What is the extent to which true love exists?
- Is society as a whole becoming more conservative or less conservative?
- Does it happen that brothers and sisters are closer than either are to their parents?
- How do groups of co-workers handle conflict within the organization where they work together, compared to how families deal with conflict at home? Are women better leaders than men, or vice versa?
- How does racial discrimination persist in our society over time even after laws have been passed banning such discrimination but not eliminating racial prejudice?
- Are we becoming more caring as a society as measured by volunteering at social service organizations, giving money to charities, performing acts of kindness on our neighbors and strangers, offering encouragement to students in school, and so forth? Are there instances in which people are more apt to feel empathy for a person who is suffering than they are for someone else who is not suffering but could use the help?
- Does religion make people kinder, nicer, or more helpful to others, as some claim, or does it do just the opposite? What will be the economic and social consequences of technological advances such as computers that can do many complicated tasks formerly performed only by humans?
- Are wealthy nations becoming less violent over time compared with poor nations? How are rural communities different from urban communities when it comes to family relationships in general and mother-daughter relationships in particular? You have been told that your roommate has suddenly “taken ill,”
- How do you address the problem of obesity?
- What is the most effective method for treating stuttering? What impact does materialism have on modern society?
- How does media affect teenagers and why it should be controlled by parents and teachers?
- Do violent video games increase aggression in young children? Are school uniforms beneficial or harmful to students’ social development, in your opinion?
- What is the impact of the recent technological advancements in our lives on human relationships and interactions with each other? Which of these technological trends are beneficial and which ones are not. How can they be used for better human interaction rather than being a distraction from real work.
- What are some examples of norm violation which has social benefits? What are some examples of norm violations which causes social problems?
- How can people prevent others from taking advantage of them? What is the relationship between violence and social status? Are schools becoming too crowded or should we increase the number of schools in order to reduce students per teacher ratio.
- What are some ways that cultures deal with stress? Can you name a few cultural practices which promote aggression over peaceful interaction with each other?
- How does death affect child development? Is there any connection between ” age segregation” and crime incidence (e.g.: age segregation in work place).
- How can political systems for selecting their leaders be improved to better represent the wants and needs of the people they claim to represent, if possible at all?
- In your opinion, what are examples of influential historical books which have not been written and why?
- Can people hold violent tendencies even without access to weapons?
- What is the relationship between the increase in number of children born out of wedlock and increased poverty rate in America?
- Do male children prefer rough and tumble play over all other types of play, or are there differences depending on culture/type of family structure?
- What questions should be asked in order to assess a person’s level of maturity?
- Is violence an effective way to reach political goals? How do you treat your friends when they are upset with you?
- How do parents’ attitudes about marriage affect their children’s approach to relationships later on in life?
- How have drug laws contributed to racial tensions among teenagers today? Are schools equipped with counselors, teachers and administrators who can cope with the needs of today’s students? Is there any change to human nature over time and can a person’s nature be changed? How can we reduce racism in society?
- What are some examples of social institutions which have come about as a reaction to certain situations like natural disasters, war etc. Is growing up in single family home better than being brought up by two parents? What do you think is the most effective way for people to settle their differences (e.g.: court system, mediation)?
- What criteria should judges use when making decisions involving child custody cases? What are some ways that one may promote healthy and balanced lifestyle? How well equipped are schools and colleges at providing safe environments for their students involved in extracurricular activities?
- What are the social causes of teenage pregnancy?
- What is the extent to which crime and deviance have been socially caused?
- Why do people abuse drugs and alcohol?
- Do we learn from history or repeat it in new forms? What does this mean for society as a whole?
- Are our laws being written with an eye toward allocating rewards fairly, or simply reducing conflict among citizens (or avoiding conflicting interests)? Do these legal practices promote social justice? Should they be adjusted based on current knowledge of human nature & society’s needs, as well as current scientific evidence about what interventions actually work to solve problems such that they don’t make things worse. If not, why not? How would you change how laws are made and enforced today if you had the power?
- How do religious beliefs cause people to act irrationally or immorally? What can be done about this in a free society?
- Does our economic system undermines social justice and contribute to marginalization of some groups, like the homeless population? How does capitalism undermine social justice & promote marginalization of certain groups? Are there alternatives that are better without making others worse off as a result of their implementation (this is an ethical framework question)? If so, how are they implemented/implemented in developed countries while preserving human rights / freedoms (more theoretical question)?
