Institute of Sociology

“As I see it, the specific function of science is to make a problem out of something that is generally understood.” (Max Weber)

Sociology explores every area of social life, including education, employment, politics, economics, art and culture. It studies how institutions, power structures, values and relationships change in the face of an increasingly complex society and how people come to terms with it. It uncovers hidden information and questions the seemingly obvious.
The Institute of Sociology (SfS-HSG) regards itself as a research unit within the broader science community. We work with a number of national and international universities and research institutes, and also house the Pierre Bourdieu Foundation along with its photographic archive. The foundation coordinates the network “for a European Research Space in Social Sciences”.