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Jillian Sunderland -Ph.D. Candidate

Greetings!

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Sociology at the University of Toronto and a Joseph-Armand Bombardier Doctoral Scholar, researching how masculinities are produced, contested, and institutionalized within state structures, and how media narratives shape public understandings of gendered power. Using document and narrative analysis across archival, media, and policy sources, my recent Sociology Compass article examines coverage of elite boy violence, showing how seemingly critical framings—such as “toxic masculinity” or “school culture”—can diffuse accountability and shield privileged actors. I have also published in Men and Masculinities, with findings featured in U of T News, CBC’s Ideas podcast, and the CBC Gem documentary on the manosphere. Committed to public sociology, my work has appeared in the Toronto Star, CBC Radio News, CTV Radio News, The Medium, and The Varsity.

Presently, my dissertation research focuses on the sexual harassment scandal involving female officers in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Drawing on various sources, including government reports, legal records, Hansard debates, media commentary, and interviews with key informants, my research explores how state agencies navigate and respond to gender-based violence within an institution that administers justice.

Beyond my research, I am deeply passionate about teaching. I have taught three undergraduate courses at the St. George Campus: Sociology of Masculinities, Sociology of the Family, and Families and Health. In my teaching, I aim to create an engaging, rigorous environment where students develop the skills to critically assess empirical research and engage deeply with course materials. Recently, I was honoured with the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award in the sociology department at the University of Toronto, reflecting my commitment to student success.

Education