Who We Are
The Sociology Club is a student-led, grassroots collective committed to exploring how societies work — and how communities can thrive. We’re an informal, independent club, but deeply connected to the values and scholarly commitments of the Portland State University Sociology Department.
We bring together students, alumni, faculty, and community members who believe in curiosity, justice, and the power of learning together. Whether you’re brand new to sociology or knee-deep in theory, you’re welcome in our circle.
What We Believe
Our work grows from five grounding commitments:
- Community as a Practice Connection is not an afterthought — it’s a method. We foster a relational culture where people feel seen, respected, and encouraged to bring their full selves.
- Sociological Insight for Everyday Life We explore social structures, identities, histories, and institutions — always asking how these forces shape our lives and how we can respond with imagination and integrity.
- Justice at the Center In the spirit of PSU Sociology’s focus on equity, we examine inequality, uplift marginalized voices, and support projects that build a more just world (PSU Sociology Department, 2025).
- Collaborative Learning No gatekeeping. We share knowledge across differences in experience, background, and disciplinary training. Every member brings something valuable.
- Action Rooted in Understanding From community engagement to campus-based projects, we aim to bridge insight and impact — sociology in motion.
What We Do Together
We host conversations, reading circles, film nights, research workshops, meetup-style gatherings, volunteer opportunities, and student-led projects. Some events are structured; many are relaxed and informal. All are designed to help members learn, connect, and experiment with what sociology can be.
You’ll find us analyzing media, discussing current events, sharing research ideas, trading survival tips for academia, or organizing small community-focused initiatives. The vibe is welcoming, thoughtful, and grounded in mutual care.
Who Can Join
Anyone with an interest in the social world is welcome.
You don’t need to be a sociology major. You don’t need prior knowledge. You don’t need to know what Durkheim thought about anything (though you will — and it will be hilarious). All you need is curiosity and a willingness to think together.
Our Connection to PSU Sociology
While independent, our club reflects the department’s long-standing commitments to:
- community engagement
- social justice
- critical thinking
- accessible scholarship
- collaborative learning
- preparation for meaningful careers and graduate study
These values shape everything we do, from our events to our tone to our hopes for the campus community (PSU Sociology Department, 2025).
Why We Exist
Sociology thrives in community. PSU’s department is known for its faculty mentorship, its social justice orientation, and its engagement with Portland’s diverse communities. The Sociology Club extends this ecosystem by giving students a flexible, peer-centered place to explore ideas, build relationships, and imagine the futures they want to help shape.
We’re here to strengthen the sociological community at PSU — one conversation, one connection, one act of curiosity at a time.