Sociology in Dresden

Sociology being a critical science questions the origins and development paths of societies. It explores very different social phenomena, such as the emergence of social movements or of punk rock, the transformation of family structures, educational inequality, and globalisation.

Sociologists take quite different perspectives and examine society at all levels. Their interest in knowledge relates to the behaviour and the actions of both individuals and social groups, as well as to the structures of societal order and their impacts. In sociology, pairs of individuals are as much an object of investigation as social movements or a global trend towards networking.

The central concern of sociology is to analyse the social effects of the studied phenomena, using and applying the appropriate theoretical reflections and methods of empirical social research.

The objects of investigation of the subject area are not always easy to grasp. They are often hidden and become visible only through a systematic sociological analysis. However, it is precisely in this way that sociologists contribute to the development of approaches to solving societal problems, both large and small.

The Institute of Sociology in Dresden comprises five Chairs, one Junior Professorship, one Senior Professor, an Extraordinary Professor, and an Honorary Professor.

The Overview of Chairs provides you with information about their focal areas of research and teaching.

From winter semester 2024/25 Prof. Dr. Antonia Kupfer will take over as Managing Director of the Institute.

Currently, about 330 students are enrolled in the Bachelor's or Master's degree programme Sociology (as of July 2020).