How does “place” influence sociological studies? This review article argues that sociological research should consider the significance of place, asserting that sociologists have a stake in understanding its influence across various analyses. This comprehensive review examines sociological studies that consider “place,” encompassing diverse topics such as inequality, power, politics, interaction, community, social movements, deviance, crime, life course, science, identity, memory, and history. The author analyzes how places come to be the way they are and how places matter for social practices and historical change. By synthesizing research from various sociological subfields, this work emphasizes the importance of incorporating spatial context into sociological inquiry. It serves as a valuable resource for sociologists seeking to integrate place-based perspectives into their research.
As a contribution to the Annual Review of Sociology, this paper examines the role of 'place' within the broader discipline. By synthesizing diverse studies that consider spatial context, the review offers a valuable perspective for sociologists, aligning with the journal's mission to provide comprehensive overviews of key sociological topics and debates.