Founded in 1980, Sociology at Nankai University is one of China’s leading sociology departments. In 1982, it became the first sociology department since the discipline of Sociology’s restoration in China. We were one of the first few Sociology departments in China to provide the bachelor’s degree programme (1982) and the master’s programme (1984). Later, we started our Ph.D. programme (1997) in Sociology and soon in Demography (2003). In 2005, Sociology at Nankai University became “the discipline authorised to offer doctoral degree programme”. In 2006, Tianjin Municipal Government designated the department as one of the Municipal Key Disciplines.
Through the joint efforts of generations, the department of sociology has developed distinctive traditions and approaches in teaching, research, as well as social services. Students are encouraged to engage in social practice, in addition to the training in sociological theories and a wide range of research methods. Currently, we offer a full-range curriculum including undergraduate programme in Sociology, and three Master’s programmes (in Sociology, Demography, and Cultural Anthropology). In addition to our PhD programmes in Sociology, Demography, and Anthropology, we also provide research opportunities for postdoctoral associates.
Moreover, the department values academic exchanges with research institutions national wide and worldwide. Apart from hosting regular workshops and seminars with other Chinese academic institutions, we have established connections with Sociology and Anthropology departments across the world, including many renowned universities such as Duke University, the University of Minnesota, City University of Hong Kong, the University of North Carolina, and University of Birmingham.
In 2022, the Sociology at Nankai University now has 21 full-time faculty members, including nine professors, eight associate professors, four assistant professors, and research fellows. The current Head of Department is Professor Xuan Chaoqing. The faculty has particular research strengths in Sociology of Rurality, Sociology of Science, Sociology of Migration, Urban Sociology, Cultural Sociology and Sociology of Community. Chinese Sociological Thought and Social Construction are also the key themes of our research interests.
Faculty members of our department have edited three core textbooks (i.e., The History of Chinese Sociological Thought, The History of Western Sociological Thought, and A Review of Western Sociological Theories) for “the Marxism Research and Construction Project” of the Ministry of Education. In addition, we work on a number of projects supported by organisations including the National Social Science Fund, the Humanities and Social Sciences Fund of the Ministry of Education, as well as governments and industries. A number of major and important research findings from our faculty have been published in influential Chinese and international journals.
Throughout decades, our department have made significant contributions to the development of sociology in China. The faculty has won numerous awards and recognition for their scholarship in research. In the future, the department aims to make further progress in terms of research-led teaching in sociology, theoretical and empirical development of the discipline as well as providing wider social services.
