Sociology: Social Inequality and Social Justice

Sociology is not just about studying society, but improving upon it for all concerned.

The social inequality and social justice concentration allows students to better understand how income, wealth and power are distributed around the city of Boston and around the world.

What are the implications of inequality in a society? Does inequality look the same the world over, or does it vary from time period to time period and place to place? What can and should be done to alter inequality in local communities, the nation at large, or societies around the world? Emmanuel College's mission of education and social justice are made manifest through the study of social inequality and social justice, providing students with the intellectual tools and professional experiences to bring these inequalities home and the opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Major Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for B.A. in Sociology with a Concentration in Social Inequality and Social Justice

Six sociology core courses

  • SOC1101 Introduction to Sociology: Analysis of Society in Global Perspective (SA) (SS)
  • SOC2103 Qualitative Methods
  • SOC2104 Quantitative Methods (SS)
  • SOC3101 Theories of Society
  • SOC4194 Internship in Sociology
  • SOC4999 Seminar in Sociology OR SOC4988 Community Action Research 

In addition to the following requirements for concentration:

  • SOC2127 Social Class and Inequality (SA)
  • SOC3115 The Sociology of Globalization

Three electives must be chosen from the following:

  • SOC1105 Major Institutions in U.S. Society (SA) (SS)
  • SOC2102 Sociology of Boston (SA)
  • SOC2105 Race, Ethnicity and Group Relations (SA) (SS) (DM)
  • SOC2123 Health Care: Systems, Structures and Cultures
  • SOC2131 Catholic Social Teaching (RCT) (RICT) (SJ)
  • SOC2201 Practice of Social Policy 
  • SOC2205 War and Peace
  • SOC3201 Worlds in Motion: The Causes and Consequences of Migration

Recommended courses:

  • POLSC2409 The Politics of International Economic Relations
  • THRS3133 Social Justice and Religious Traditions (R)

Learning Goals & Outcomes

At the completion of the Sociology major, the student will:

  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the sociological perspective and the sociological imagination in our understanding of social reality.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of sociological theories, paradigms, and concepts.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of sociological research methods.
  • Acquire intellectual and professional skills. 
  • Apply sociological concepts to micro and macro issues of inequality, diversity, and globalization.
  • Develop an appreciation of social justice concerns.

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Featured Faculty: Petros Vamvakas

Petros Vamvakas is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Latin American Studies, Middle East Studies and Peace Studies Programs. His work focuses on security and democratization, as well as issues related to identity and race in politics throughout the Americas. As part of his teaching, he has escorted groups of students to Crete, Greece, and will be bringing a group of students to Cuba.

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