Who We Are

The American Sociological Association, founded in 1905, is the national professional membership association for sociologists and others who are interested in sociology. ASA’s mission is to serve sociologists in their work, advance sociology as a science and profession, and promote the contributions and use of sociology to society. ASA members include students, scholars and teachers working in a full range of educational institutions, and people employed in government agencies and nonprofit and private sector organizations. Learn More

Apply to Be an Editor for an ASA Journal

ASA invites applications for the next editors of Journal of Health and Social Behavior and Sociological Theory. Apply for solo or co-editorships by December 1. Learn more.

October 9, 2025

Proseminar - Teaching Tips & How to Balance Teaching with Graduate Studies

October 16, 2025

Virtual Session: Applying to Be an ASA Editor

October 17, 2025

Virtual Talk: Turn to the Right

Membership

How does ASA membership benefit you? Whether you are a student, or a sociologist employed in a research-oriented institution, a teaching-focused institution, or a practice setting, ASA membership benefits you in five career-enhancing ways. It helps you stay up to date on the discipline. It helps you with professional development. It helps you connect with people and opportunities. It helps you save money.  And, critically, it gives you the opportunity to make a difference.

Learn More / Become a Member

Membership

How does ASA membership benefit you? Whether you are a student, or a sociologist employed in a research-oriented institution, a teaching-focused institution, or a practice setting, ASA membership benefits you in five career-enhancing ways. It helps you stay up to date on the discipline. It helps you with professional development. It helps you connect with people and opportunities. It helps you save money.  And, critically, it gives you the opportunity to make a difference.

Learn More / Become a Member

headshot of david j ekerdt

Featured Member

David J. Ekerdt, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Gerontology, University of Kansas

“The ASA’s Retirement Network is a valuable resource for those of us who have devoted our professional careers to the study of society. Our nameplates are indeed off the doors and our offices have been reassigned, but we remain committed human capital for the scholarly enterprise of sociology and for our communities. From the Retirement Network’s program at annual ASA meetings to its regular, virtual opportunities for sociological conversations across the year, I and others have found the ASARN to be a space for nourishing our lives as sociologists in both continuing and new ways. So please join us!”

Pick Your Own Sponsorship

As a nation, we may be emerging from the pandemic, but ASA knows that many people are still struggling. With the Pick your Own Sponsorship initiative, sociologists can take 10, 20, or 30 percent off their dues, or give a sponsorship of 10, 20, or 30 percent to help others.

Advocacy Efforts

ASA undertakes many advocacy efforts on issues such as demonstrating the value of sociology and defending academic freedom. We also advocate for robust federal funding for relevant work.

Professional Development Videos and Webinars

ASA has a rich collection of videos and webinars tailored specifically to sociologists to learn how to approach challenges and enrich their professional lives at every career stage.