research questions about sociology

30 sociology research questions for your next project

Last updated

30 April 2024

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Being a human being and living in modern society can be confusing and complicated. A wide range of historical, behavioral, and structural factors impact our day-to-day experiences. People who study sociology aim to better understand how culture, social interactions , and relationships impact individual and collective well-being.

Sociology research helps provide answers that policymakers, entrepreneurs, and individuals can use to improve the lives of local and global communities. But they can only do this if they ask and address the right questions.

Use this article to kickstart your research. It will help you choose an in-demand sociology research question to explore for your next project or assignment.

• Why sociology research matters

Sociology is a diverse, complex, and essential area of study. It’s the study of life, social change, and human behaviors. Sociology research explores how societal structures and organizations impact everyday life and well-being.

Social communication and interaction are fundamental components of the human experience. Studying these topics in detail helps uncover flaws or biases within our societal structures that impact particular individuals or groups of people.

To properly address societal issues, we first need to identify and understand them. Conducting your own high-quality sociology research gives you the opportunity to explore a topic you are passionate about. You can contribute valuable information to improve our existing societal structures and systems.

• How to choose a great sociology research topic

Whether you’re choosing a topic for a school project or want to expand into a new niche with your existing research practices, choosing the right sociology research question is essential during the early stages of your work.

The topic and people you choose to study will greatly differ depending on what you have access to. So, to make your efforts worthwhile, we recommend considering the following points before you make your final decision:

Consider your bandwidth

It’s easy to get in over your head with a particularly ambitious research project .

To be able to produce the best work and ensure you can actually complete your project, consider the following questions before choosing your research question :

What is my research project timeline?

How much support do I have to complete my research?

What research tools and platforms do I have access to?

How much research experience do I have?

Factor in your target audience

Sociology is the study of human behavior, so your study participants will significantly impact the results.

Depending on the scope of your work, research questions that focus on harder-to-access groups may pose a challenge for students, novice researchers, or projects with little funding. Children, people living in rural areas, or people with particular health conditions are all examples of groups that are harder to access for research.

So, depending on your experience level, resources, and support, you should consider these limitations before choosing a research question that involves working with these groups.

Focus on your skills

Everyone has a set of skills they bring to the table. If you want to get the most bang for your buck with your research efforts, lean into your skills when choosing your research question.

Sociology is a diverse area of study that has plenty of room for both anecdotal and emotional research and statistical analysis . For this reason, you need to factor in your preferences and skillset when you decide which type of question to pursue.

If you love talking to people and collecting nuanced opinions, a qualitative -focused question will best suit your project. Or, you might prefer more numeric analysis. In this case, choosing a question that allows you to collect quantitative data about a specific population will be better suited to your skill set.

Catch up on the latest trends

Finally, one of the most important things to consider when choosing your sociology research question is the existing trends within your area of study.

Reading up on the latest research projects surrounding your topic is an absolute must. It’s a great way to stay involved in the research community and ensure you don’t accidentally copy or repeat existing research.

Additionally, your research will become more nuanced and impactful the more plugged into your topic you are. Getting to grips with existing research will provide inspiration and ideas, particularly about knowledge gaps or challenges, giving your project the best chance of success.

• Sociology research questions for college students

Sociology research is a common project or assignment for college students looking to learn more about human behavior and society. 

College students are often limited by time, resources, and funding. However, they can still explore plenty of incredibly interesting and important sociology research questions. And hey, you never know, maybe this first project will kickstart your career as a sociology researcher!

Consider these examples of trending sociology research topics for college students:

How prevalent is bullying in a particular age category, and what strategies can we use to tackle it?

How does student debt impact college student spending habits?

What impact does living on campus vs. living off campus have on student friendships in the first year of university?

What are the most commonly reported stressors reported by rural students moving to campus for university?

How do students respond to group projects vs. individual assignments, and which option is best suited for post-secondary education?

• Sociology research questions about cultural bias

Culture (the behaviors, teachings, and beliefs that a group of people shares) plays a significant role in modern society. It’s often attributed to a specific region or location and is created by groups of like-minded people sharing ideas, opinions, and values.

Culture significantly influences how people interact with the world around them, and studying this impact is a hot-button topic for sociologists.

Here are some examples of sociology research questions about culture and cultural bias:

To what extent does cultural bias impact female empowerment?

What are the predominant traits a person who describes themselves as a “patriot” would attribute to themselves?

To what extent does Westernized culture impact health and wellness?

How are people who belong to cultural minorities treated differently from the majority?

How has globalization and social media affected the concept of cultural heritage?

