THE RACHEL TANUR MEMORIAL PRIZE

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The Rachel Tanur Memorial Prize for Visual Sociology honors students who integrate visual media into their sociological research. Open to undergraduate and graduate social science students worldwide, this biennial prize celebrates innovative uses of photography and social science in addressing real-world issues.

 

Information & Application Details:

  • Application deadline: Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:59 EST (4:59 UTC)
  • Application fee: Free

 

Eligibility:

Open to students enrolled in a BA, MA, or PhD program in any social science discipline worldwide at the time of application.

 

Theme:

Incorporating visual media into sociological research to analyze and interpret societal phenomena.

 

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. Two commentaries (500 words each):
  • Commentary 1: Analyze one of Rachel Tanur’s photographs using sociological perspectives.
  • Commentary 2: Analyze an original photograph taken by the applicant.
  1. Both commentaries should use theoretical and applied social science methods and be written in English.

By entering, applicants consent to their submissions being publicly accessible as part of Rachel Tanur’s living memorial.

 

Submission Requirements:

  • Commentaries must be in English, with a 500-word limit per commentary.
  • The photos must be submitted along with the commentaries.

 

Selection Process:

A panel of judges from the International Sociological Association’s (ISA) Visual Sociology Research Committee will evaluate entries. Winning submissions will be based on the quality of sociological analysis and innovative use of visual media.

 

Program Benefits:

  • First Prize:
  • $5,000 USD.
  • Two years of honorary ISA Visual Sociology Research Committee Board Membership.
  • Publication of the winning essay with a DOI in Visual Studies.
  • Paid travel to the award ceremony at the ISA Forum of Sociology (July 6–11, 2025, Rabat, Morocco).
  • Second Prize: $2,500 USD.
  • Third Prize: $1,500 USD.
  • Additional Benefits:
  • All winners receive student membership to the ISA and the Visual Sociology Research Committee.

* Prize Ceremony: The winners will be celebrated during the 5th ISA Forum of Sociology in Rabat, Morocco, in July 2025.

 

Contact & Resources:

For questions or further details, refer to the official prize page or reach out to the ISA Visual Sociology Research Committee.

Email: tanurprize@ssrc.org
Phone: 212-377-2700

 

Website link:

The Award

Award/PrizePublicationTravel costs