example personal statement sociology

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How to write a personal statement for sociology

Whether it’s by doing a job at McDonalds or volunteering to work in your community, show how your life has given you an interest in sociology

F rom social inequality and crime, to culture and the media, sociology can be applied to most aspects of life. It's an exciting subject to study at university and to secure a place on a course you must demonstrate particular qualities and interests. Equally, there are important things you should avoid as a budding sociologist.

What to include

"Include a mixture of three things: a passion for the subject, what you want to get out of university, and what you can offer the university," says Dr Mark Monaghan, admissions tutor for sociology and social policy at Leeds University.

Sociological interests: Dr Wendy Bottero, senior lecturer in sociology at Manchester University, says: "People often don't get the opportunity to study sociology at school or college, so we're interested in how they view the subject, why they want to study it and how it fits in with their life".

Tailor your statement to the institutions you're applying to. "Look at departments' webpages to see the modules on offer. Gear your application towards your preferred department, but be careful not to alienate other universities. Mention broad areas of sociology that are taught by a number of your choices," says Dr Gareth Millington, admissions tutor for sociology at York University.

Applicants who are new to the subject should say how they became interested in it: "Everyone will have had experiences that can be linked to sociologically relevant issues. Your part-time job in McDonalds is as relevant as having done work experience with an MP – the important point is how you link what you've done to thinking about social issues and how society works," says Dr Patrick White, admissions tutor for sociology at Leicester University.

Sociological texts: Show that you've read some relevant books. Monaghan recommends Zygmunt Bauman's What Use is Sociology? and C Wright Mills' The Sociological Imagination. Monaghan also recommends the Guardian's Society section to give you "an awareness of current debate".

Career aspirations: You should have at least some knowledge of what you can do with a sociology degree, but don't worry if you don't know exactly what job you want. "We expect applicants to be aware of the kinds of jobs available, but we wouldn't expect you to have any specific career in mind," says Monaghan.

Non-academic interests: Universities are looking at more than just your academic interests: "We want someone who shows enthusiasm and passion more generally, for example through clubs and societies. But sociologists know that this is often down to how well-off someone is, so we don't discriminate on this basis," says Bottero.

"We want someone who takes a critical view of common assumptions that people lazily accept."

What to avoid

Confusion: Sociology may be offered as part of a joint honours degree at some universities and as a single subject at others, which can result in a confused statement. Monaghan says: "Be consistent about the degree you're applying for. You may be applying for different courses at different universities, so think about the social sciences in general."

"Work out where there's common ground between degree programmes, such as politics or history, and stress that your interests are in those areas of overlap," says Bottero.

A rigid structure: The statement needs to be clear, but your personality should still shine through. "There is no set recipe for personal statements because we like to see students express who they are," says Dr Anne-Marie Fortier, from the sociology department at Lancaster University.

At Bristol University, templates are "strongly discouraged" because they result in a "generic" end product.

Sloppy writing: It might sound obvious, but as White says: "This is your chance to show that you can write well. Whatever the content, an applicant with a poorly written personal statement is unlikely to be offered a place".

Last but not least: "There's no need to overdo it with superlatives. Keep it simple and honest", says Fortier.

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Most viewed.

Our advice when writing a personal statement

Your personal statement is your place to write whatever you’d like to say about yourself and your motivation to study your course.

It’s important to remember that  you can only write one personal statement  and so the same wording will be seen by all the universities you apply to. your personal statement should therefore focus on the course you want to study, not the universities themselves., what are universities looking for in a personal statement.

People with the skills and attributes required by the course

People ready for university-style learning

People who genuinely enjoy the subject that they are applying for

People who have engaged with their subject, above and beyond whatever they have studied at school or college

Where do I start?

Before you start writing, try talking to your friends or family about what you want to study at university: what would you tell them? What have you read or watched or seen that has inspired you? Why was it interesting? What do you want to find out next? 

How should I structure my personal statement?

Around 80% of your personal statement should be focused on your academic interests, abilities and achievements  (including super-curricular activities) and 20% on unrelated extra-curricular activities.

