SIPLab launches at YSU to advance sociology and social development

Sociology as a key tool for social development

In today's world, sociology is not only a discipline for studying society but also a crucial tool for shaping public policy, enhancing governance, and addressing social challenges. In Armenia, sociological expertise can play a significant role in promoting evidence-based decision-making in education, social policy, economic development, and public administration.     

At the same time, as highlighted during the event, sociology faces challenges common to Armenia's broader academic system, particularly limited research funding and an underappreciation of the applied potential of sociological knowledge among certain state and public actors.

Nevertheless, recent years have seen the emergence of professional research groups, the development of a culture of applied sociology, and the growing involvement of faculty graduates in research and expert work. These developments are laying the groundwork for the formulation of knowledge-driven public policies.

Theoretical discussions on key issues in contemporary sociology  

The first segment of the event focused on a central theoretical debate in modern sociology: the structure–agency relationship. Speakers outlined its classical foundations, explored its limitations in the context of polycrisis, and proposed the concept of embeddedness as a more appropriate analytical framework—particularly for societies like Armenia, characterized by continuous change and instability. 

Artur Mkrtichyan, Dean of the YSU Faculty of Sociology, emphasized that sociology in Armenia has the scientific capacity to offer effective solutions for public governance and social development. He noted that active research groups have already been formed at the university and across public and private sectors, with faculty graduates playing a central role.   

He stressed that the establishment of SIPLab represents another milestone in the gradual development of sociological research in Armenia. He also noted that, according to 2025 data, the Research Laboratory of Applied Sociology at the YSU Faculty of Sociology ranked first among the university's scientific units—an important indicator of progress in the field.

SIPLab: research on social trust and institutional development

The Research Lab for Agency and Institutional Change focuses on a range of interconnected issues. 

Its work aims first to analyze the causes of the crisis of trust between individuals and institutions, and then to examine this crisis within the context of sector-specific social policies, including education, healthcare, and employment. The lab also seeks to develop approaches to institutional development that will foster broader public participation in decision-making processes.  

Theoretical and methodological foundations and future plans

Armine Ishkhanyan, Head of SIPLab, detailed the laboratory's theoretical and methodological foundations and core areas of activity, emphasizing the interconnections among social change, institutions, and agency in contemporary sociological research.  

According to Ishkhanyan, the lab seeks to understand how modern sociological theories can be applied to analyze Armenia's social reality and address its challenges.  

Sona Balasanyan, Co-Head of SIPLab and a researcher at the Research Laboratory of Applied Sociology, presented the outcomes of the lab's first year. She noted that the theoretical and methodological framework has already been developed, interviews with experts and practicing sociologists have been conducted, research on the education sector is ongoing, and consultations with young people have been launched to prepare thematic reports.

Balasanyan emphasized that the event titled "Sociology in Armenia Today" also aimed to create a professional platform for discussion, helping to identify types of sociological knowledge needed to respond to the contemporary challenges in Armenian society.  

SIPLab's initiatives are designed not only to advance sociological theory but also to translate research findings into practical applications for public policy and broader social development.