Problem-solving sociology uses sociological insights and ideas to solve social problems, and uses the solving of social problems to advance sociological theory. See this brief introduction and this theoretical discussion, listen to the podcast, order the book, or watch a book talk.
We currently run the following initiatives:
virtual coffee hours (run by Filippo Barbera and Ji-won Lee)
the Problem-Solving Ethnography workshop (led by Paul Lichterman)
the Center on Global Poverty at Johns Hopkins University (formerly the Solving Global Poverty Collaborative)
periodic "solving panels"
annual dissertation proposal development workshops for graduate students
occasional reading groups
To subscribe to our mailing list, click here. Contact Monica Prasad if you would like to start a new reading group or discussion group or conference or workshop or other initiative under the problem-solving umbrella.
(To share your work, sign up for the PSS Virtual Coffee Hour or the Problem-Solving Ethnography workshop.)
February 6, 2026 at 11am EST
Panel: Teaching with a Problem-Solving Lens
March 6, 2026 at 11am EST
Problem Solving and Global Development: Fads, Fashions, Fantasies, Futility and Fixes?
with Sanjay Reddy
May 5, 2026 at 3pm EST
Closing the gender gap: strategies for advancing gender equality in STEM
with Elena De Gioannis
May 5, 2026 at 3pm EST
(in-person in Washington, D.C.)
Mirta Toledo, "Pure Diversity"