Research in Sociology
Our sociologists have multifaceted expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Our research is also characterised by a strong theoretical orientation. We are actively involved in national and international research networks, and interact with society.
Sociology at the University of Turku focuses on the following research areas:
Politics: We study political imagination and utopias, social movements, social theory and politics of knowledge, polarisation and political economy.
Social inequality: We examine inequalities related to class, gender and race/ethnicity, inequality related to appearance, inequality of education and intergenerational transmittance of inequality.
Gender: Our research addresses educational and occupational gender segregation, gender identities, the relationship between appearance and gender, and feminist politics and theory.
Health and wellbeing: We study health policy, welfare state, health-related expertise and contestation, and therapeutic culture.
Work: Our research focuses on gendered divisions in the labour market and the changing concepts and structures of work in sustainability transformation.
Culture: We are interested in questions of consumption, lifestyle, social norms, agency, trauma and experientiality.
Ongoing Research Projects
Funded by FORMAS (Forskningsrådet for miljö, areella näringar och samhällsbyggande, 2024-2025), PI Özlem Celik
Funded by Turku Urban Research Programme, PI Hannu Ruonavaara / Aleksi Karhula
Funded by Kone Foundation (2024.2028), PI Emma Lamberg
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Hannu Ruonavaara / Aleksi Jalovaara, web site: https://smartland.fi/
Funded by Kone Foundation (2025-2028), PI Johanna Nurmi
Completed research projects
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Elina Kilpi-Jakonen
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Marika Jalovaara, web site: https://sites.utu.fi/nefer/
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Katri Aaltonen
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Mirkka Danielsbacka
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Antti Tanskanen
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Leen Rahnu
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Jani Erola
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Suvi Salmenniemi, web site: https://polima.fi/
Funded by the the Finnish Work Environment Fund, PI Suvi Salmenniemi, web site: https//:sites.utu.fi/pofotyo/
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Elina Kilpi-Jakonen
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Outi Sarpila, web site: https://soma.utu.fi/
Funded by the Academy of Finland, PI Satu Helske, web site: https://sites.utu.fi/predlife/