How have sociologists and/or economists historically defined or measured "middle class" in the United States or the developed world generally? I mean over the last 100-200 years. [more inside]
posted by Wretch729 on Feb 14, 2013 - 6 answers

Is there a science of division? (i.e. Models of the phenomenon that communities often split into two blocs with some degree of mutual antagonism. And/or empirical data that such models could be compared against.) [more inside]
posted by philipy on Nov 9, 2012 - 7 answers

Help me find a quote about how people are reluctant to notice the effects of historical and/or social forces on their lives. [more inside]
posted by toomuchkatherine on Jul 13, 2011 - 9 answers

What are the gripping must-reads in scientific sociology? What are sociological studies that really changed how we view certain cultures/groups etc? [more inside]
posted by zaebiz on Jun 6, 2010 - 13 answers

What are the best academic journals in each field? [more inside]
posted by ollyollyoxenfree on Jan 30, 2010 - 49 answers

Choosing a bachelor's degree program if I want to be a mediator: social science or sociology (or something else?) [more inside]
posted by Danila on Jun 25, 2009 - 17 answers

What have been the most important books in social science (including psychology, political science, sociology, anthropology, economics, "applied" social sciences like marketing, and so on) of the past 50 years?
posted by Malad on Jun 3, 2008 - 19 answers

What's some speculative fiction that uses magic or fictional technology to explore psychology, sociology, or political science in a deep way? I'm not as much interested here in fabulous monsters or space operas or even deep thinking about physics -- I'm interested in books that explore the nature of the mind and/or human society by imagining a world that worked differently.
posted by shivohum on Apr 13, 2008 - 45 answers