What are divisions?

Within SSSP, there are twenty-three subgroups organized around specific topics, interests, or subdisciplines, called Divisions. The Divisions: 

• Shape the annual meeting of the Society by organizing paper sessions and panels. 
• Provide an opportunity for scholars to present their work to other scholar advocates 
• Offer an opportunity to meet others who have similar research/action interests. 
• Open the door to positions of responsibility in the Society for the Study of Social Problems.
• Division chairpersons form the nominating committee for the major officers of the Society.

As a divisional member, you may:

• Read and contribute to divisional newsletters;
• Attend divisional business meetings at the annual meeting;
• Vote for chairperson or run for office; and
• Participate in the informal exchange and cooperation in social problems research. 

How do I become an active member of a division? 

Each member will receive a FREE division membership and student members will receive two FREE division memberships.  Members may choose additional memberships at $10 each.

Want to join a division after joining/renewing your membership?  Click here for further instructions.

The Roles and Responsibilities of Division Chairs

Division chairs are responsible for leading and running the business of the divisions that make up the structure of the Society.  So that each division's activities coordinate as a part of the whole Society, Division Chairs should familiarize themselves with the Roles and Responsibilities of Division Chairs.   

SSSP Student Paper Competition & Outstanding Scholarship Awards

Each year the twenty-three SSSP Divisions hold student paper competitions relating to each of their specific topic areas and interests. These awards recognize students for their outstanding scholarship in their respective fields. In order to be considered for any of the Student Paper Competitions, applicants are required to submit their papers through the Annual Meeting Call for Papers. Students may only submit to one division. Each division has its own deadline and submission process.

The deadline for the 2019 Student Paper Competitions and Outstanding Scholarship Awards has passed.  In order to be considered for any of the Student Paper Competitions, applicants were required to submit their papers through the Annual Meeting Call for Papers.  This ensured that winning papers were both designated and included in the program. Students could only submit to one division and that each division had its own deadline and submission process.