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, order the book, or watch a book talk.
We currently run the following initiatives:
virtual coffee hours (run by Ji-won Lee)
the Problem-Solving Ethnography workshop (led by Paul Lichterman)
the Center on Global Poverty at Johns Hopkins University (formerly the Solving Global Poverty Collaborative)
periodic "solving panels"
annual dissertation proposal development workshops for graduate students
occasional reading groups
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.)
April 22, 2025 at 10am Pacific time/1pm Eastern time/19:00 CEST1pm EST
Problem-Solving Ethnography Workshop with David Joseph-Goteiner
Sustaining Effort as a Survey Taker via Work Games: Distraction and Traction
April 25, 2025 at 1pm EST
JHU Center on Global Poverty/ASA Sociology of Development event
Please join us for a discussion of what happened, why, and where we go from here.
Date & Time: TBD
ASA Section on Sociology of Development
Mirta Toledo, "Pure Diversity"