• Sociology research questions about religion

Around the world, religion is a powerful connecting force. Some of the most commonly known religions today have thousands of years of history and impact.

Because of its prevalence and influence, it’s no surprise that religion is a common topic for sociology researchers—especially as the global community becomes more connected and aware of different religious practices.

Examples of trending sociology research questions about religion include the following:

To what extent should schools teach students about religion?

How important is it for [a particular group of people] to follow the rules of their chosen religion? Why do they feel it’s important to do so?

How does spirituality differ from religious practice?

How has religion shaped the structures of modern Western society?

Is it important for people to participate in traditional religious ceremonies, and how do they feel when participating?

• Sociology research questions about race and society

The impact of race and ethnicity on a person’s well-being and worldview is always a worthwhile topic to explore. It’s one of the more prevalent themes in sociology research.

Despite the world being more connected than ever, many of our society’s foundational social structures place unnecessary barriers that block people from minority ethnic groups from accessing the same opportunities as the majority.

Sociology research exploring the role of race and ethnicity in society can help provide insights into why this happens. We can use these insights to combat social inequities.

Here are five examples of sociology research questions focused on race, ethnicity, and society:

How does a person’s ethnic background impact their dietary preferences?

To what extent does race impact annual income?

What are the healthcare barriers people from ethnic minorities most commonly report experiencing?

How does international travel impact a person’s understanding of race and ethnicity?

How likely are people from the [X] ethnic community to experience stress, and what are the effects of this?

• Sociology research questions about generational differences

Generational differences play a significant role in how a person communicates with, relates to, and understands the people and environment around them.

New generations are entering the workforce and older generations are heading toward retirement. This means you can collect a wealth of information about each group’s experiences, opinions, values, and concerns.

Things like technology, political opinions, and family values are hot-button topics that differ from generation to generation. Choosing a research question that focuses on generational differences will likely be a great choice if you find any of these topics interesting.

Here are some example questions to consider:

To what extent should younger generations be expected to learn from their elders?

What are the financial differences between baby boomers and millennials?

How do different generations feel about the future?

How are people born before 1965 adapting to new changes in technology?

What are the most common stressors reported by people from different generations, and how do they differ from each other?

• Controversial sociology research questions

“Controversial” research topics are a popular option for many researchers. This is because they are compelling, modern, and useful for shedding light on emotionally charged topics.

Depending on your personal worldview and opinions, these topics may not be controversial or contentious at all. But, as questions that cover topics that trigger a strong emotional response in certain groups of people, these research questions are worth exploring.

Here are some examples of “controversial” sociology research questions: 

To what extent has social media changed communication, and should it be better monitored or regulated?

How have anti-LGBTQ+ policies impacted the health and well-being of people in that community?

How has diet culture impacted how young women feel about their bodies?

To what extent does student debt impact a person’s ability to thrive after post-secondary education?

How does a person’s political views impact their core values?

• Sociology research is essential 

Sociology is a vibrant, unique, and important area of study. Thorough research in this area, regardless of the topic, is always a valuable endeavor. It helps you gain a better understanding of human life, behavior, and connection.

No matter the size and breadth of your next research project or assignment, choosing the right research question will help you uncover important information about society and its structures.

Help break down existing barriers and improve the quality of life for people around the world by conducting your own sociology research on a topic that resonates with your values and experiences. Any insights you collect are valuable and could play a key role in improving the human experience.

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100 Sociology Research Topics You Can Use Right Now

Sociology is a study of society, relationships, and culture. It can include multiple topics—ranging from class and social mobility to the Internet and marriage traditions. Research in sociology is used to inform policy makers , educators , businesses , social workers , non-profits , etc.

Below are 100 sociology research topics you can use right now, divided by general topic headings. Feel free to adapt these according to your specific interest. You'll always conduct more thorough and informed research if it's a topic you're passionate about.

Art, Food, Music, and Culture

• Does art imitate life or does life imitate art?
• How has globalization changed local culture?
• What role does food play in cultural identity?
• Does technology use affect people's eating habits?
• How has fast food affected society?
• How can clean eating change a person's life for the better?
• Should high-sugar drinks be banned from school campuses?
• How can travel change a person for the better?
• How does music affect the thoughts and actions of teenagers?
• Should performance artists be held partially responsible if someone is inspired by their music to commit a crime?
• What are some examples of cultural misappropriation?
• What role does music play in cultural identity?

