Using Sociology Documentaries to Deepen Student Understanding

Sociology gives students a powerful framework to understand the world around them. It opens the door to exploring different societies, their diversity, and the ways they interact. This is why I love teaching sociology! I have found that one of the most effective ways to deepen student understanding is through well-chosen sociology documentaries; textbooks and lectures can only take you so far. Watching real people navigate social institutions, systemic inequalities, and cultural expectations helps students form deeper, lasting connections to the concepts being studied.

If you’re looking for quality, impactful sociology documentaries to enhance your lessons, you’re in the right place. In this post I have curated a list of must-watch films that align with core sociology topics like gender, race, poverty, the criminal justice system, and education. I’ve done the work for you! These documentaries will hopefully spark meaningful class discussions while promoting empathy and critical thinking.

Sociology Documentaries I Highly Recommend

1. Poor Kids 

Topic: poverty, poverty cycle, social class, inequality
This heartbreaking yet eye-opening sociology documentary follows the lives of 3 children growing up in poverty in the United States. It’s an incredible resource for discussing class, the cycle of poverty, and the structural forces that limit social mobility. 

*Follow up articles about the featured children can also be found through the link below. 

Length: 54 minutes

How to access: PBS Frontline Watch here 

2. Miss Representation

Topic: gender, media, feminism
This film examines how mainstream media has contributed to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence. It’s perfect for units on gender roles, socialization, and the impact of media on cultural norms.

Length: 1:29 minutes 

How to access: Kanopy- Use your public library card or University login to access this filmine. Watch here

3. The Mask You Live In

Topic: masculinity, gender identity, socialization
This companion film to Miss Representation explores how boys are socialized into America’s narrow definitions of masculinity and how that affects their relationships, mental health, and behavior.

Length: 1:31 mintues 

How to access: Kanopy. Use your public library card or University login to access this film. Watch here

4. Growing Up Trans

Topic: gender identity, family, institutions
This sociology documentary explores the lives of transgender children and teens as they navigate the complex decisions and experiences involved in transitioning at a young age. It’s an excellent resource for discussions on gender identity, the influence of family and medical institutions, and the broader societal factors that shape personal identity.

Length: 1:24:12 minutes

How to access: PBS Frontline Watch here

5. 13th

Topic: race, incarceration, systemic inequality
This powerful film traces the history of racial inequality in the United States with a specific focus on the nation’s prisons and the 13th Amendment. This is a must-watch for units on race, criminal justice, and institutional discrimination.

Length: 1:40:03 

How to access: Netflix/Watch Documentaries Watch here

6. Solitary Nation 

Topic: criminal justice, punishment, mental health

This powerful sociology documentary offers a raw, unfiltered look inside a solitary confinement unit in a maximum-security prison in Maine. It provides an up-close view of the harsh realities of isolation, while highlighting the ongoing debate over prison reform. The film prompts important conversations around punishment, rehabilitation, and the mental health challenges within the justice system.

Length: 53:40

How to access: PBS Frontline Watch here

7. Prison State

Topic: mass incarceration, juvenile justice, cycle of incarceration in America.
Focusing on incarcerated teens and adults in Kentucky, this film shows how poverty, mental illness, and broken systems lead many into a cycle of imprisonment. Ideal for exploring structural issues in the justice system.

Length: 1:23:40

How to access: PBS Frontline Watch here

8. Second Chance Kids 

Topic: juvenile justice, reform, rehabilitation
This documentary explores how Supreme Court rulings on juvenile life sentences are playing out across the U.S., raising deep questions about justice, redemption, and whether people can truly change.

Length: 53:09

How to access: PBS Frontline Watch here

9. Waiting for Superman

Topic: education, inequality, policy

This compelling sociology documentary examines the shortcomings of America’s public education system and the many barriers families face in accessing quality schooling. It highlights the stark contrast between public schools and private charter schools, revealing deep inequalities that impact student outcomes. In particular, graduation rates. This film serves as a powerful starting point for discussing how education intersects with socioeconomic status. Since every student has some experience with school, it’s a topic that naturally sparks meaningful and relatable class discussions.

Length: 1:51:16 

How to access: Watch Documentaries Watch here

10. The Origin of Everything

Topic: culture, norms, history, identity
This engaging PBS YouTube series explores the “why” behind everything from cultural norms to beauty standards to historical myths. There are three seasons of The Origin of Everything. Each season has many videos on a ton of different topics from “The origin of gender” to “Why do we shake hands?” These short episodes (most under 10 minutes) are super interesting, and maybe address topics you may have never thought about! These are perfect for class warm-ups or discussion starters.

Length: Most videos are under 10 minutes long

How to access: PBS Digital Studios  Watch here

11. A Sentenced Life

Topic: global education, inequality, poverty cycle

This short sociology documentary looks at the four main parts of the criminal justice system in Colorado. It shows how a lack of access to good education is connected to higher incarceration rates, especially for people of color. The film is also helpful for comparing education systems around the world, and thinking about how unfair access to education can lead to long-term problems like poverty and jail time.

Length:26:40

How to access:  YouTube: Watch here

Using Sociology Documentaries in the Classroom

Using documentaries in your sociology classroom is a great way to help students connect abstract concepts to real-life experiences. Whether you assign them as homework, use them to introduce a new unit, or include them in a reflective writing activity, these sociology documentaries offer powerful insights that can deepen understanding and spark meaningful discussion. Each film is eye-opening and would also make a valuable addition to courses beyond sociology. Have you seen any of these documentaries? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below! 

Want more Sociology ideas? Head to my website to find all of my sociology resources. 

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