Christopher Pieper

Education

Ph.D., Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, 2011
M.A., Journalism, University of Texas at Austin, 1998
B.A., Communication with Honors (Summa Cum Laude), Southwestern University, 1996

Biography

Dr. Christopher Pieper teaches courses in introductory sociology, Senior Colloquium, social movements, social psychology, and graduate courses in political sociology and the Seminar on Teaching. His research interests include forms and uses of power, social theory, religion, and technology/media.

Pieper earned his doctorate and master's degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to academia, Dr. Pieper worked in the public policy sector and in print and broadcast journalism. He is a proud alumnus of Southwestern University (sociology minor). 🙂 

Dr. Pieper has published and presented widely on topics related to culture and politics, particularly the role of morality in social movements. He has written three books, two of them related to introducing students to sociology. His newest book, Society Without People: The Social Implications of the Metaverse and A.I., explores the ways emerging technologies will change our lives and social science in coming decades. 

Dr. Pieper regularly collaborates with graduate students and advanced undergraduates in research and welcomes your ideas for collaboration. He is also the Social Media Director for the department.  

Recent Publications

Nelson, J. J., & Pieper, C. M. 2022. “Maladies of Infinite Aspiration”: Smartphones, Meaning-Seeking, and Anomigenesis. Sociological Perspectives. https://doi.org/10.1177/07311214221114296

Books

Pieper, Christopher and Justin Nelson. Society Without People: The Metaverse, A.I., and its Social Implications. DeGruyter Publishing, Berlin, Germany. July 2025

Pieper, Christopher M. The Sociological Vision. Second Edition. Kendall-Hunt; Dubuque, IL. 2019

Pieper, Christopher M. Sociology as a Spiritual Practice: How Studying People can Make You a Better Person. Kendall-Hunt; Dubuque, IL. 2015.