Social Solutions and Cultural Biases

• What (if any) are the limits of free speech in a civil society?
• What are some reasonable solutions to overpopulation?
• What are some ways in which different types of media content influence society's attitudes and behaviors?
• What is the solution to stop the rise of homegrown terrorism in the U.S.?
• Should prescription drug companies be allowed to advertise directly to consumers?
• Is the global warming movement a hoax? Why or why not?
• Should the drinking age be lowered?
• Should more gun control laws be enacted in the U.S.?
• What bias exists against people who are obese?
• Should polygamy be legal in the U.S.? Why or why not?
• Should there be a legal penalty for using racial slurs?
• Should the legal working age of young people be raised or lowered?
• Should the death penalty be used in all cases involving first-degree murder?
• Should prisons be privately owned? Why or why not?
• What is privilege? How is it defined and how can it be used to gain access to American politics and positions of power?
• How are women discriminated against in the workplace?
• What role does feminism play in current American politics?
• What makes a patriot?
• Compare/analyze the social views of Plato and Aristotle
• How has labor migration changed America?
• What important skills have been lost in an industrialized West?
• Is the #MeToo movement an important one? Why or why not?
• What conflict resolution skills would best serve us in the present times?
• How can violence against women be dealt with to lower incidence rates?
• Should students be allowed to take any subject they want in High School and avoid the ones they don't like?
• How should bullies be dealt with in our country's schools?
• Do standardized tests improve education or have the opposite effect?
• Should school children be forced to go through metal detectors?
• What is the best teacher/student ratio for enhanced learning in school?
• Do school uniforms decrease teasing and bullying? If so, how?
• Should teachers make more money?
• Should public education be handled through private enterprises (like charter schools)?
• Should religious education be given priority over academic knowledge?
• How can schools help impoverished students in ways that won't embarrass them?
• What are ethical values that should be considered in education?
• Is it the state's role or the parents' role to educate children? Or a combination of both?
• Should education be given more political priority than defense and war?
• What would a perfect educational setting look like? How would it operate and what subjects would be taught?

Marriage and Family

• How should a "family" be defined? Can it be multiple definitions?
• What is a traditional role taken on by women that would be better handled by a man (and vice versa)?
• How has marriage changed in the United States?
• What are the effects of divorce on children?
• Is there a negative effect on children who are adopted by a family whose ethnicity is different than their own?
• Can children receive all they need from a single parent?
• Does helicopter parenting negatively affect children?
• Is marriage outdated?
• Should teens have access to birth control without their parents' permission?
• Should children be forced to show physical affection (hugs, etc.) to family members they're uncomfortable around?
• What are the benefits (or negative impact) of maintaining traditional gender roles in a family?
• Are social networks safe for preteens and teens? Why or why not?
• Should the government have a say in who can get married?
• What (if any) are the benefits of arranged marriages?
• What are the benefits for (or negative impact on) children being adopted by LGBTQ couples?
• How long should two people date before they marry?
• Should children be forced to be involved in activities (such as sports, gymnastics, clubs, etc.), even when they'd rather sit at home and play video games all day?
• Should parents be required to take a parenting class before having children?
• What are potential benefits to being married but choosing not to have children?

Generational

• Should communities take better care of their elderly? How?
• What are some generational differences among Generations X, Y, and Z?
• What benefits do elderly people get from interaction with children?
• How has Generation Y changed the country so far?
• What are the differences in communication styles between Generation X and Generation Y (Millennials)?
• Why could we learn from our elders that could not be learned from books?
• Should the elderly live with their immediate family (children and grandchildren)? How would this resolve some of our country's current problems?
• What are some positive or negative consequences to intergenerational marriage?

Spiritualism, religion, and superstition

• Why do some people believe in magic?
• What is the difference between religion and spiritualism?
• Should a government be a theocracy? Why or why not?
• How has religion helped (or harmed) our country?
• Should religious leaders be able to support a particular candidate from their pulpit?
• How have religious cults shaped the nation?
• Should students at religious schools be forced to take state tests?
• How has our human connection with nature changed while being trapped in crowded cities?
• Which generation from the past 200 years made the biggest impact on culture with their religious practice and beliefs? Explain your answer.

Addiction and Mental Health

• How should our society deal with addicts?
• What are ethical values that should be considered in mental health treatment?
• Should mental health be required coverage on all insurance policies?
• Is mental health treatment becoming less stigmatized?
• How would better access to mental health change our country?
• What are some things we're addicted to as a society that are not seen as "addiction," per se?
• Should medicinal marijuana be made legal?
• What are some alternative treatments for mental health and wellness instead of antidepressants?
• Has social media helped or harmed our society?
• Are video games addictive for young people and what should be done to curb the addiction?
• Should all recreational drugs be made legal?
• How has mental health treatment changed in the past 20 years?
• Should recreational marijuana be made legal?
• How is family counseling a good option for families going through conflict?