Opening Paragraph

  Personal statement openings tend to follow a similar format:

• Why you are excited about your subject?
• What you have done academically to show this?
• Keep it short and simple.
• Leave it until last.
• Draft five first sentences and choose your favourite. 
• Avoid clichés! (e.g. 'From an early age I have been passionate about...')

Your current studies

• Why do you want to study this course?
• What have you learnt about this topic?
• What has inspired you?

When you start to write, remember not just to list your achievements but show how they have affected you, how you have benefited, and what you’d like to learn next. 

Super-curriculars

  Super-curriculars are hobbies or activities that demonstrate how you have developed your knowledge outside of the classroom.

• What have you read, watched, visited or listened to that has inspired you? (e.g. books, documentaries, podcasts, lectures, museums)
• Have you attended any summer schools, completed any work experience, or volunteered anywhere?
• Why was it interesting?
• How do these support and compliment the course you are applying for?

Super-curriculars can also be used as 'stepping stones' within your personal statement. For example, did a super-curricular spark your interest in something new, leading you to do further research into this topic?

Extra-curriculars

• Try and focus on transferrable skills - how has balancing your extra-curriculars allowed you to become a better student?

With thanks to Wadham and Merton Colleges

Sociology Personal Statement Examples

• 1 Personal Statement Example Links
• 2 Career Opportunities
• 3 UK Admission Requirements
• 4 UK Earnings Potential For Sociologists
• 5 Similar Courses in UK
• 6 UK Curriculum
• 7 Alumni Network

Personal Statement Example Links

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Ever been intrigued by the patterns of social behaviour and the complex dynamics of human societies? Fascinated by the prospect of understanding how societies function and change over time?

If so, a degree in Sociology could be your perfect journey. This engaging field invites you to examine social phenomena from various perspectives, offering insights into social structures, relationships, and issues.

Sociology is an interesting and relevant choice for students because it provides an in-depth exploration of the complex dynamics of human behavior and social interaction. By studying sociology, students can gain a better understanding of the social structures and forces that shape our lives.

Through this course, students can learn how to analyze and interpret social data, develop theories to explain social phenomena, and understand the implications of social change. Furthermore, sociology offers a unique perspective on how individuals, groups, and societies interact with one another, which can help students better understand their own lives and the world around them.

Ultimately, sociology is an invaluable tool for students to gain a deeper understanding of the social world and how it affects our everyday lives.

👍 When writing a personal statement : Highlight your passion for the course, demonstrating your understanding of it. Use relevant personal experiences, coursework, or work history to showcase how these have fostered your interest and readiness for the course.

Career Opportunities

Someone with a degree in sociology can pursue a variety of career paths. These include research, teaching, counseling, social work, public policy, marketing, and human resources.

• Research: Sociologists can work in research roles in both academic and non-academic settings. They may conduct research on a variety of topics, including social trends, public opinion, and social problems. They may also analyze data and develop theories to explain social phenomena.
• Teaching: Sociologists can teach in a variety of settings, including universities, community colleges, and high schools. They may teach courses in sociology, social science, and related fields.
• Counseling: Sociologists can work as counselors in a variety of settings. They may provide counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They may also work in mental health settings, providing therapy and support to those dealing with mental health issues.
• Social Work: Sociologists can work in social work settings. They may provide direct services to individuals, families, and communities. They may also work in policy and advocacy roles, advocating for social change and helping to create policies that benefit vulnerable populations.
• Public Policy: Sociologists can work in public policy roles. They may analyze data to inform policy decisions, develop policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies.
• Marketing: Sociologists can work in marketing roles. They may analyse data to understand consumer behavior and develop marketing campaigns.

UK Admission Requirements

In order to be accepted into a sociology course at a UK university, applicants must have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language and Mathematics. Some universities may also require applicants to have achieved a minimum of two A-Levels, or equivalent qualifications, at grades A*-C.

The entry criteria for a sociology course is similar to other courses in the social sciences, such as psychology, anthropology, and politics. However, some universities may require applicants to have achieved higher grades in their GCSEs or A-Levels, or may require additional qualifications such as a BTEC or Access to Higher Education Diploma.

In addition to the academic requirements, universities may also require applicants to submit a personal statement, provide evidence of relevant work experience, or complete an interview.

