The ASA Sociology of Development Section is home to the many sociologists who study how social, political, and economic development impacts institutions, social relations, and the environment.

No ASA section devotes a majority or a large share of its activities to development issues. Many sections partially address development, such as Economic Sociology, PEWS, Comparative Historical, Sex and Gender, and Global/Transnational. However, most of these sections have other important agendas; the vitality and dynamism of these different research programs bear the unfortunate cost of relegating development to secondary status. Furthermore, many sections are relatively homogenous theoretically or methodologically. In contrast, the study of development is extremely diverse. World systems theorists, functionalists, comparative macro-sociologists, demographers, feminist theorists, economic sociologists, and spatial theorists all study development. Few sections could easily accommodate all of these “scholar-types.”

Our section promotes more significant interaction, collaboration, and mutual support among development sociologists through activities at the Annual Meetings. Panels and receptions at ASA provide forums for development sociologists to present work to peers and for networking. In addition, particularly exemplary work could be recognized by awarding prizes for notable books, articles, dissertations, or careers. During the rest of the year, members are supported by periodic electronic communications, webinars, and our bi-annual newsletter. These outlets provide information about funding, publications, and job openings, as well as providing opportunities for electronic peer discourse and collaboration. We also sponsor conferences on topics of interest to the members and a policy-brief series to examine the policy implications of development thinking..

The Sociology of Development Section discerns how poverty, economic inequality, transnationalism, intersectionality, and regime change impact the significant problems facing both American and global society. Economic trends cause ecological changes that affect the planet. Development affects labor markets and earnings opportunities, which changes gender relations and the family structure. Finally, development shapes the forms of new social movements and modalities of engagement. For sociology to speak cogently to the social problems of today, the discipline must be grounded in development perspectives