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Khon Kaen University

Doctor of Philosophy Program in Sociology

SDG Alignment for Doctor of Philosophy Program in Sociology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Sociology is holistically designed to produce researchers who can analyze and address complex social issues, particularly in the context of development, inequality, and environmental sustainability. The curriculum's philosophy is to create new knowledge and social innovations that are internationally recognized, making it a powerful contributor to a wide array of Sustainable Development Goals. Its most profound alignments are with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By focusing on the social dimensions of development and the environment, the program also has significant relevance to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). As a research-intensive doctoral program, it is a flagship for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and inherently fosters the global partnerships essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 1 Icon SDG 1: No Poverty

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to poverty reduction by equipping graduates with the sociological tools to analyze the root causes and complex dimensions of poverty. The curriculum explores development theories and social structures, enabling the formulation of effective, pro-poor social policies.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 731Sociology of DevelopmentDirectly addresses poverty by analyzing its social and economic dimensions, aligning with UN Target 1.B, which focuses on creating pro-poor and gender-sensitive policy frameworks.

SDG 3 Icon SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Alignment Summary: The program supports good health and well-being by examining the social determinants of health. The study of family structures and social dynamics provides insights into public health challenges and contributes to the development of more effective health promotion strategies.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 736Sociology of FamilyContributes to the promotion of mental health and well-being (Target 3.4) by analyzing the family as a key social institution that influences individual health outcomes.

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: As a doctoral program, this curriculum is the epitome of quality education. It is designed to cultivate expert researchers and academics by providing advanced training in social research methodologies and fostering a culture of lifelong learning, thereby contributing to the creation of new knowledge for sustainable development.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 712Advanced Social Research Methodology IProvides the core research skills that define high-quality doctoral education, equipping students for high-level employment and lifelong learning in social research (Target 4.3 and 4.4).
HS 488 713Advanced Social Research Methodology IIBuilds upon foundational skills with advanced techniques, ensuring graduates are equipped with the superior technical skills required for innovative research (Target 4.4).
HS 488 99XDissertationRepresents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 5 Icon SDG 5: Gender Equality

Alignment Summary: The curriculum promotes gender equality by providing the sociological framework to analyze gender roles, power dynamics, and inequalities within various social institutions, particularly the family. This understanding is crucial for developing policies that promote women's empowerment and gender equity.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 736Sociology of FamilyContributes to gender equality by critically examining gender roles and power structures within the family, aligning with Target 5.4 to recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work.

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to decent work and economic growth by preparing graduates to analyze and improve organizational structures and development strategies. The curriculum provides the tools to create more effective, efficient, and equitable work environments within the context of sustainable economic development.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 731Sociology of DevelopmentContributes to achieving higher levels of economic productivity through diversification and innovation by analyzing various models of economic and social development (Target 8.2).
HS 488 738Sociology of OrganizationAligns with Target 8.8 by focusing on the analysis of organizational structures and dynamics, which supports the creation of safe, secure, and productive working environments.

SDG 10 Icon SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Alignment Summary: The program is fundamentally focused on understanding and reducing inequalities. The curriculum provides a deep dive into the social, political, and economic factors that create and perpetuate inequality, equipping graduates to develop policies and strategies that promote social inclusion and equity for all groups.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 711Seminar in Contemporary Sociological TheoryProvides the theoretical tools to analyze the root causes of social inequality, which is essential for developing policies to reduce it (Target 10.2, 10.3).
HS 488 731Sociology of DevelopmentDirectly aligns with Target 10.4 by focusing on the adoption of policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, that progressively achieve greater equality.
HS 488 733Sociology of Border StudiesContributes to reducing inequalities by examining the unique social and economic disparities faced by communities in border regions (Target 10.2).
HS 488 734Sociology of EthnicityDirectly aligns with Target 10.2 by focusing on empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of ethnicity.

SDG 11 Icon SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Alignment Summary: This program is central to creating sustainable cities and communities by examining the social dynamics of urban and rural life, the human dimensions of environmental issues, and the importance of cultural heritage. Graduates are equipped to contribute to inclusive urban planning and the safeguarding of local cultures.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 732Urban and Rural SociologyDirectly supports Target 11.3 by providing skills for inclusive and sustainable urbanization and human settlement planning.
HS 488 735Environmental SociologyContributes to reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (Target 11.6) by analyzing the social drivers of environmental problems.
HS 488 740Sociology of Local Wisdom and CultureDirectly supports efforts to safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage (Target 11.4) by focusing on the preservation and promotion of local knowledge and cultural practices.

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: The program promotes responsible consumption and production by fostering a deep understanding of the social and cultural drivers of environmental problems. Through Environmental Sociology, graduates can analyze and contribute to policies that encourage sustainable lifestyles and production patterns.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 735Environmental SociologyDirectly aligns with Target 12.8 by ensuring that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: The program contributes to climate action by providing the sociological framework to understand its social dimensions. The study of Environmental Sociology is crucial for improving education and awareness on the social impacts of climate change and for developing equitable and effective adaptation strategies.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 735Environmental SociologyDirectly supports Target 13.3 by improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

SDG 16 Icon SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Alignment Summary: The program is instrumental in building strong institutions. The curriculum equips future leaders with the skills to analyze social structures, organizations, and justice systems. This focus on sociological analysis is essential for creating effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 738Sociology of OrganizationDirectly supports the development of effective, accountable and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by analyzing the structure and function of organizations.
HS 488 739Sociology of Deviance and CrimeContributes to promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice (Target 16.3) by studying the social causes and consequences of crime and deviance.
HS 488 737Globalization and Transnational CulturePromotes responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels (Target 16.7) by examining global governance and transnational social movements.

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: The program's international scope and research-intensive nature foster partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminars and the dissertation process, students engage with the global academic community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder collaborations essential for achieving the SDGs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
HS 488 737Globalization and Transnational CulturePromotes global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.16) by enhancing understanding of global interconnectedness and transnational cooperation.
HS 488 99XDissertationRepresents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to solve critical social challenges.