Who should belong to the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP)?

The SSSP is an interdisciplinary community of scholars, practitioners, advocates, and students interested in the application of critical, scientific, and humanistic perspectives to the study of vital social problems. If you are involved in scholarship or action in pursuit of a just society nationally or internationally, you belong in the SSSP. You will meet others engaged in research to find the causes and consequences of social problems, as well as others seeking to apply existing scholarship to the formulation of social policies. Many members are social scientists by training. Many teach in colleges and universities. Increasing numbers work in applied research and policy settings. Membership is open to anyone who supports SSSP's goals.

What does the SSSP have to offer? 

Founded on September 6, 1951, the Society for the Study of Social Problems promotes research on and serious examination of problems of social life. The SSSP works to solve these problems and to develop informed social policy. As a member, you will find peers and colleagues working together to develop and apply research which makes a difference.

The SSSP promotes research and dialogue through presentations at annual meetings, listservs, and newsletters throughout the year; publications in Social Problems; awards to community groups; supports graduate students, young scholars, and activists with professional support, leadership opportunities, and scholarships; passes and acts upon public resolutions; and fosters the generation of new ideas. Student members and newcomers are especially welcome. Dues and contributions to the society are tax deductible (to the extent permitted by law). Memberships are available to individuals and departments of colleges and universities. The benefits listed below are identical for individuals and departments (departments may distribute benefits among faculty and students as they prefer). 

How you'll benefit by joining the SSSP:

• Members of the Society have a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and build a network with others committed to research and action for the creation of a more just world.
• Each member will receive a FREE division membership and student members will receive two FREE division memberships. Members may choose additional divisions at $10 each. Membership in the divisions allows current members to vote in division elections and receive division newsletters.
• All SSSP members receive online access to the current and all previous issues of the journal, Social Problems. Members have the option of receiving hard copies of the journal for the membership year (back issues are not mailed for any issues already distributed).
• Oxford University Press is proud to partner with the Society for the Study of Social Problems to offer members a 25% discount across their wide range of titles! For more information, click here.
• Connect with an interdisciplinary community of scholars, practitioners, advocates, and students interested in the application of critical, scientific, and humanistic perspectives to the study of vital social problems, both national and international.
• Promote sociological research and teaching on significant problems of social life and protect academic freedom.
• Encourage and support the work of young scholars and activists.
• Foster collaborative relationships among persons and organizations engaged in the application of research to the development of social policies and activism.
• Create a more just and humane world.