International Sociological Association – ISA
At a time when state leaders fuel distrust toward science and attacks on the social sciences are intensifying;
At a time when false information spreads more widely and has greater impact than analyses based on scientific research;
At a time when many political leaders disseminate hate speech and deny parts of society the right to full citizenship;
At a time when the dehumanization of entire social groups once again becomes a common tool for strengthening and consolidating power;
At a time when scientific evidence is denied in order to downplay systemic environmental and social threats;
At a time when states repress those who speak out against genocide and systemic violence and racism;
At a time when an unprecedented concentration of wealth allows a small number of multimillionaires to control mass and social media;
At a time when humanity is facing interconnected global crises that will affect the lives of future generations;
At a time when academic freedom is under threat, even in countries with well-established democracies;
We believe that critical interventions by social scientists are more important than ever.
We reaffirm the values and commitments that lie at the foundation of our work as researchers, teachers, and public intellectuals.
We stand for:
Rigorous sociology, grounded in facts and analysis, which rejects simplified narratives and embraces the complexity of the world;
Independent sociology, which reminds us that the words of those in power are not always true, and that a lie repeated a thousand times remains a lie;
Critical sociology, which questions growing inequalities and challenges the myth of the self-made individual, scrutinizes simplistic market pressures, consumerism, and alpha masculinity;
Public sociology, which engages in civic debates not from a position of presumed intellectual superiority, but through dialogue with those striving for social transformation and the defense of the common good;
General sociology, which resists the risks of excessive specialization and fragmentation and addresses the urgent problems of our time;
Global sociology, which learns from researchers and social actors from different parts of the world how to understand and confront the challenges of the 21st century, and contributes to building a sense of shared humanity.
We are deeply convinced that the social sciences and academic freedom are inseparable elements of democracy and must be protected and promoted.
We believe that informed public debate—rooted in history and meaningful from a sociological perspective—is crucial for understanding and overcoming the crises of our time.
We are convinced that sociology not only helps us understand the world, but also enables us to build a more just, life-affirming, peaceful, and sustainable future.
In times of climate change, wars, growing inequalities, and hatred, sociology has become an indispensable tool for coexistence on our finite planet.
The declaration was delivered by ISA President Geoffrey Pleyers during the 5th ISA Forum of Sociology in Rabat on 6 July 2025.
It was endorsed by former ISA Presidents Sari Hanafi, Margaret Abraham, and Michel Wieviorka; current ISA Vice-Presidents Allison Loconto, Bandana Purkayastha, Elina Oinas, and Martha Soler; as well as Kaja Gadowska, President of the European Sociological Association (ESA); Jesús Díaz, President of the Latin American Sociological Association (ALAS); and Pablo Vommaro, President of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences (CLACSO).
Rabat, July 2025
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More: isa-sociology.org