Sociology allows students to develop a “vivid awareness of the relationship between personal experience and the wider society" (C. Wright Mills), a sociological imagination.
Through examination of topics such as socio-economic class, race and ethnicity, family, gender, health and medicine, sexuality, education, media, immigration—in the US and across the world— students come to an appreciation of how the lives of individuals are deeply connected to larger social structures and histories.
Sociology Department Statement on Racism and Violence against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders
Racism and xenophobia directed at Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders have long histories in US society; those attacks have become more common, visible and recognized this past year. Many in our community have experienced or witnessed such acts, causing fear and uncertainty. The Sociology Department strongly condemns this racism and violence against Asians and Asian Americans and we stand with and ready to protect and defend our classmates, colleagues, friends, and family members. As sociologists, we know that gendered and classed racism has deep roots and many forms in American society. We remain deeply committed to working toward racial justice and inclusivity for all groups at Bowdoin, in the United States and beyond.
Sociology Department Statement on Black Lives Matter
We, as faculty and staff of the Sociology Department at Bowdoin College, condemn the white supremacy, institutionalized racism, and state-sanctioned violence responsible for the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Dion Johnson, Tony McDade, Rayshard Brooks, and countless other Black people.
This letter is especially directed to our current and former students engaging in these ongoing struggles for justice. We see you, and we support you in this call for action.