C23: Sociology

The OU’s research in sociology reshapes practices, debates and policies across several domains of social, political and institutional life.

Research specialisms

• Culture, economy and the social
• Citizenship and governance
• The psycho-social

Headline results

• OU research in Sociology was ranked 4^th in the UK for its quality and quantity using the Times Higher Education Power Score
• 84% of OU research was assessed as 4* or 3* for impact

Research highlights

Research by the OU's faculty of Social Sciences into the marketization of care in different political regimes has influenced the Labour Party's view of childcare as being central to its social policies.

Our research has built a global network to examine the changing nature of citizenship and governance across the world and to understand its relationship with the rights of citizens, particularly those from marginalised groups.

OU research on sexuality and intimacy has had a direct impact on policy and practice concerning personal relationships in the UK. The Bisexuality Report (the first of its kind), has informed public debate and understanding of bisexuality and been downloaded over 50,000 times. Our Enduring Love? report, addressing how relationships survive the stresses of 21st-century life, and what can be learned from couples who stay together, has generated huge interest nationally and internationally.