Department of Sociology

College of Humanities and Sciences

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Victor Tan Chen, Ph.D., an associate professor of sociology, studies economic inequality, labor movements and trends around unions in the U.S., where union support is rising while union membership is at an all-time low.  (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

How will the Hollywood strike end? VCU sociology professor and union expert shares what history tells us.

Aug. 21, 2023

Streaming services and AI may be the new battlegrounds for actors, writers and studios, but echoes from the 1960 and 1980 picket lines are familiar and strong, says Victor Tan Chen.

A new clinical trial will offer community members experiencing depression while pregnant with opportunities to take part in activities designed to increase social connectedness and strengthen their emotional health and well-being. (Getty Images)

Pregnant individuals experiencing depression will have access to mindfulness activities through a VCU study

Oct. 11, 2021

The newly funded study will focus on serving Richmond’s minority, low-income or low-education community members and, if effective, could be replicated elsewhere.

Contemplative practices are designed to help people become aware of their surroundings and be more present. (Getty Images)

A VCU class on contemplative practices offers important lessons on how to be present

April 20, 2021

“Sociology of Contemplative Practices” draws on techniques from across the globe, and helps students calm their minds.