UK Earnings Potential For Sociologists

The average earnings for someone with a degree in sociology will vary significantly depending on the specific job and the location. Generally speaking, the median salary for a sociologist in the United Kingdom is around £32,000 per year. This figure can vary greatly depending on the type of job and the region in which the sociologist works.

In terms of trends, the job market for sociologists in the UK is expected to grow in the coming years. This is due to the increasing need for professionals in the field of social sciences to help address social issues such as poverty, inequality, and mental health. Additionally, the demand for sociologists is expected to increase as organisations and businesses look to better understand the needs of their customers and the communities they serve.

Similar Courses in UK

Other university courses related to sociology include psychology, anthropology, and criminology.

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior, and it often overlaps with sociology in terms of topics such as social interaction, group dynamics, and the influence of culture on behavior. However, psychology is more focused on the individual, while sociology looks at the collective behavior of society.

Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures, and it also has many similarities to sociology. Both disciplines look at the influence of culture and social structures on behavior. However, anthropology is more focused on the study of ancient and primitive cultures, while sociology is more concerned with contemporary societies.

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior, and it is closely related to sociology. Both disciplines look at the causes of crime, the effects of crime on society, and how society responds to crime. However, criminology is more focused on the legal aspects of crime and the criminal justice system, while sociology looks at the broader social context of crime.

UK Curriculum

The key topics and modules covered in a sociology course in the UK curriculum include:

• Introduction to Sociology: This module introduces students to the basic concepts and theories of sociology, including the study of social structures, social norms, and social change.
• Social Inequality: This module explores the causes, consequences, and remedies of social inequality, including the relationship between social class, race, gender, and other social factors.
• Social Institutions: This module examines the role of social institutions such as the family, education, religion, and the media in shaping social life.
• Research Methods: This module provides an introduction to the various research methods used in sociology, including surveys, interviews, and participant observation.
• Social Theory: This module examines the major theories of sociology, including functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism
• Applied Sociology: This module explores the application of sociological theories to contemporary social issues, such as poverty, crime, and health.

Hands-on experience or practical work involved in a sociology course may include field trips, interviews, surveys, and other forms of research. Students may also be required to participate in group projects and presentations.

Alumni Network

One notable alumni from the course of sociology is Dr. William Julius Wilson, who is currently the Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor at Harvard University. Dr. Wilson is a prominent sociologist who has made significant contributions to the field of sociology, particularly in the areas of urban poverty, race, and class.

He has published numerous books and articles on these topics and has been awarded numerous honors, including the National Medal of Science and the National Academy of Sciences Award for Scientific Reviewing.

Dr. Wilson is a highly sought-after speaker and has been invited to speak at numerous universities and conferences around the world. He also serves on the board of directors for a number of organizations, including the American Sociological Association and the Russell Sage Foundation.

Alumni events and networking opportunities are available through the Alumni Network of the Department of Sociology at Harvard University. These events provide alumni with the opportunity to connect with current students, faculty, and fellow alumni.

The Alumni Network also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the annual Alumni Reunion and the Alumni Career Networking Event. Additionally, alumni can take advantage of the Alumni Mentoring Program, which provides alumni with the opportunity to mentor current students in the field of sociology.

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• Personal Statements
• Sociology Personal Statement

Sociology Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

I am very drawn to a career that involves working with other people and I feel I would be best suited to social work rather than nursing or medicine. I have a positive empathy with people of all ages and find it very easy to talk to people and put them at their ease. At the same time I believe I have strong problem solving skills and could apply these to help people in times of great need and distress to be able to see a way forward.

With that long-term goal in mind I first want to expand my academic knowledge by studying sociology at university. My A levels in history, philosophy and Religious Studies have enabled me to learn more about the social interactions between people in modern cultures and also between people who lived in the past. This has been very thought provoking and I want to explore further the way that class, gender and race affect the place of an individual in their society.

The role of the welfare system in today’s society in the UK is also a major interest of mine. Compared to the 19th century, when the poor were stigmatised and subjected to appalling conditions, we now have an overburdened system that is struggling. Making decisions within the system is difficult and the challenges are complex, but something needs to be done. Exploring how the welfare system was created, looking at its history and how it has developed since the 1940s and discovering expert perspectives on how its problems can be solved, is one of my major ambitions as a sociology student.

