Mapping Political Sociology

Mapping Political Sociology explores the evolving field of political sociology, offering innovative frameworks and approaches to understand its past, present, and future.

Offering cutting-edge insights into political sociology, including decolonial, feminist, and anti-racist perspectives, as well as new methodologies and concepts, this book guides readers through provocative and resonant ideas that redefine the discipline. Structured in three parts – 1) Sociology frameworks and concepts: revision and recuperation; 2) Political Sociology speaks to the future: crises old and new and 3) Political sociologists: intellectual pathways and conceptual epiphanies – the contributors trace their experiences in engaging with the political that reveals overlooked approaches, their embrace of “new” objects in the discipline, revisioning through decolonial/ feminist anti-racist treatment of well-trodden concepts and the development of new lenses to revise heterodox areas.

A valuable resource for both pedagogical and research purposes, the book offers an understanding of the field and engages with its most innovative and transformative approaches. It will be ideal for scholars, educators, and students of political sociology.

Pauline Cullen is Professor in Sociology at Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, researching civil society and feminist analysis of inequalities in representation and care. Her recent book is Pathways to Political Candidacy for Minoritised Women in Ireland (2025).

Alberta Giorgi is Associate Professor of Sociology of Culture and Communication at the University of Bergamo, Italy. Her work explores boundaries and classifications, at the intersection of politics, gender, religion, science. Recent publications include (Un)silencing Academia in Times of Epistemic Conflicts (Routledge, 2026, with with H. Eslen-Ziya) and The Routledge Handbook of Religion and Politics in Europe (2026, with E. Fokas).