Sociology students' perceptions of themselves within the discipline - an international comparative analysis

Hordosy, Rita; Norris, Jennifer

Abstract

This paper looks at how sociology students at several different universities in three countries see their discipline and themselves within it. It draws on the Bernstein’s notion of powerful knowledge that disrupts inequalities, as well as Burawoy’s understanding of different sociologies. The international comparative research project this paper is based on uses a mixture of administrative data, curriculum documents, and staff and student interviews. It compares the research and teaching nexus in three European countries: England, Norway and Hungary. This paper draws on a total of 38 semi-structured online and inperson interviews with BA, MA and PhD students at five different institutions across the three countries. Here we explore, first, the changing numbers of enrolled student at BA, MA and PhD levels in the three countries based on administrative data. Second, it looks at the mixture of motivations students discuss regarding their disciplinary choice, such as: self-expression through sociology; experience of inequalities affecting others; broad interest in society and politics; and a generalist degree for employability. Third, the paper also explores how students understand the roles of a sociologist in society, including a discussion of the outputs and audiences of sociological research and teaching.

Citation

Hordosy, R., & Norris, J. (2023, April). Sociology students' perceptions of themselves within the discipline - an international comparative analysis. Presented at BSA Annual Conference 2023: Sociological Voices in Public Discourse, Manchester, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: BSA Annual Conference 2023: Sociological Voices in Public Discourse
• Start Date: Apr 12, 2023
• End Date: Apr 14, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jun 27, 2023
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/22353687
• Related Public URLs: https://www.britsoc.co.uk/media/26099/ac2023_abstract_book_day1.pdf
• Additional Information: Lecture given at the BSA Annual Conference 2023: Sociological Voices in Public Discourse, University of Manchester, Wednesday 12 April 2023, Paper Session 2.