In addition to the opportunity to study a subject that interests me at far greater depth than at college, university will also help me expand my non-academic interests. I am a very keen dancer, having studied all forms of dance from the age of 6. As an active member of my local dance school I have taken part in many annual performances and during the last two years have helped behind the scenes with choreography, set design and fund raising. This all had an unexpected impact on my thinking about my sociology A-level work as I found myself working with people younger than myself from varying backgrounds, getting to know them and their families. Working with young people now features quite highly in my career ambitions and I am volunteering on a project this summer that involves the rehabilitation of young offenders through sport.

This is another big part of my life as I love running. I have completed a marathon and my ambition is to enter and compete in the London Marathon, which I hope to do in 2014. I find that running helps my general fitness, helping me to play tennis and squash better and I also find I think through academic and personal issues as I run. At university, I hope to combine my studies with both volunteering and an active sports life.

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• Sociology Personal Statement Example

Use our personal statement example for Sociology as an inspiration guide to writing a better statement for your UCAS application . This example is perfect for any applicants to Oxbridge (Oxford, Cambridge), UCL, King’s College London, University of Bristol, University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, St Andrews University and any university in the UK. Learn how to write your own unique personal statement and stand out in the competitive application process.

Our economies and lives are becoming increasingly interconnected in a globalized business environment. For example, a deal done in the US in the morning could affect thousands of Chinese workers as they sleep. As an Iranian Jew, with a rich multicultural heritage that spreads across the globe, I am proud to consider myself an exemplar of this interconnectedness and wish to apply the knowledge I have gained from both the varied experiences of my family in the global business community and previous study to undergraduate study and, ultimately, to a successful career.

By studying Geography, Politics, and Sociology, I have also been able to discern how our societies and economies are interconnected. Politics has taught me how national legislation structures the activities of multinational corporations in turn, while Geography has taught me about how multinational corporations shape our physical and political geography. The study of sociology has taught me the importance of understanding and predicting individual behaviour for the refinement of these overarching systems. Moreover, all of these subjects have relied on extensive, transferrable study skills and research methods that apply to both the study of and practice of business.

I have also sought out work placements across a wide range of industries to gain experience in the application of business theory in the real world. As an employee at London’s House of Hanover, I developed communication, teamwork, and customer service skills, as well as gained insight into retail principles. Price and marketing strategies are influenced by management and business strategies to carve out a distinct niche within and generate profits. The experience I gained as an estate agent provided a different perspective on how these processes work in an alternative industry. With the failures of the US housing market causing the current, difficult economic situation, seeing how the housing market works was a timely example of its importance to the economy.

In my spare time, I also like to attempt to understand the complexities of international business, reading many books, such as ‘Pricing Money’ by J.Wiseman and ‘How The West Was Lost’ by D.Moyo, and magazines, such as Time and The Economist, that discuss the current problems and shifts in the global economy. As an Activities Officer at school, I honed my organisational and time management skills while also learning the importance of responsibility and leadership in business. Having played football, and tennis, and visited the gym regularly, I am aware of the importance of determination, dedication, and practice to achieve set goals, and I look forward to applying this to my undergraduate studies.

Societies are connected through businesses. I am already aware of the importance of these connections as a keen student who communicates across cultures and languages, including English, Hebrew, and Farsi. To gain a deeper understanding of how international business can positively impact our society, I intend to combine my knowledge and interests in economics, politics, society and language with further study in the field. This will provide me with an excellent opportunity to expand my understanding and make a valuable contribution during my undergraduate studies, as well as beyond.

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• How to Apply

Every year the Sociology Department enrolls between six and ten new doctoral students on the basis of the following:

• Application form
• Personal statement (no more than 3 single-spaced pages )
• At least three letters of recommendation
• A writing sample (in English, preferably 25-30 double-spaced pages )
• Transcripts of all previous academic study (where you earned more than 9 credits)
• TOEFL scores for international students

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is not required for admission, but applicants are welcome to submit scores with their application.

We accept students with a bachelor's or master’s degree in a field other than Sociology, as long as they indicate how their current interests led them to apply. However, we do expect candidates to have some coursework in Sociology or evidence of familiarity with sociological theories and methods.

