Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sara Ferlander | Social Cognition | Best Researcher Award
Mälardalen University | Sweden
Sara Ferlander is an accomplished sociologist and associate professor at Mälardalen University whose academic and professional career reflects a deep commitment to understanding the intersections of social structures, inequality, and health. She earned her doctorate in sociology and psychology from the University of Stirling and later advanced her academic standing as an associate professor of sociology at Södertörn University. Her career includes extensive teaching and research experience, beginning with a research fellowship at the Centre for Research and Development in Learning Technology in the United Kingdom and continuing with decades of academic leadership in Sweden. Her research interests span gender, intersectionality, segregation, social capital, urbanity, and social sustainability, with particular focus on mental health and youth well-being. She has developed expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, policy evaluation, feminist urban planning, and social innovation, applying her skills to projects addressing inequality and public health challenges. Recognized for her impactful contributions, she has published widely in international journals and contributed to influential volumes on social sustainability and urban development. She has also pursued further training in mental health support, enhancing the practical relevance of her work. Through her scholarly achievements, teaching, and applied research, Sara Ferlander has become a respected voice in sociology, contributing knowledge that informs both theory and practice while shaping more inclusive and sustainable societies.
Profile: Google scholar
Featured Publications
Ferlander, S. (2007). The importance of different forms of social capital for health. Acta Sociologica, 50(2), 115–128. Citations: 974
Ferlander, S. (2003). The internet, social capital and local community (Doctoral dissertation, University of Stirling). Citations: 146
Ferlander, S., & Mäkinen, I. H. (2009). Social capital, gender and self-rated health: Evidence from the Moscow Health Survey 2004. Social Science & Medicine, 69(9), 1323–1332. Citations: 129
Jukkala, T., Mäkinen, I. H., Kislitsyna, O., Ferlander, S., & Vågerö, D. (2008). Economic strain, social relations, gender, and binge drinking in Moscow. Social Science & Medicine, 66(3), 663–674. Citations: 123
Stickley, A., Koyanagi, A., Leinsalu, M., Ferlander, S., Sabawoon, W., & McKee, M. (2015). Loneliness and health in Eastern Europe: Findings from Moscow, Russia. Public Health, 129(4), 403–410. Citations: 74