MSc Student Spotlight: Zhiwo (Suzy) Xu

Why do you study sociology?

I consider sociology the most “interesting” subject because where else can you turn questions like “Why do liberals prefer lattes?” into serious academic debate? But beyond the humour, it’s about spotting the invisible strings that connect everything - how our tastes, from what we drink to how we vote, signal social status and group membership.

It’s where we ask the big questions: how do these patterns emerge? Why do they persist? And what does a simple coffee order say about the larger systems of power and inequality that shape our lives?

For me, sociology is equal parts detective work and storytelling. It’s the thrill of unravelling the “why” behind our quirks and contradictions, grounded in rigorous methods that reveal the social dynamics we often take for granted.

It’s about understanding how something as small as a coffee preference reflects broader cultural values, how economic systems create these choices, and how cultural capital reinforces social hierarchies.

At the same time, sociology is an audacious field that challenges you to imagine alternatives, asking, “What if it didn’t have to be this way?”

Ultimately, sociology is the perfect playground for someone like me who is endlessly curious about how we build societies, how they shape us in return, and why even something as mundane as a latte can spark debates about class, culture, and identity.

It’s a discipline that teaches us not just to see the world as it is, but to question it - and to dream of how it could be different.

What first attracted you to the Department?

Oxford’s Sociology Department feels like the intellectual equivalent of a jazz improvisation - rooted in tradition but always pushing boundaries.

The Department’s emphasis on bridging rigorous theory with real-world application is exactly what I was searching for: a place where abstract concepts can challenge conventional thinking and drive meaningful change.

And, of course, the idea of sipping tea in centuries-old libraries while debating the finer points of symbolic interactionism? Irresistible. There’s something magical about being part of a community where the past and the present meet to inspire the future.

What do you enjoy most about studying in Oxford?

What I’ve enjoyed most is how every culture and every voice finds space to be heard here. The Department truly embodies the sociological imagination - it’s a place where personal stories meet larger societal structures, and no perspective feels out of place.

What I love most is how the course constantly pushes me to think beyond my own experience and consider perspectives I never imagined.

It’s like travelling the world without leaving the seminar room - every lecture feels like a passport stamp for your brain, complete with the occasional turbulence of challenging ideas. The sociological imagination isn’t just a concept here; it’s the vibe.

What do you hope to do when you finish your course?

My dream is to pursue a PhD and eventually write works that bridge academic rigor with poetic resonance - where research isn’t just read, but felt.

More practically, I aim to study social identities and marginality in ways that make academic insights relatable and transformative for wider audiences.

What piece of advice would you give to prospective students?

Be curious and open-minded - sociology is all about seeing the world from new perspectives. On a more practical note, don’t hesitate to chat with your peers and professors - some of the best ideas come from a good conversation over coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing).

You can get in touch with Zhiwo via email.