Please note: Though our students may earn a master’s degree on the way to the PhD, we do not accept applications from those only interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Sociology. (The department does have a Master’s Program in Labor Studies , with a separate application process.) Those entering the doctoral program with a master's degree may be required to take additional courses if their training and course work do not correspond to the requirements for the master's degree in this department.

Also note: It is not necessary to establish a relationship with a potential mentor before applying to our program. Mentors are selected in the course of graduate studies.

Application Forms

Application forms are available online . The application deadline is December 31. We do not accept applications that come in after that date.

It takes our Admissions Committee five to six weeks to process applications, so the earliest you should expect to hear from us is the end of February.

Personal Statement

Your statement should be no more than three single-spaced pages. In your statement, discuss why you want to earn a doctorate in Sociology, your research interests and experiences, and why this department would be a good fit for you. You may also spend a paragraph discussing any special skills or background (e.g., graduate-level methods course, first generation status, etc.) that may relate to your teaching and research interests. You may describe a research project you would like to undertake, or simply discuss what motivates you to pursue a Ph.D. in Sociology. If you feel there are aspects of your record that do not reflect your potential, such as your GRE scores or GPA, please explain.

Letters of Recommendation

We require at least three letters of recommendation, though you are welcome to submit more. These letters should be from people who can evaluate your potential as a scholar; they should include faculty who have taught you in college or graduate courses.

Writing Sample

Please submit an example of your written work, such as a research paper, undergraduate honors thesis, or master’s thesis. This need not be a sociological analysis, but should represent your scholarly interests and writing ability. All writing samples must be in English. Please do not send more than one writing sample. One 25-30 page paper is sufficient.

TOEFL Scores

Applicants from countries whose native language is not English must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language. See the FAQs on the UMass Amherst Graduate School’s Admissions website for details of this requirement and whether it is applicable to you.

Please see the UMass Amherst Graduate School’s Admissions website and the current UMass Amherst Graduate School Bulletin for additional requirements. Applications for admission are not reviewed until all credentials have been received and the fee is paid. According to UMass Amherst Graduate School policy, the application fee is waived only for U.S. applicants who qualify to receive a GRE fee waiver or are McNair Scholars and submit appropriate documentation. The fee or waiver documentation must accompany the application; otherwise the application will not be processed or considered.

We receive hundreds of inquiries each year. For this reason, we may not always be able to respond to individual emails, though we try our best and appreciate your patience. Please read through the following information carefully and visit the  UMass Graduate School admissions  page and  Department of Sociology admissions page  for further information.

If you have specific questions about the program that are not answered here, please email Graduate Program Manager (GPM).

Are you admitting applicants this year? 

We are currently accepting applications for fall 2024. All applicants must submit materials through the Graduate School  application portal  by December 31, 2023. There is no early decision/priority decision deadline. All applications are reviewed after December 31st. 

What standardized tests are required?

Due to the pandemic’s impact on accessing testing, submission of GRE scores is optional. Scores will not be considered by the admissions committee. Please see the Graduate School's guidelines for  English Language Proficiency Testing  including waiver conditions. In general, proficiency tests are required by the Graduate School if English is not your first language and you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Do you waive application fees?

The Department of Sociology offers a limited number of application fee waivers for students applying from the Global South. Please contact the GPM for more details. 

What kind of funding can I expect?

All admitted doctoral students are guaranteed ten semesters (five years) of funding in the form of teaching and research assistantships, upon maintaining good standing. Currently, the assistantships carry a tuition waiver and 95% health fee reduction. The annual salary for our graduate students is $23,000. Upon exhausting the ten semesters of funding, students may seek opportunities in other departments, apply for fellowships, and/or seek teaching opportunities off-campus.

Do you accept transfer credits?

The Department of Sociology accepts transfer credits for non-required courses under limited circumstances. Admitted students may submit the syllabus for a course from an external institution for review by the GPD. For credits that would be counted toward department-required courses, please visit the  Graduate School website  for more information. 

What is the admissions committee looking for?

