University research themes
At York, researchers collaborate across the University's seven interdisciplinary research themes to address the great scientific, social and environmental challenges of our times.
Sociology's world-leading research is at the heart of York's pioneering research agenda, tackling social challenges on an international scale.
Health and Wellbeing
Health is influenced by the social contexts in which we live. Our breadth of research expertise in the area of Health and Wellbeing allows us to tackle some of the biggest socio-economic challenges in the world of healthcare, influencing policy and practice and improving access to healthcare services.
Featured research
- Inherited blood disorders, globalisation and the promise of genomics: an Indian case-study
- Buildings in the making: a sociological exploration of architecture in the context of health and social care
- Sleep during recovery from drug and alcohol dependence: a sociological study of embodied change
- Pathways, practices and architectures: containing antimicrobial resistance in the cystic fibrosis clinic (PARC)
Justice and Equality
We produce pioneering research in the fields of equality and justice, influencing instrumental human rights jurisdictions, fighting for racial justice and ensuring a fairer world for everyone.
Featured research
- Parental social class and filial school level educational outcomes in contemporary Britain
- Reproductive justice? A critical examination of law and practice in the UK and South Africa
- How are sex, gender and health interwoven? Theoretical development in a Northern European context
- Making effective security decisions for dying prisoners
Culture and Communication
Culture and how we communicate shapes our identities, influences our social groups and changes the way we experience our society. Our culture and communication research is at the forefront of the field, and offers groundbreaking new insights into social and cultural practices.
Featured research
- Curating profusion: caring for the future and assembling value in homes and smaller museums
- Religious urbanisation and infrastructural lives in African mega-cities
- Non-religious childhood: growing up unbelieving in contemporary Britain
- Unsettling scientific stories: expertise, narrative and future histories