Critical & analytical thinking
A black-and-white image of Reuben May smiling at the camera.
Watch this year's MLK Lecture from Dr. Reuben A. Buford May - "Pack Your Bags: It's Time for Some Action"
Sociology's department head, Dr. Reuben A. Buford May, was the invited speaker for this year's MLK Lecture at the Illini Union on January 21, 2026. The recording of his lecture, entitled "Pack Your Bags: It's Time for Some Action," is available for viewing...
Dr Asef Bayat looking into the camera
In interview with Illinois News Bureau, Dr. Asef Bayat provides insight on Iranian protest movement
Dr. Asef Bayat, Professor of Sociology and Catherine and Bruce Bastian Professor of Global and Transnational Studies, gave an interview to the Illinois News Bureau to share his views on the ongoing protest movements in Iran. You can...
Christina Kamis smiles at the viewer; she is standing in front of a marble staircase.
Dr. Christina Kamis publishes new research on neighborhood disadvantages, emotional distress, and age acceleration
Dr. Christina Kamis, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Illinois, has released a new co-authored paper examining how people who live in disadvantaged neighborhoods and experience emotional distress are prone to aging at an accelerated rate.Her work was featured in a...
A photo of Dr. Ruby Mendenhall. She is smiling at the camera and wearing a red jacket.
Dr. Ruby Mendenhall recieves Anthem Award for new documentary film on the effects of gun violence
Congratulations to Dr. Ruby Mendenhall, whose new documentary "What's Left Behind? Grief After Gun Violence" won a Silver Anthem Award from the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences!...
A photo of Dr. Jose Atiles looking at the camera.
Dr. Jose Atiles is a Critical Criminologist of the Year
Dr. Jose Atiles is a co-recipient of the 2025 Critical Criminologist of the Year award from the American Society of Criminology (ASC) Division on Critical Criminology & Social Justice. This award, the highest honor in Critical Criminology, recognizes scholars whose work exemplifies exceptional...
Promotional image for What's Left Behind? The Documentary. Film title is overlaid over a close-up of a brick wall lit with red and blue light.
What's Left Behind?: The Documentary
CHICAGO -- What’s Left Behind?: The Documentary delves  into the enduring trauma and the limited resources available to families impacted by gun violence in Chicago. Executive Director and Documentarian Dr. Janice Collins,...

Socius

The Department of Sociology proudly houses Socius, the American Sociological Association’s only open access online journal that publishes peer-reviewed high-quality research of a wide range of topics as rapidly as possible.

Editorial team:
Editor: Tim F. Liao
Managing Editor: Gretchin Gifford
Editorial Associates: Ting-Syuan Lin, Alex Kaiser, & Quinesha Bentley

Recently published papers can be viewed on the Socius webpage.

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A photo of Dr. Reuben May

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Reuben A. Buford May's research into discrimination in urban nightlife featured by Illinois News Bureau

The Illinois News Bureau released an article discussing Dr. May's recent co-authored paper as well as his other research into racism in urban nightlife. Read the full release from the Illinois News Bureau here.

Publication Spotlight: Yusuf Karipek's paper on transnational repression published in Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies

Congratulations to Yusuf Karipek on the recent publication of his paper Ties that bind, documents that trap: transnational repression through abuse of consular services, examining how states exert power over emigrant citizens across borders. Read the article in the latest edition of the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (institutional access available for University of Illinois faculty, staff, and students).