Sociology Symposium
Portrait of a Tipping Point: Critical Questions for Social Scientists in 2025
Saturday, April 5, 2025
The Department of Sociology, Criminology and Human Services at Hartwick College organizes the second regional symposium for social scientists.
The title of this year's symposium is Portrait of a Tipping Point: Critical Questions for Social Scientists in 2025.
We invite all proposals, especially from undergraduate students, graduate students, and early career faculty in the Upstate New York area, to join us to discuss contemporary social issues, share ideas and opinions, and build a community of scholars.
2025 Symposium Topics
The symposium will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, offering a platform for young sociologists and established researchers to share their work, gain new insights, and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future of sociology and its role in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world.
The promise of the ascendancy of Western liberal democracy in the 21st century has gone largely unfulfilled. Instead, in the last decade, we have witnessed a rise in authoritarian politics, religious fundamentalism, and international conflicts that have been coupled with an increasing skepticism in scientific progress and independent journalism. We believe that 2025 represents a tipping point—a critical threshold in the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, science and incognizance, and cooperation and discord. Our symposium offers an opportunity to reflect on how we got to this point and where we might go from here.
“The modes of life brought into being by modernity have swept us away from all traditional types of social order, in quite unprecedented fashion. The transformations involved in modernity are more profound than most sorts of change characteristic of prior periods. They have served to establish forms of social interconnection which span the globe; they have come to alter some of the most intimate and personal features of our day-to-day existence.”
Anthony Giddens – The Consequences of Modernity
“It was inspiring to see students, faculty, and guests come together to engage with important issues like migration, inequality, and the future of democracy. I’m especially proud of our students who not only presented their research but also helped make the event happen behind the scenes.”
Dr. Elena Chernyak
Associate Professor of Sociology and Department Chair
“My favorite part of this event was being able to watch young scholars and undergraduate students present their research, along with getting an opportunity to host huge names in the field of sociology.”
Dr. Zachary McKenney
Assistant Professor of Sociology
“This symposium was another opportunity for me to demonstrate all the valuable oral and interpersonal skills I have learned from my time at Hartwick while forming connections with other academics in the sociological discipline.”
Tianna Wyskowski ’25
Sociology & Criminal Justice Majors, Anthropology Minor
“I will take the skills I observed and learned from this experience into my graduate program and my career. The professors in the sociology and criminal justice programs have been incredible and guided me to be the best version of my academic self, and I wouldn't have felt as prepared to present at this conference if it weren't for them.”
Giovanna Wall ’25
Sociology Major, Art and Psychology Minors
“It was so great to see what professionals are doing at other colleges and universities, but also to see the great work that other students are doing as well.”
Indigo Shepard ’27
Sociology Major, Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor