Memorial University Department of Sociology

Obasanjo Joseph Oyedele has a new piece out on the SSHRC project blog for the Cursed project. The project addresses how the resource curse manifests in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Bay du Nord Oil Project Fails the Climate Crisis Test Equinor's Bay du Nord offshore project faces criticism over climate risks, outdated economic viability, and undeveloped equity and diversity plans.

Teaching Assistant Professor Lori Lee Oates will be leading a session on how to submit to the Bay du Nord consultations being held by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator. It will take place on Monday, August 10, at 4:30 p.m., at The Landing in the MUN University Centre.

Teaching Assistant Professor Lori Lee Oates joined Adam Walsh on CBC Radio's The Signal yesterday to discuss the fast changing dynamics of the global oil industry, and what this means for Newfoundland and Labrador. Also joining them were Professor Luke Ashworth from the Department of Political Science, Professor Josh Lepawsky from the Department of Geography, and Ph.D. candidate Audry Parnell from the Department of Physics.

The Signal | What's the outlook for N.L. oil royalties? Europe is boiling, a shaky ceasefire between Iran and the US, a pus...

Just a reminder that our summer writing group starts Friday!

Come join our Sociology and Criminology writing group!

Assistant Professor Jessica Templeman has a new post live on the Border Criminologies Blog. It is run by the Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford. The post addresses the use of Canadian courts as a means of post-entry border control.

‘One Law for All’: Sentencing, deportation and Canadian Back to Border Criminologies ‘One Law for All’: Sentencing, deportation and Canadian penal populism A bill to restrict judges from considering immigration status in sentencing was recently defeated – its tabling was the latest attempt to use courts as post-entry border control Posted: 11 May ...

See Professor Lisa-Jo K. van den Scott speak about her award-winning book Walled In at the Gardiner Centre on April 30, from 3-4 p.m. You can register at the following link https://www.mun.ca/gardinercentre/professional-development-seminars/Behind-the-Walls

Ever thought about how the spaces around you shape who you are—and who you can be?

Join us for a complimentary lecture with Professor Lisa-Jo K. van den Scott as she reveals the hidden power dynamics, identity cues, and organizational culture encoded in the walls we pass by every day.

From home to office, every wall tells a story—about legitimacy, authority, and belonging. Dr. van den Scott will explore how these everyday spaces influence decision-making, collaboration, and inclusion in ways we rarely notice.

📅 Limited spaces available – register now to secure your spot and see walls in a whole new light. Visit our PD schedule online to learn more.

💡 Delivered in partnership with: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Memorial University



Faculty of Business Administration at Memorial University of Newfoundland Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador Labrador Campus, Memorial University Grenfell Campus, Memorial University

Alt text: Complimentary lecture, "Behind the Walls: Power, Identity, and the Spaces We Take for Granted" by Dr. Lisa-Jo K. van den Scott. Event is scheduled April 30, 3- 4 PM at Gardiner Centre. URL to learn more and register provided. Features a smiling woman wearing glasses in front of a bookcase.

The Department of Sociology is saddened to announce the passing of Dr. James (Jamie) Thomas Ernest Baker, an esteemed alumnus and instructor of the department. Dr. Baker passed away on June 13, 2024, at the age of 49.

Born in Carbonear, NL, Jamie was known for his passion for politics, Newfoundland and Labrador history, and student rights. He completed his PhD in Sociology, focusing on critical issues such as race, ethnicity, and immigrant experiences. His professional journey was marked by significant contributions to the immigration sector through his work with the Association for New Canadians and his impactful academic career at Memorial University.

Jamie's dedication to his field was evident in his role as a respected lecturer and his recent work as a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at McMaster University. His research, which examined race/ethnicity, immigrants/refugees, and youth/adolescents, was a testament to his commitment to social justice and academic excellence.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jamie was known for his humor, work ethic, and deep love for his pets. His colleagues, friends, and students will remember him fondly for his wit and unwavering support.

Visitation will be held at Caul’s Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at Caul’s Chapel at 4:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Carbonear. Expressions of sympathy in Jamie’s memory may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 in Carbonear or the SPCA.

Read Dr. Baker’s obituary here:

Obituary for Dr. James Baker at Caul's Funeral Home Dr. James Thomas Ernest Baker, aged 49, of Paradise, NL, passed peacefully away on Thursday, June 13, 2024, in St. Johns, NL after a short illness. Jamie was born on October 21, 1974, in Carbonear, NL. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Helen ne Power, and was their

Congratulations to two of our own! Today at HSS Fest, Sociology represents with Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Memorial University awards for excellence in research and teaching.

Dr. Mark Stoddart - winner of the Dean's Award for Distinguished Scholarship

Dr. Cynthia Boyd - winner of the Dean's Award for Teaching Excellence to a non-tenure track instructor

Congratulations to you both, and thank you for all you do to make the department of Sociology all that it is.

Details about the selection criteria here: https://www.mun.ca/hss/events-and-awards/faculty-awards/deans-awards/