Social Problems Theory Division
GRADUATE STUDENT PAPER AWARD
Deadline: 1/31/26
The Social Problems Theory Division invites papers for its annual Student Paper Award Competition.
To be eligible, papers must:
- be authored or co-authored by students currently enrolled in a graduate program,
- make an original and innovative contribution to the theoretical understanding of social problems,
- not have been accepted for publication,
- not have been previously presented at SSSP or presented or accepted for presentation at other professional meetings, unless substantially revised with new data, findings, or theoretical contributions.
- may not be co-authored by a faculty member or other non-student, and
- be submitted through the Annual Meeting Call for Papers process as a condition for consideration, preferably to a Social Problems Theory Division session.
- only be submitted to one division for consideration.
Self-nominations are welcome. Manuscripts should be limited to fewer than 10,000 words, including references. The winner will receive membership dues, Annual Meeting registration (if you attend), an electronic certificate of recognition, and $200 honorarium. The winner will also be invited to present their paper at the 2026 SSSP Annual Meeting - while presenting at the Annual Meeting is expected and encouraged, it is not required to receive award funding. Please also note that students may only submit a paper for consideration to one SSSP Division. A paper submitted to multiple divisions will not receive consideration for the Social Problems Theory Division Award. Please send all questions and submissions to: Joshua Stout, Chair, Social Problems Theory Division: jhstout@ilstu.edu.
OUTSTANDING BOOK AWARD
Deadline: 1/31/26
The Social Problems Theory Division requests nominations for its Outstanding Book Award. The Division welcomes books that critique or advance the ongoing scholarly and public dialogue about social problems theorizing. More information regarding the Division’s vision can be accessed through our Mission Statement. Eligible books must have been published between 2024-2026. Single or multiple-authored books will be accepted. Authors are encouraged to nominate their own work. Nominees must be members of SSSP. If the book is co-authored and only one author is a current member, the expectation is that all authors will become members of SSSP to accept the award. Please send a brief nomination letter to the Social Problems Theory Division Chair, Joshua Stout (jhstout@ilstu.edu) and arrange to have copies of the book sent directly to all three members of the Outstanding Book Award Committee Chair.
JUNIOR SCHOLAR AWARD
Deadline: 1/31/2026
The Social Problems Theory Division is now accepting nominations for the Junior Scholar Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize the research (publication, grants, etc.), service, and/or mentorship within the discipline of Social Problems Theory. Eligible candidates must have defended their doctoral dissertations within five academic years prior to the annual meeting at which the award is made. All award nominees must be current members of the SSSP and the Social Problems Theory Division. You may become a member of the division to be considered. Self-nominations are encouraged. Winner will receive the award at the Social Problems Theory Division Business Meeting at the SSSP Annual Meeting in New York in August 2026. Please send a nomination letter and a complete CV to Brian Monahan (bmonahan@bw.edu).
