Wendy Nelson Espeland

Florida Education Commissioner Manny Díaz, right, with Gov. Ron DeSantis at a news conference in Miami on May 9, 2023. Díaz posted in 2023, that “Sociology has been hijacked by left-wing activists and no longer serves its intended purpose as a general knowledge course for students.” All Florida state universities now exclude sociology classes from meeting core requirements. (Pedro Portal/El Nuevo Herald)

Wendy Nelson Espeland: Sociology is taking it on the chin. Here’s how we can preserve this critical field of study

February 3, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Many parents have asked the timeless question: “What do you do with a degree in sociology?”

John Mitchell with his deer phone in 2012. (Wendy Nelson Espeland)

Wendy Nelson Espeland: How my family embraces love and laughter across the political divide

November 27, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

My relationship with my beloved brother-in-law can offer lessons to those facing family trauma in times of perilous politics.

People attend the procession for Queen Elizabeth II's coffin Sept. 12, 2022, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Wendy Nelson Espeland: Why has the queen’s death moved Americans? Ritual plays a huge part in our lives.

September 13, 2022 at 3:19 p.m.

Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8, the power of ritual has been front and center. It's been moving to witness, and even some people who are...

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