Ecology, Global Issues & Social Movements

UVic sociologists studying a range of issues related to the environment, global studies and social movements:

William Carroll

Dr. Carroll is a critical sociologist with research interests in the political economy/ecology of corporate capitalism, social movements and social change, and critical social theory and method. His current research is focused around the relationships between corporate power, fossil capitalism and the climate crisis.

Peyman Vahabzadeh

Peyman Vahabzadeh studies human (collective) action and social movements. He uses a phenomenological lens to study the generative power of social movements for societal renewal and the conditions under which individuals become actors, activists, or agents.  His work is both on the theoretical and philosophical aspects of social movements and collective action, including violence and nonviolence, as well as the empirical study of the Iranian social and political movements since the 1960s.  He also studies global social movements that offer alternatives to the current civilizational order.

Min Zhou

Min Zhou’s research interests fall under the rubric of globalization and transnational sociology. Currently he is working on three projects that cover distinct aspects of global change. First, an examination of the efficacy of regional trade agreements in promoting global market expansion. Second, research into why governments support global institutions that fight for global norms, such as human rights and environmental protection, despite obvious conflict between these norms and state sovereignty. Third, a study of the involvement of grassroots organizations in the Anti-Japanese Movement in China.

Aaron Devor

Aaron Devor, PhD, initiated and holds the inaugural position as the world’s only Chair in Transgender Studies. He is also the Founder and Academic Director of the world’s largest Transgender Archives which is home to world’s most extensive records of the work of international transgender activists. He is the biographer of Reed Erickson, one of the founders of transgender activism in the mid-20th century.

Anelyse Weiler

Anelyse Weiler’s research explores the convergence of social inequalities and environmental crises, with a particular focus on struggles to advance food system sustainability, migrant justice, and decent work. Her recent projects include analyses of Canadian and U.S. temporary farm labour migration programs, the emergence of ‘ag-gag’ legislation, the environmental and cultural politics of meat production, and the revival of craft cider livelihoods.