Race, Ethnicity & Migration

Scholars in this area study how racial, ethnic, and national identities are salient and stratifying forces in people’s lives and across societies. Processes of immigration, migration, and colonialism shape racial and ethnic diversity, inequality, and settlement in Canada and other nations. Studies by UBC faculty focus on experiences of migration, settlement, dispossession, and discrimination as well as the ways difference and hierarchy are politically constructed and historically produced. Studies focus on histories of colonial dispossession, the experiences of undocumented and stateless peoples, the lived experiences of racialized refugees settling in Canada, and attitudes toward immigration and political trust among different racial and ethnic groups.

Dr. Rima Wilkes on why the media loves the white racist story

UBC Sociology professor Dr. Rima Wilkes writes that it is more important to focus on systems that perpetuate racism than singling out individuals who are racists.

Kids share experiences of anti-Asian racism in the pandemic

In an interview with CBC Kids news, UBC professor Dr. Yue Qian explains the reasons for Anti-Asian discrimination.

MA student Kayonne Christy’s paper selected for PSA Graduate Student Paper Award

Kayonne Christy’s paper titled, “Minimizing Race Through Colourblind Healthcare: Examining Black women’s experience of medical racism during prenatal care,” will be recognized at the PSA’s 92nd Annual Conference.

Veteran scholar’s latest book provides look at everyday racism internationally

In her latest book, “Race, Culture and Politics in Education,” renowned sociologist and professor emerita of UBC Dr. Kogila Moodley makes the case for political literacy as a solution to counter and eventually end racism.

Call for Abstracts is Open for UBC Sociology Undergraduate Research Conference 2021

UBC Sociology and the Sociology Students’ Association invites all undergraduate students to present their works at the Annual Sociology Undergraduate Research Conference.

Prof. Kimberly Huyser copublishes research on COVID-19 in New Mexico Tribal Lands

New research by Prof. Kimberly Huyser explores how historically-embedded structural vulnerabilities are critical in understanding the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 that American Indian and Alaska Native populations are experiencing.

Oral Robinson Migration, Social Identities and Regionalism within the Caribbean Community

Prof. Oral Robinson’s new book explores intra-Caribbean migration and identity

We spoke to UBC Sociology Professor Oral Robinson about his new book, which explores how intra-Caribbean migrants experience living within different Cariibbean countries.

MA student Patara McKeen published an op-ed about racism during the pandemic

Can a pandemic be racist? UBC Sociology MA student Patara McKeen says investigating the 1907 anti-Asian riots in Vancouver bears a lot of similarity to the current hysteria against Asian Canadians.

Jennifer Adkins, interracial relationships

What We Talk About When We Talk About Interracial Relationships

Ph.D. candidate Jennifer Adkins discusses identity, racism issues, and trust in interracial relationships. Read a Q&A where Adkins explains her data, processes, and challenges of her research thus far.

Prof. Sinikka Elliott explains one cause of food insecurity – being disenfranchised from public benefits

The pandemic has made it clear how precarious food security is in the U.S. and how many obstacles the government imposes in ordinary times for accessing help to put food on the table. UBC Sociology Prof. Sinikka Elliott explains how families face food insecurity by being disenfranchised from public benefits.