George Mason University

George Mason University’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology takes on some of the most pressing social, behavioral and political issues facing contemporary society.

With a strong commitment to research, the department’s world-renowned faculty guides students through an exploration of the human condition, globalization, culture, and the current issues that affect us all.

Mason’s sociology programs are designed to help students understand the social forces that shape their world by exploring issues of justice, equality, freedom, and identity.

Mason’s anthropology programs offer a unique window into the past, examining human culture, language, and biology. The programs in archeology give students hands-on experience through archaeological fieldwork and museum-based research.

Sociology and anthropology graduates are prepared for a wide variety of careers. Our students work in criminal justice, education, human resources, international relations, museum studies, public archaeology, public policy, social services, and communication, among many other fields.

Mantz Pursuing Field Studies in Congo

Jeff Mantz from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology is back in the Congo, where he is pursuing field studies about coltan. He recently wrote "Blood Diamonds of the Digital Age: Coltan and the Eastern Congo." Read More >>

Witte to Head Mason’s Center for Social Science Research

Clemson professor James Witte will leave Clemson to join Mason’s Sociology and Anthropology Department and head the Center for Social Science and Research. CHSS caught up with Witte in a question and answer session, here’s what he had to say. Read More >>

Bickford and Gusterson Publish in Counter-Counterinsurgency Manual

Andy Bickford and Hugh Gusterson are among the 11 co-founders of the Network of Concerned Anthropologists. They are contributors to a new book The Counter-Counterinsurgency Manual. The Network of Concerned Anthropologists seeks to promote an ethical anthropology. Their members believe that anthropologists should not engage in activities that contribute to counterinsurgency operations in Iraq or in related theaters in the war on terror.

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