Research

The School of Social Science (SOSS) is a leading interdisciplinary research school within Faculty of Humanities. Through rigorous research, publications, public engagements, thought and policy leadership, the SOSS continues to shape knowledge production in South Africa, on the African continent and beyond.

Research takes place through individual research projects by academics in the school’s departments; as well as through research chairs, units and centres. The latter include the African Centre for Migration and Society, Demography and Population Studies, Diversity Studies, the History Workshop and the SARCHi chair in Political Theory.

Current key research areas in the SOSS include the climate crisis, gender inequality, migration, decoloniality across the social sciences, health, philosophy, political theory and religion. Through these research areas, the SOSS continues to ask fundamental questions about social relations and interactions. In addition, SOSS participates in a number of noteworthy international collaborations with multilateral organisations and international universities. Moreover, the expertise and contribution of the SOSS staff is recognised through their memberships in international working groups.

The SOSS also encourages the development of strong and impactful research through postgraduate programmes in all areas of the school. This research is shared through interdepartmental and cross faculty seminars, symposiums, and conferences at Wits and in local and international conferences.

Finally, the SOSS has a strong publication record, with highly cited academics based in the SOSS as well as awards for publications.