The makeup of the admissions committee differs every year. In general, the committee considers applications holistically with attention to unique components such as personal statement, writing sample, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Applicants should prioritize writing a clear statement of purpose and objectives as part of their personal statement to highlight their clear interest in sociological research. We encourage applicants to gather information about department faculty as well as various institutional entities associated with the department (e.g., ISSR, CRF, CEE, RSI). Among the many factors we look at, aside from prior academic record, are: a passion and commitment to the discipline; skills and preparation that an applicant might bring; an idea of the work that the applicant is hoping to accomplish (knowing that this may change with time and experience); and fit with the department, such that research interests connect with different faculty who can in turn support students in their intellectual work. We also aim for a balanced cohort, with different theoretical, methodological, and substantive interests.

What kind of mentorship can I expect early on?

Admitted students are assigned two faculty advisors in their areas of interest in their first year. It is the responsibility of each student to build working relationships with faculty as they progress through the program in order to form comprehensive exam and dissertation committees. While we endeavor to place first year students with their preferred faculty mentors, however, it is dependent on faculty schedules. 

Should I contact faculty advisors before applying?

You are welcome to contact faculty prior to applying if you are wishing to ask specific questions about their research agenda. With some exceptions, it is not generally recommended that you ask faculty to review application materials. 

Do you offer MA degrees?

The department does not have a terminal master's program to which you can apply, just a PhD. In the natural course of their studies, students have the option of obtaining a master's degree along the way. The application requirements can be found here.

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University of Massachusetts Amherst Thompson Hall, 200 Hicks Way Amherst, MA 01003-9277 tel: (413) 545 0577 | fax: (413) 545 3204 Contact Sociology

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Sudden Resignations. A Leaked Letter. What’s Happening Inside Miss USA?

Noelia Voigt’s announcement this week that she was stepping down as Miss USA set off a string of departures and prompted larger questions about the inner workings of the organization.

By Madison Malone Kircher

When the reigning Miss USA, Noelia Voigt, announced this week she would be resigning from her position, she cited her mental health and wrote about her gratitude for the opportunity.

“As individuals, we grow through experiencing different things in life that lead us to learning more about ourselves,” she wrote on Instagram on Monday.

But an internal resignation letter by Ms. Voigt to Miss USA leadership and the Miss Universe Organization, obtained on Friday by The New York Times, presented a much darker picture.

In the eight-page letter, Ms. Voigt, who represented the state of Utah and was crowned in September, described “a toxic work environment within the Miss USA Organization that, at best, is poor management and, at worst, is bullying and harassment.” She also complained in her letter that the organization had delayed making good on her prize winnings.

The Miss USA Organization did not respond to request for comment.

Ms. Voigt’s departure has spurred at least two other resignations. UmaSofia Srivastava, Miss Teen USA, announced she was stepping down from her role on Wednesday. Arianna Lemus, who represented Colorado at Miss USA in 2023, said on Friday she was resigning in solidarity after seeing Ms. Voigt’s post.

“That was a call to help,” Ms. Lemus, 27, said in an interview.

The sudden departures have touched off wider speculation in the pageant world that crowned winners are legally barred from speaking freely about their experiences with the Miss USA Organization. Many of Ms. Voigt’s past competitors, including Ms. Lemus, shared a statement demanding that she be released from any nondisclosure agreements.

In her resignation letter, Ms. Voigt said she experienced an incident of sexual harassment when, during a Christmas parade last year in Sarasota, Fla., a driver made inappropriate comments toward her.

She said in her letter that the organization failed to support her when she reported the incident.

Ms. Voigt went on to write that serving as Miss USA took a toll on her health, adding that she now struggled with anxiety and took medication to manage her symptoms.

She said she had begun experiencing “heart palpitations, full body shakes, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, loss of sleep, loss of hair and more.”

Some people believed Ms. Voigt’s Instagram post announcing her resignation contained a secret message. The first letter of each of the first 11 sentences of the statement spell the phrase “I AM SILENCED,” which some have interpreted as a signal that Ms. Voigt is unable to speak openly about her experience.

Just a few days after Ms. Voigt’s announcement, Ms. Srivastava, who was crowned Miss Teen USA in 2023, also resigned from her post .

“After careful consideration, I have decided to resign as I find that my personal values no longer fully align with the direction of the organization,” Ms. Srivastava, who represented the state of New Jersey at the Miss Teen USA pageant in September, wrote on Instagram.

