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Sociologists from around the country explore Scotland’s changing society
Abertay University welcomed sociologists from across Scotland on Friday 27 June for the British Sociological Association’s (BSA) Scottish Sociology Study Group symposium.
The event, Understanding the Scottish Present through the Sociological Lens, brought together academics, researchers and students for a packed programme of talks, papers and panel discussions exploring how sociology can help us make sense of contemporary Scotland and its future direction.
Speakers from universities and sociology departments across the country shared insights on a wide range of topics, from theoretical approaches to empirical research on health, the environment and the state of the contemporary university.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor David McCrone, emeritus professor of Sociology at the University of Edinburgh and one of Scotland’s most influential sociologists.
Drawing on his forthcoming book Changing Scotland: Society, Politics and Identity, Professor McCrone highlighted how the profound social changes seen in Scotland since the 1970s have shaped the nation’s political landscape, including the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament. He argued that understanding these changes through a sociological lens is key to grasping Scotland’s national identity and imagining its future.
Dr Paul Gilfillan of Queen Margaret University, convenor of the BSA Scottish Sociology Study Group, said:
It was great to gather in person for the first time in a few years and bring sociologists from across Scotland into one space, with most of the Scottish universities had representation, which was important. The quality and diversity of the talks from theoretical discussions to research on health, the environment, and the state of the contemporary university was excellent. There was something for everyone, and the social side of the day offered valuable opportunities for conversation and networking too. The atmosphere in Dundee, with graduation celebrations also taking place, made the day feel even more special. A big thank you to Abertay for being such a welcoming host, and a special thanks to Professor Alex Law and Vivien Collie for all their help with the many arrangements.
Professor Alex Law, Professor of Sociology at Abertay said:
It was a pleasure to help organise and host the BSA Scottish Sociology Study Group at Abertay. The day offered a wonderful opportunity for Scotland’s sociologists to come together, share research, spark new ideas and reconnect after the challenges of recent years. Sociology provides a unique set of tools for understanding the fast-moving and often unsettling social, political and cultural changes all around us. By using the sociological imagination, we can better make sense of the times we live in and critically reflect on the kind of society we wish to build for the future. The event was a real success, and I look forward to seeing how these conversations continue to develop.
The BSA Scottish Sociology Study Group works to strengthen the discipline of sociology in Scotland by fostering collaboration, encouraging critical debate, and supporting sociologists at all career stages.
