Problem-solving sociology uses sociological insights and ideas to solve social problems, and uses the solving of social problems to advance sociological theory. See this brief introduction and this theoretical discussion, listen to the podcast, order the book, or watch a book talk.
We currently run the following initiatives:
virtual coffee hours (run by Filippo Barbera and Ji-won Lee)
the Center on Global Poverty at Johns Hopkins University
periodic "solving panels"
a book series with Cambridge University Press; more information coming soon
To subscribe to our mailing list, click here. Contact Monica Prasad if you would like to start a new reading group or discussion group or conference or workshop or other initiative under the problem-solving umbrella.
(To share your work, sign up for the PSS Virtual Coffee Hour or the Problem-Solving Ethnography workshop.)
August 10, 2026 at 12pm EST
How Can Sociology Build a Better World?
Plenary Session at the 2026 ASA annual meeting
September 25, 2026 at 11am EST
Webinar with Tomasso Vitale (SciencesPo)
October 9, 2026 at 11am EDT
Perspectives on Solving the Crises in Gaza
Problem-Solving Panel with Lisa Hajjar, Areej Sabbagh-Khoury, Gay Seidman, and Joseph Kaplan Weinger
Mirta Toledo, "Pure Diversity"