Her post included a quote from the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “There are no beautiful surfaces without a terrible depth.”

“I know all of us who love the program want to rush out and do something,” Laylah Rose, the president and chief executive of the Miss USA Organization, wrote in an email to The Times earlier this week, regarding Ms. Voigt’s and Ms. Srivastava’s resignations. “My goal is to provide truly helpful steps we can take together.”

“Our all-encompassing goal at Miss USA is to celebrate and empower women,” Ms. Rose added, saying she was taking “these allegations seriously.”

Through a representative, both Ms. Srivastava and Ms. Voigt declined to comment, citing a nondisclosure agreement. (A copy of the 2023 Miss USA contract obtained by The New York Times appears to bar signees from disclosing any information about Miss USA while employed by the organization.)

After Ms. Voigt’s announcement, several of her fellow Miss USA 2023 competitors posted a statement on Instagram demanding that the Miss USA Organization release Ms. Voigt from any such agreement.

Juliana Morehouse, who competed at Miss USA representing Maine and lives in South Carolina, said in an interview with The Times that the letter originated in a group chat of 2023 participants who were “shocked and saddened” to hear of Ms. Voigt’s resignation. On a Zoom call, they hashed out the message they wanted to share in support of Ms. Voigt.

(Ms. Morehouse did not provide an exact figure but said the number of women who wrote and shared the letter comprised a majority of the 51 competitors at Miss USA in 2023.)

Claudia Michelle Engelhardt, who stepped down from her role as social media director for Miss USA this month, said she felt the Miss USA participants were unfairly pressured into signing their contracts.

“It was pretty much, ‘You have to sign this or you’re not going to compete,’” Ms. Engelhardt, 24, said. “You just worked your butt off to get here. You won your state. What, are you not going to go because you don’t want to sign a contract? They are basically holding you hostage, for lack of a better term, to sign this contract.”

Ms. Morehouse said she was given “a little over 24 hours” to review the contract.

“I don’t think any of us sought legal representation to review it with us,” she said in an interview with The Times. “We had never heard of such an ironclad NDA being implemented in previous years, because this was the first year of the new leadership.” (Ms. Rose became president of the organization last year.)

She emphasized that while her personal experience with Miss USA was a positive one, she hoped speaking out would ensure that was the case for all participants in the future.

Ms. Lemus, the former Miss Colorado USA, said she saw some irony in how Miss USA appeared to be operating.

“This is an organization that preaches women’s empowerment,” she said.

Madison Malone Kircher is a Times reporter covering internet culture. More about Madison Malone Kircher

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Sociology and Politics Personal Statement

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Sociology and Politics Personal Statement

Being a young adult, the repercussions of the UK leaving the EU will have a lasting effect on my future. Thus, it has made me consider the social consequences the country may face; in particular the loss of trade partnerships with 28 countries. As laws are shaped on traditions and social customs, it is intriguing to see how laws will be implemented by our current Government. The interconnected nature of Politics and Sociology emphasises the role society has with policy making. This demonstrates that if it was not for society, the government would not be able to enforce laws that are favourable to state. Thus, it is safe to conclude that one cannot function without the other and It is for such reasons that I would like to study these subjects further at undergraduate level.

Studying AS-level Psychology has been very influential, thus enabling me to enquire about human decisions and behaviours. Owing to the complexity of Psychology, I am eager to unravel why society is so prominent in an individual's moral decision making. For instance, my study of social influence in Psychology has enhanced my knowledge of exploring views of human nature through a realist perspectives in Politics. Having not chosen Sociology at A-level, I carried out research to gain further insight into the subject and discovered that conformity correlates with the self-fulfilling prophecy; a theory stating that a prediction will come true simply with it being made.

Through experiencing compliance first hand and progressing onto striving against the expectations that others have of myself, I have worked to exceed such expectations. As a result, I now have my own personal goals of breaking any and every glass ceiling; a key concept that is vital for us as Sociologists to explore. In addition, Politics has confirmed my choice of studying Sociology at university. As an ethnic minority of working class status, I am attentive to the many barriers that I may face in the upcoming future. Having read multiple publishers,it has come to no surprise that 'the working-class children get less of everything in education'. With the introduction of policies such as marketization under the Education Reform Act(1988),there has been various attempts at creating equality between social groups. However,there is no doubt that inequality still exists, as racism is explicitly expressed through current events, such as slave trading in Libya.

