Sociology, BA: Structures of Opportunity and Inequality

Sociology - Structures of Opportunity and Inequality Concentration

What is the balance of individual self-determination and institutionalized constraint in shaping people’s lives? Social institutions such as the educational system and the economy sort people and distribute rewards, but their workings are profoundly shaped by persistent inequalities of class, ethnicity, gender, age, race, and nationality. How and why do such inequalities persist? How might opportunities be more fairly distributed? What sorts of individual and collective action affect existing structures of constraint?

The Sociology Major

The Sociology major helps students identify and explain patterns of social life and human behavior by emphasizing how large-scale social phenomena (such as class, race, and gender inequality) affect the everyday experiences of individuals and vice versa. The major prepares students for a career in a variety of fields such as law, medicine and healthcare, marketing, education, scholarly and applied social research, social work, demography, journalism and media, management in the public and private sectors, administration, and government. The program offers comprehensive advising and significant research and independent study opportunities. Our program is dedicated to nurturing a strong community of scholars, helping them grow academically and professionally under the large-scale mission of the College of Arts & Sciences.

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34. Double majors may entail more course units.

For more information: https://sociology.sas.upenn.edu/undergraduate/sociology-major-concentrations/structures-opportunity-and-inequality-concentration

For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.

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You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.

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Related courses outside of this list are subject to the approval of the Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies and Undergraduate Chair

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Students are encouraged to take some courses outside of their concentration.

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For the “2 SOCI or RELATED” requirement in the major, students in the Structures of Opportunity and Inequality Concentration can count any SOCI course, or courses outside of SOCI that either 1) devote a substantial portion of their subject matter to sociologically related issues and/or 2) discuss how opportunity is impacted by social structures.

Honors

Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.5 in the major.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study