Dear Professor Dowton,

Restructuring of Sociology at Macquarie University

We are writing to you in our roles as President and Vice-President of the British Sociological Association. As the professional body that represents Sociology and sociologists in the UK, we have strong connections with allied groups around the world and have been deeply concerned to learn of the proposal to restructure and downsize the Sociology programme at Macquarie University, and reduce significantly the number of Sociology staff.

From an international perspective, it appears extraordinary to us that a university with the standing and ambition of Macquarie University would choose to take this step.

Now, more than ever, there is an emerging consensus amongst governments, business and the community sector that the perspectives, skills and capacity provided by Sociology are an essential part of the joined-up thinking that is required to drive effective responses to global challenges, from rising inequality and social unrest to digital transformation and climate change. Without sociological research and education, we will not have the substantive knowledge, critical thinking or applied skills necessary to rise to these challenges. In the UK, and we believe in Australia too, this is explicitly recognised by the research funding councils. Not only those that support the Arts and Social Sciences but also those in the Engineering Sciences, Life Sciences and Sciences who understand that technology, medicine and science research raise profoundly social questions and require sociological insights to drive inclusive, sustainable and prosperous futures. Increasing numbers of prospective students also understand this, with increased uptake at pre-University level and rising applications to Sociology programmes. In response, in the UK, several leading universities have recently invested in Sociology – for the first time ever – including University College London, Queen Mary University of London and Kings College London, significantly expanding Sociology research and teaching in the capital.

We understand that all universities are facing challenging times and must make strategic decisions to secure their futures. However, it is hard to fathom the decision to reduce significantly the size of such an important discipline at a time when other global Universities are investing in this capacity and both government and industry are calling for more skills in sociological and interdisciplinary research and education.

We call on you to reconsider your decision.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Rachel Brooks – President, British Sociological Association

Professor Les Back – Vice President, British Sociological Association

Letter sent via email to:
Professor S Bruce Dowton, Vice Chancellor
cc. Professor Chris Dixon, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts
Dr Martin Parkinson, Chancellor
University Council
Academic Senate