The Department of Sociology is committed to fostering an inclusive culture which enhances diversity, promotes equality of opportunity, and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected.

Our research addresses some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and is used in policy-making across the world to reduce social inequalities. Actively working towards advancing equality, diversity and integration is at the core of our principles as a Department.

In 2022, the Department of Sociology was awarded the Athena Swan Bronze Award in recognition of its commitment to advancing gender equality. 

The Athena Swan Charter provides a framework to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research.

In recent years, we have developed a SMART Action Plan to address the Department’s key equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) challenges, and to set out the steps we are taking to achieve meaningful and lasting progress.

Our progress to date includes:

• Establishing an EDI Committee which, through critical reflection, implementation and monitoring, ensures that equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded across all departmental activities
• Introducing a part-time DPhil programme, and increasing places on the part-time MSc degree, to support students who may have caring, work or other responsibilities
• Actively strengthening EDI training provision for staff, with a particular emphasis on building awareness, inclusive practice, and accountability across the Department
• Participating in UNIQ+ and the Leverhulme Trust’s ‘Moving Beyond Inequality’ scholarships
• Contributing to wider University of Oxford initiatives, including the University Race Equality Strategy and Charter Action Plan

Our EDI Committee manages a small budget to support projects that enhance EDI across the Department, including (but not limited to) training initiatives. We welcome suggestions from staff and students on how this funding can be used to further strengthen and promote EDI activity.

We do not tolerate any form of harassment and expect all members of the University community to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration. The wellbeing of our community is a key priority and we strive to foster an open culture where everyone is heard, valued and encouraged to participate.