Research

Researching Society, Politics and Social Change

The School of Political Science and Sociology conducts internationally recognised research on the social and political challenges shaping contemporary societies. Bringing together Political Science, Sociology, Applied Social Sciences, and Gender and Women's Studies, our research combines theoretical innovation, rigorous empirical inquiry and a commitment to societal impact. Through interdisciplinary research communities, we address issues including democracy, conflict, sustainability, equality, children and families, education and social justice. Working in partnership with policymakers, communities and international collaborators, we produce research that advances knowledge, informs public debate and contributes to positive social change.

"The School of Political Science and Sociology has a rich tradition of research in the social sciences. Social Science research is fundamentally guided by the question of ‘why’ – which is used by sociologists, political scientists and theorists to explore questions of justice, inequality, political and social structures, sustainability, social reproduction and the production of policies and operation of practices. While each cluster/centre engages in focused research in their topic areas, they contribute, holistically, to an engaged research environment that tackles critical societal issues through applied, empirical, and theoretical work. Research in the School has influenced policy, practice, and legislation, in Ireland and internationally, in areas including domestic and sexual violence, child protection, youth agency and family support, as well as shaped thinking and approaches to the study of conflict, political engagement, sustainable communities and equitable education."

Dr Stacey Scriver, School Research Committee Chair