- Why is violence among humans becoming less frequent despite increasing levels of communication between individuals and nations on Earth? Should governments invest in public education more than policing?
- How do racism, sexism, heterosexism (you can add other “-isms” here if desired) and ageism cause people to act irrationally or immorally? What can be done about this in a free society?
- Do our sexual norms contribute to marginalization of certain groups? How do they cause social problems? Are there alternatives that are better without making others worse off as a result of their implementation (this is an ethical framework question)? If so, how are they implemented/implemented in developed countries while preserving human rights / freedoms (more theoretical question)?
- What impact does television crime dramas have on the way people think and behave? Positive/negative impacts and why.
- What is the relationship between poverty and crime?
- How does a job affect your personal relationships?
- Do you believe that corporal punishment in schools should be abolished?
- Why are gangs such a social problem today?
- Can one have it all and how do women attempt this on a daily basis?
- Is there an ideal way to go about life given our society’s current social structure?
- Are we provided with what we truly need if our main objective is achieving success, or are there barriers preventing achievement.
- How can one achieve happiness when they feel that their work life suffers as a result of family obligations?
- What leads people to commit suicide or strive for mass destruction of society?
- Discuss the sociology of crime and deviance.
- Why do people become addicted to drugs?
- What are some social causes behind obesity?
- How do young people resolve identity issues?
- What is the relationship between marital status and national citizenship?
- How does the use of pharmaceuticals for recreation affect the marital institution in America?
- Does marriage contribute to an increase in drug use by consumers?
- How should we deal with treatment failure in drug rehabilitation therapy programs?
- What kind of dangers are associated with drug rehabilitation therapy programs that utilize methadone maintenance treatment models. Address this issue from both client and provider perspectives.
- Sociological research has repeatedly shown that impoverished families suffer greater rates of child abuse than non-impoverished counterparts. What factors can be used to explain such a gap in reported statistics? Why might parents who have little material wealth engage more readily in child abuse activities?
- How does illegal drug use affect educational attainment rates?
- Do sexual minorities receive adequate services from community based organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous? What can we do to address the needs of these communities?
- Why is it that those who suffer with mental illness often avoid treatment for their problems? To what extent should the government invest in mental health care services beyond psychiatric hospitals? How would you go about improving the quality of mental health screening among adolescents in public schools? How would you go about expanding this program into lower socioeconomic areas where access is limited?
- Should substance abuse counselors utilize traditional methods of dealing with addiction or should they employ new approaches to addressing drug addiction, especially in a female population segment? Discuss your perspective on positive youth development.
- How do we draw a line between children who have experienced sexual abuse and those who are simply sexually curious? Confirm that the distinction does exist.
- What is the correlation between military service, post-traumatic stress disorder/health problems, and homelessness within the veteran population?
- Is drug addiction a disease or an excuse under our current legal system? Why has it become so difficult to arrest drug dealers in America despite their obvious status as criminals?
- What should we do to bring illegal drug use and sales into an official regulatory framework?
- How would you go about expanding community based treatment facilities for heroin addicts within your state or region of influence? Address funding issues and barriers to this important aspect of rehabilitating substance abusers. Do alcoholics need levels of support equal to that of persons who suffer from substance abuse issues? Should governmental agencies invest more money and personnel resources into anti-alcohol campaigns?
- Should methadone clinics operate under the auspices of private pharmaceutical companies or should this form of recovery be handled by federal health services? How might we improve outreach to the general population regarding drug use?
- Should an obese person be allowed to adopt a child?
- What are the causes of teenage pregnancy in urban America?
- Is it possible for two people of different races to be friends? What about lovers?
- Does social research have an effect on society beyond academia? If so, how does it do this and what is its impact on the world of non-academics?
- How is racial prejudice taught in childhood and by whom? If I am white, can I still experience racism from blacks or Asians today? Can there be reverse racism even though we are told that everyone is equal now in America and that discrimination does not exist anymore because our president says so.
- What are the causes and effects of homeless people in American society?
- Do homeless shelters help solve the problem of a lack of housing for the poor?
- Are there any pros or cons associated with providing free shelter, food, clothing and other resources to these people who need them but do not have money for them? What can be done about this situation and what should be done?
- How can problems like this be solved using research methodology while maintaining ethical conduct within social science research procedures?
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