Sociology, Social Policy and Social Theory
Our program investigates the complexity and breadth of living in today’s societies, challenging expectations and assumptions about what it means to live with others.
Sociology, Social Policy and Social Theory at Melbourne
From the changing nature of work to the emergence of new digital technologies and persisting socioeconomic inequalities, our program conducts rigorous research on issues that influence individual lives, family dynamics and social networks within and between communities. We study pressing social issues such as gender, race and health inequality, and labour market disadvantage within and across generations, in Australia and around the globe. This research aims to inform and shape policy, reduce social disadvantage and improve people’s everyday lives.
Sociology is the systematic study of all aspects of our lives and the discipline that matters for understanding and improving our social world. Sociology at University of Melbourne has a strong analytical, empirical and evidence-based focus that engages with real-world problems and is reflected in our teaching, research and engagement activities.
Associate Professor Irma Mooi-Reci
Explore our research
Research Narrative: Diverse Lives. Equal Futures
Our program seeks to be at the forefront of academic and public debates on issues around social disadvantage and inequality in order to assess, improve and shape more effective policies.
Most of our research is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), as well as by the local and federal government including the Department of Human Services and Department of Social Services.
Our researchers collaborate with numerous scholars from around the globe and have strong alliances with Melbourne Institute (renowned for its HILDA data) and six Faculties within the University of Melbourne through our joint Hallmark Economic and Social Participation Research Initiative. Researchers also have strong links with non-governmental institutions such as Brotherhood of St Laurence and Scope.
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Diverse Lives. Equal Futures.
A collection of research projects gathered under the theme Diverse Lives. Equal Futures.
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Economic and Social Participation
The Economic and Social Participation Hallmark Research Initiative (ESPRIt) is exploring how participation in social, economic and political institutions can be enabled across the life span.
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The Policy Lab
The Policy Lab provides new evidence based on original data which helps governments and other public bodies develop creative solutions to pressing policy problems.
Study with us
Our program strives for excellence in teaching students analytical, problem solving and critical skills so they can understand and address social issues and problems. We deliver programs that transform students into independent scholars and practitioners that can scrutinise complex information and solve complex social situations and issues.
Undergraduate
Graduate coursework
- Graduate Certificate in Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced)
- Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced)
- Master of Social Policy
Graduate research
Meet our Sociology, Social Policy and Social Theory staff
Sociology, Social Policy and Social Theory at the University of Melbourne brings together a team of seasoned experts in gender and race issues, diversity and Indigenous studies, inequality, cross-national research and public policy.
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Dr Ashley Barnwell
ARC Early Career Researcher
Phone: +61383444559
Email: ashley.barnwell@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Brendan Churchill
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Phone: +61390355636
Email: brendan.churchill@unimelb.edu.au -
Professor Lyn Craig
Professor of Sociology and Social Policy
Phone: +61383447840
Email: lyn.craig@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Liz Dean
Lecturer In Sociology (Teaching Specialist)
Phone: +61390353416
Email: ldean@unimelb.edu.au -
Professor Belinda Hewitt
Professor in Sociology
Phone: +61383441450
Email: belinda.hewitt@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Max Holleran
Urban Studies Foundation Research Fellow
Phone: +61383449771
Email: max.holleran@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Carmel Laragy
Senior Research Fellow
Phone: +61383444087
Email: carmel.laragy@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Rennie Lee
Academic Convenor Esprit Hallmark
Phone: +61390355273
Email: rennie.lee@unimelb.edu.au -
Professor Shelley Mallett
Professorial Fellow in Social Policy
Phone: +61383441903
Email: s.mallett@unimelb.edu.au -
Professor Keith Raymond McVilly
Professorial Fellow in Disability and Inclusion
Phone: +61383445366
Email: keith.mcvilly@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Geoffrey Mead
Lecturer in Sociology (MECAF)
Email: grmead@unimelb.edu.au
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Dr Nikki Moodie
Senior Lecturer in Indigenous Studies
Phone: +61383449217
Email: nikki.moodie@unimelb.edu.au -
Associate Professor Irma Mooi-Reci
Associate Professor in Social Policy
Phone: +61390354809
Email: irma.mooi@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Joshua Pocius
Lecturer In Gender Studies
Phone: +61383441588
Email: joshua.pocius@unimelb.edu.au -
Dr Signe Ravn
Senior Lecturer In Sociology
Phone: +61383440399
Email: signe.ravn@unimelb.edu.au -
Associate Professor Leah Ruppanner
Associate Professor of Sociology; Co-Director of The Policy Lab
Phone: +61390357454
Email: leah.ruppanner@unimelb.edu.au -
Associate Professor Dan Woodman
TR Ashworth Associate Professor in Sociology
Phone: +61383449081
Email: dan.woodman@unimelb.edu.au -
Associate Professor Jens Zinn
TR Ashworth Associate Professor in Sociology
Phone: +61383443533
Email: jzinn@unimelb.edu.au