Internet Resources for Sociology
There is a wealth of information on the World Wide Web, but sometimes it is difficult to find a good starting point. The following metasites (or gateway sites) have been selected as subject guides. Please remember, however, that the Internet is not a complete resource. It is important to use your library catalogue to find articles, pamphlets and books, etc. in all formats: e.g., online, CD-ROM, microform, tape, and paper.
SocioSite
SocioSite is a well-reviewed global metasite of Sociology websites, covering a broad range of topics, e.g., social activism, social theory, feminism, sociology of work, criminology, etc. The list of 125 topics is nicely set out on one page; all you need to do is click on a topic to reach an annotated list of sites for bibliographies; discussion groups; organizations; selected documents and online articles and books; online journals, etc. The site is maintained by the University of Amsterdam.
SOSIG: Social Science Information Gateway:
SOSIG maintains links to "thousands of high quality Internet resources" for social science. Various subject headings are listed on their home page; just click on the appropriate topic. Alternatively, you can conduct a search from the home page. Their sites include online journals, reports, papers, newsletters, and organizations.
Specialized Topics
Social Science Data Archives
This is a site for European Social Science data maintained by the Council of
European Social Science Data Archives. A map is shown with the data center
locations marked; you can click on one of those, or arrow down to the list
of geographic areas covered. Although the site is primarily concerned with
Europe, there are links to data archives around the globe. Return to the
CESSDA Portal homepage for an overall explanation of their site.
ICPSR: Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research
This organization bills itself as "the world's largest archive of computer-based research and instructional data for the social sciences". In addition to the searchable archive, the Consortium maintains a number of links to other Social Science Data Sites.
Canadian Sites
Canadian Council on Social Development (CCSD)
A national non-profit organization, CCSD focuses on "issues such as poverty, social inclusion, disability, cultural diversity, child well-being, employment and housing" (homepage). In addition to a list of their own publications and online resources, the Council also maintains links to other organizations involved with social issues.
Canadian Information by Subject
The National Library of Canada maintains this list of subject categories for Canadian websites. Click on "Social Sciences", then on "Social Sciences, Sociology and Anthropology" OR on "Social Problems & Social Service" for links to various organizations or project websites.
Canadian Social Research Links
This is a personal site offered by Gilles Seguin, in both French and English. He presents current information on social issues, such as disability, homelessness, poverty, plus a search engine for the site and links to various media. Sources include government departments and agencies, academics, NGO's, etc.
Social Movements and Interest Groups
This is a linked list of websites for Canadian organizations involved in social movements or special interest groups, including aboriginal, environmental, business, labour and women's groups, etc. Maintained by Nelson, a division of Thomson Learning.
July 15, 2008
Dianne Keeping
