The research/teaching nexus in sociology: Perspectives from Norway, Hungary and England

There is a growing literature that has explored the dynamic intersections that exist between research and teaching in higher education institutions. However, there is also a paucity of research that has explored how this research/teaching nexus is realised within sociological practice. Drawing on comparative data from Norway, Hungary, and England, this paper explores how the research/teaching nexus is viewed by sociology academics (Nstaff = 30) and students studying at Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral levels (Nstudent = 38). While the findings identify common concerns over the fragmentation of the discipline, the paper also demonstrates how sociological practice can produce transformative experiences that help to shape students’ possible sociological futures. The paper argues that further attention to the nexus could help to articulate what is sometimes termed ‘a provincialised sociology’. Further examination of how the nexus is realised beyond university is warranted.