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Guidelines and Rules

The International Sociology Olympiad consists of two rounds: regional and international. Finalists from each region will advance to the international round.

Regional Round (Case Study Competition)

Regions are broken up into the following: 

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  1. East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania

  2. Europe, Russia, and Central Asia

  3. Middle East, North Africa, Central and South Africa

  4. South America, Central America, Mexico, and the islands of the Caribbean

  5. North America

  • Participants will choose one of three case study prompts provided at launch and evaluate it.
     

  • Submissions must be no more than 1,000 words, in PDF format, and include APA style references.
     

  • Case studies must use at least one sociological theory or framework (e.g., conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, feminist theory, post-colonialism).
     

  • Students should integrate qualitative or anecdotal evidence, such as interviews, observations, media analysis, or personal experience.

Judging Criteria:

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  1. Sociological Insight
    Demonstrates deep understanding of social structures, power dynamics, or cultural patterns.
     

  2. Application of Theory
    Integrates relevant sociological theories and thinkers to support analysis.
     

  3. Critical and Original Thinking
    Offers unique perspectives, challenges assumptions, and engages counterarguments.
     

  4. Structure and Argumentation
    Clear thesis, logical flow, and effective transitions throughout.
     

  5. Ethical Awareness
    Reflects sensitivity to ethics and marginalized perspectives.
     

We will provide the case studies, see Resources for more information and a sample analysis.​

International Round (Debate)

 

The international round will be a live debate. Seven days before the event, you will receive key sociological prompts to research and prepare. On the day of the debate, you will be assigned a country, institution, or perspective (such as a government agency, NGO, or social movement) and be asked to address a current sociological dilemma. You must present, defend, and critique sociological positions in the format outlined below.

Debate Format:
 

Modified Parliamentary Style (Individual-based — not a team debate)

 

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Positions:
 

Finalists will represent a nation, international institution, or sociological lens (e.g., feminist theory, functionalism, Marxism, postcolonial perspective, etc.).

 

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Possible Topics:
 

  • Gender and labor inequality in the global economy
     

  • The ethics and impact of surveillance in modern society
     

  • Social justice and protest movements in democratic states
     

  • The role of education in reinforcing or reducing inequality
     

  • Migration, identity, and nationalism in the 21st century
     

 

Preparation Guidelines:
 

  • Debate prompts and your list of potential topics will be shared 7 days in advance.
     

  • You will also receive a position briefing with background information on your assigned stance or institution.
     

  • You are strongly encouraged to supplement this with independent research and sociological theory.
     

  • You must be prepared to argue from your assigned role's viewpoint, using evidence and reasoning grounded in sociology.
     

 

Structure:
 

  • Opening Statement (3 minutes) – Present your main argument and sociological reasoning.
     

  • Opponent Rebuttal (4 minutes) – Respond to and critique your opponent’s position.
     

  • Cross-Examination (4 minutes total) – A moderated Q&A between participants.
     

  • Closing Statement (2 minutes) – Deliver a concise final argument.

     

Each debate will last approximately 15–20 minutes, including transitions and brief moderator commentary.

 

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Rules & Conduct

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  • Respect & Civility: Personal attacks, interruptions, or disrespect will result in disqualification.
     

  • Factual Integrity: All data and examples must be truthful and properly cited. Misleading or fabricated claims will lead to immediate removal.

     

Time Limits: Time will be strictly enforced. Warnings will be given at 1-minute and 10-seconds remaining marks.

Judging Criteria:
 

  1. Clarity of Argument (25%)

    Clearly address the question using logical, structured reasoning tied to your assigned perspective.
     

  2. Depth of Sociological Insight (25%)

    Apply sociological theory and demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic and societal structures.
     

  3. Evidence & Research Quality (25%)

    Support your position with concrete examples, studies, and concepts from respected sociological sources.
     

  4. Rhetorical Persuasiveness (25%)

    Deliver your ideas with confidence, coherence, and rhetorical power — while avoiding logical fallacies.

Each finalist will be evaluated by our panel of scholars, professors, and social science professionals.

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There will be first, second, and third place finalists.

Anti-Plagiarism Policy

 

Zero Tolerance for Misrepresentation

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 All submissions must be the student’s original work. Any case of plagiarism, AI-generated content without disclosure, or unauthorized collaboration will result in disqualification. All entries will be reviewed using advanced detection tools.

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