A key event that has enriched my passion for this degree was the 16-plus 'Question Time' at Westminster Abbey. It was particularly interesting to be involved in a discussion with a member of the Conservative Party about whether or not the voting age should be lowered to 16. Consequently, these inequalities has increased my interest in exploring Sociology and Politics, allowing me to be a part of a positive change and consuming an active role in society. I have also previously been involved in an insight day at a law firm known as Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. This interaction has allowed me to build on skills such as group work, presenting and leadership, all of which are key transferable skills and will benefit me as an undergraduate. A task given was to negotiate a suitable price for a tenant that wanted to buy a house, this enabled me to put my communication skills into use and consider other social and economic factors.

Furthermore, my involvement with Amnesty encouraged me to research human rights and shed further light on controversial and disregarded problems on a global scale. Making change within Society and Politics can only begin with education of these subjects. I am excited to begin this journey within a university environment. In particular, it is fascinating to see how social problems are constructed and dealt with through public policy.

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Sociology with criminology personal statement example.

Society plays a vital part in our lives, providing the norms and values we follow throughout our daily routine. Sociology helps us understand the aspects of society from the seemingly insignificant to those of greatest importance. I am fascinated by topics such as crime, culture, education, and government policy; therefore, sociology became an essential part of my life, enticing me to study it further.

Alongside sociology, criminology captured my particular attention, with its in-depth focus on criminality and the criminal justice process. The summer 2011 riots increased my interest in the subject as the country constantly debated the causes and consequences of such delinquent behaviour. As a result I have decided to combine my two interests and pursue a degree in Sociology and Criminology at university.

Studying A-level Sociology has allowed me to be critical and objective about how I perceive the world surrounding me. Key perspectives such as Marxism captivated me in the way it distinguishes the class division between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat; how it explores the influence of capitalist ideology within the institutions of society. What interests me about studying this subject is that the perspectives always challenge each other, influencing my ideologies, allowing me to learn the differences and find my place in these on-going debates.

The forensic psychology unit of my A-level psychology has attracted me in the ways researchers explore crime, and provide possible reasons for engaging in criminal behaviour. I find the study by Wikstrom & Tafel very thought-provoking, as it focuses on the social influence in delinquent behaviour such as poverty, and living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood. It helped me discover some features of the origins of criminal behaviours.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the research methods used in psychology, sociology and geography. Knowledge of the different methods enabled me to understand their use and suitability in different settings. Throughout my Geography A-level, I found that human geography in many ways relates to sociology. The unit on rebranding places interested me the most. Conducting surveys and interviews with the developers of Kings Cross Central, and Kings Cross police force, enabled me to gain an insight into the main reasons behind rebranding, and evaluate the levels of criminality within the area.

Throughout my secondary school and in my sixth form I have volunteered for numerous events including open days, parents evenings and enrolment day. These have improved my communication skills, enabling me to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds, also allowing me to use my bilingual skills in a productive way. I have undertaken various responsibilities as the chairperson of Amnesty International at my sixth form, a member of the school council executive and a form representative. I believe these experiences have helped increase my confidence, leadership skills, group work and time management.

My work experience as a reception assistant at a primary school and, as receptionist at an education resource centre taught me the importance of interpersonal skills, teamwork and also increased my awareness of self-reliance. As a checkout assistant I come across different customers every day and have experienced dealing with difficult situations in a professional manner.

In my spare time I enjoy swimming, reading novels and graphic designing using various software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. I also have a passion for surreal art and photography. I won a photography competition recently with Thomson Reuters, where many students from schools across different boroughs participated.

I am a reliable and committed student who is passionate about sociology and criminology. I feel that university will deliver the vast knowledge and understanding of these subjects that I crave, providing me with opportunities to pursue a rewarding future career.

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You've given me real.

Wed, 20/11/2013 - 01:30

You've given me real inspiration for my personal statement, there's not much else around apart from yours!

Thanks so much :)

where can I find Wikstrom &

Sat, 30/08/2014 - 19:56

where can I find Wikstrom & Tafel study?

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