Sociology

In the Sociology Department, we study attitudes and behaviours in mostly Western societies; we conduct quantitative research on themes such as educational inequality, inclusion processes, family formation, and lifestyles. One distinguishing aspect is our comparative approach, meaning we study people in various families, neighbourhoods and societies. We collect and analyze large-scale survey information to provide valuable insights into social trends and patterns. We aim to demonstrate a high level of expertise in utilizing state-of-the-art statistical methods to test hypotheses based on well-established theories.

Research

Our research explores longitudinal and cross-country comparisons on a broad range of topics.  We have been involved in the collection of survey data as in the Family Survey Dutch Population (FSDP), the Netherlands’ Life Course Survey (NELLS), and the Social and Cultural Development in the Netherlands survey (SOCON).  Our research is embedded within the Radboud Social and Cultural Research Institute (RadboudSCR).

Check out our most recent research projects

Member of ICS

We are a member of the Interuniversity Center for Social Science Theory and Methodology, an academic institution that focuses on providing graduate-level education and research opportunities in various domains, such as social sciences. 

Discover ICS

News

Groep studenten die buiten korfbal speelt op de velden van het sportcentrum

Young people sport less when they get their first job, but social support helps

Every year, around 90,000 young people make the transition from school to work. A large number of them start to participate in sports less during this transition. Those who participate less in sports usually do not pick it up again automatically.

Group of different people volunteering at a foodbank.

Why nobody can break volunteer work

Why are so many people still willing to volunteer in an age of individualisation? Meijerens' research shows something striking: the number of people who stop volunteering for refugees is many times higher than those who continue to volunteer.

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Boys perform less well in secondary school than girls because of 'bad friends'

Secondary school boys get lower grades than girls and this is partly due to the fact that their friends are more likely to misbehave at school. That is the conclusion of a research study conducted by educational sociologist Margriet van Hek.

Contact information

Visiting address
Thomas Van Aquinostraat 4
6525GD Nijmegen
024-3613013
Postal address
Postbus 9104
6500HE NIJMEGEN