Social Sciences (Faculty & Staff)

At its core, Michael Burawoy believed the science of sociology was, even when encased in the stodgy halls of academia, a study of possible solutions to improve the world. As such, it was natural for theories from the profession to be used to advocate for social change.

Not all of his colleagues believed sociologists should be personally on the picket lines or protesting.

But Burawoy was different because that’s exactly what he was doing toward the end of his life.

In February, the legendary Berkeley sociologist was...

UC Berkeley's College of Letters & Science is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 L&S Faculty Awards. This distinguished award recognizes each awardee's exceptional scholarship, service to the College and community, and transformational teaching. These extraordinary individuals not only embody the excellence of the College of Letters & Science, but they also serve as an inspiration to the entire campus community. The recipients will be honored at a private ceremony on Wednesday, May 14....

Incoming Cal Psychology Professor Jasmin Brooks Stephens was named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her achievements in healthcare. Stephens conducted the first known study that revealed discrimination was associated with the development of suicide capability — one’s ability to act on suicidal thoughts or intentions — among Black adults.

As an undergraduate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Stephens explored the relationship between race and mental health within Black communities, inspiring her to pursue a career in clinical...

Restaurants, retail stores and other small businesses, long thought to be vulnerable to increases in the minimum wage, generally do not cut jobs and may actually benefit when governments raise minimum pay, according to a new study co-authored at UC Berkeley.

The prevailing wisdom among many business owners and policymakers is that when the minimum wage rises, smaller low-wage employers suffer more from higher labor costs and are more likely to cut jobs. But the...