“Sociology is the systematic study of human society and social behavior.”
— C. Wright Mills
What is the
International Sociology Olympiad?
The International Sociology Olympiad offers students the opportunity to apply sociological thinking to the world’s most pressing social challenges, from mass surveillance and digital inequality the shifting structures of identity, culture, and power.
The Olympiad is divided into two rounds: Regional and International.
Participants in the regional round will write a case study analysis capped at 1000-words. Strong submissions will be backed by theory, data, and real-world examples and apply key sociological frameworks, engage deeply with the topic, and offer critical, thoughtful insights.
Essays will be judged on their:
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Originality
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Clarity of analysis
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Depth of sociological reasoning
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Use of real-world evidence
(see our Guidelines and Rules page for more details).
The top students from each region will advance to the international round for a live online debate. In this round, students will take on the roles of sociologists, policymakers, or activists as they respond to a simulated sociological crisis and propose solutions or interventions based on theory and evidence.
Debates will be judged on:
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Strength of argumentation
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Sociological depth and relevance
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Historical and cultural awareness
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Clarity and persuasiveness
See our Guidelines and Rules page for more information.
The Olympiad is entirely online and is an individual competition open to high school students globally.
Judges Panel
We are proud to introduce the judging panel for the International Economics Olympiad. Our team includes sociologysts and sociology professors from the most prestigious institutions in the world.
Dr. Kai Nakamura
PhD, Sociology – University of California, Berkeley MA, Social Research Methods – University of Amsterdam BA, Sociology – University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Kai Nakamura is a distinguished sociologist known for her innovative research in urban social dynamics, technological impact on social structures, and transnational community formations. Her academic journey through Berkeley's renowned sociology program has positioned her at the forefront of contemporary social research.
Currently serving as an associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, Dr. Nakamura has developed a robust research portfolio exploring the intersections of digital technology, migration, and social networks.