To pre-order Prof. Jordan’s soon to be released book, Beer Ghosts, In Search Of Lost Hops and the Women Who Grew Them, visit the Chicago, The University of Chicago Press’s website by using their link to the article

The post Prof. Jennifer Jordan’s Book titled Beer Ghosts is scheduled to be released on October 20, 2026. appeared first on Sociology.

The post Prof. Chesley discusses how to help kids stay safe online with Fox6 News staff appeared first on Sociology.

The post Prof. Jordan to participate in a lecture series presented by the AGSL in February. appeared first on Sociology.

The post Prof. Cary Costello has been selected to receive the 2025 Elena Dominguez Award from the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center in recognition of his contributions to education and community service. appeared first on Sociology.

The post Prof. Gauchat, Prof. Chesley, and affiliate faculty member Prof. Bonds, are recognized as being among the top 2% of researchers in the world in 2024. appeared first on Sociology.

Science and Democracy: Revisiting the Institutional Model

Abstract
This talk revisits the relationship between science and democracy through the lens of the institutional model of science. Drawing on Merton’s classic formulation and recent developments in cultural and cognitive sociology, I argue that science is best understood as a norm-governed institution whose credibility depends on both normative commitments (e.g., universalism, communalism, skepticism) and epistemic practices (e.g., consistency, theorization, fallibilism). Using survey evidence on science literacy and public attitudes, I show that the cultural authority of science shapes how citizens evaluate democratic governance, with science providing a belief system for navigating complexity and uncertainty. At the same time, polarization and populist movements expose the fragility of this cultural affinity. By rethinking the institutional model, we can better explain how science sustains legitimacy in democratic societies—and why that legitimacy is vulnerable under conditions of distrust and ideological contestation.

The post Prof. Gauchat presented research at Northwestern University’s inaugural Symposium on Science and Politics, hosted by the Kellogg School’s Center for Science of Science and Innovation. appeared first on Sociology.

The post 51���� Sociology and Milwaukee Film Join Forces! appeared first on Sociology.

The post Sociology Professors John & Aki Roberts win Best Paper Award appeared first on Sociology.

The post Prof. Noelle Chesley to give keynote address at local conference appeared first on Sociology.

The post Prof. Gordon Gauchat’s recent publication is featured in the August edition of 51����’s INFOCUS appeared first on Sociology.