Interview with Prof. Dr. Xiaoling Shu—Section Editor-in-Chief of Section “Family Studies” in Social Sciences

In this issue, Social Sciences (ISSN: 2076-0760) is honored to feature Prof. Dr. Xiaoling Shu, Section Editor-in-Chief of the journal. In this conversation, Prof. Dr. Shu shares her unique experiences as a woman in the academic ecosystem, emphasizes the importance of confidence and empowerment for women in both personal and professional realms, and offers profound insights into academic research.

Prof. Dr. Xiaoling Shu is a Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Davis. She holds an MS in computer science and a PhD in sociology from the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on how two major contemporary forces—marketization and globalization—affect gender inequality, well-being, and gendered patterns in family, marriage, sexuality, and attitudes. She uses data science approaches to conduct country-specific (China, the U.S., and the U.K.) and cross-national analyses. She is the author of Knowledge Discovery in the Social Sciences: A Data Mining Approach (University of California Press) and Chinese Marriages in Transition: From Patriarchy to New Familism (Rutgers University Press). Her work has appeared in leading journals, such as Social Forces, Social Science Research, Sociology of Education, Journal of Marriage and Family, Social Science & Medicine, Social Science Quarterly, Sex Roles, Journal of Happiness Studies, Chinese Sociological Review, and Research in Social Stratification and Mobility. She has served as Chair of the Asia and Asian America Section of the American Sociological Association, President of the International Chinese Sociological Association, and Director of East Asian Studies at UC Davis.

The following is an interview with Prof. Dr. Xiaoling Shu:

1. The past three International Women’s Day themes have shifted from “Embrace Equity” to “Encourage Inclusion” and, most recently, “Accelerate Progress.” How do you interpret these changes?
This evolution is a very positive development. It not only reflects the growing global awareness of gender equality but also marks a transition from advocacy to action. Increasingly, women are assuming critical roles in various fields. In academia, we can pay closer attention to key areas such as the distribution of research resources and gender diversity in editorial boards, all of which are crucial for fostering structural changes toward greater equity.

2. As a scholar with deep academic roots in computer science, linguistics, and sociology, how did you initially decide to pursue social science research? How did you gradually build your own independent research direction over your academic career?
My academic journey is the result of both historical context and personal interest. In the 1990s, I went to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies in sociology. Though I had been steered into the humanities during high school, my school provided strong training in mathematics, which sparked my interest in statistics and computer science. During my doctoral studies, I took a theoretical statistics course in the statistics department and realized the potential of integrating computer science and statistics into sociological research. This prompted me to take additional courses in computer science, such as programming in C/C++, numerical analysis, graph theory, computer networks, and the theory of artificial intelligence.
Over time, I foresaw the enormous potential of applying computer technologies—especially AI—to sociology for data mining and model development. At that time, very few researchers were working in this field. But with the advancement of technology, especially AI and big data, interdisciplinary research has become a mainstream trend. The growing interest and recognition of this field validate its forward-looking nature and great potential.

3. What strategies do you think young female scholars should adopt to accelerate the process of achieving academic independence?
Many female scholars tend to underestimate themselves and place limits on their self-perception, whereas men often display greater self-confidence in self-assessment. In reality, I have seen many outstanding women in academia. My advice is for female scholars to believe in themselves more, be bold in showcasing their abilities, and have the courage and determination to overcome external doubts—even from family members—who may underestimate their potential.
The academic path is a long one. It requires perseverance, self-belief, and a genuine passion for research. Stay committed to your field of interest, work diligently and deeply, and continue to develop yourself. Only then can you make your voice heard and your influence felt in academia.

4. Over the past two decades, what notable positive changes have you observed in academic support and opportunities for women, especially in research? What unique strengths do female researchers bring to academic leadership?
Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of women in academia, particularly in research. However, many women still hesitate when it comes to pursuing leadership roles. I encourage women scholars to actively seek leadership opportunities and to demonstrate their leadership skills.
Although administrative and service work demands time and energy, it also provides the chance to shape academic directions, influence personnel decisions, and expand one’s professional horizons. Female scholars often excel in adaptability, multitasking, and innovative thinking, especially in balancing work and life. These qualities are unique strengths in the research arena.

5. As we wrap up this interview, do you have any additional thoughts you would like to share with MDPI readers to promote gender equality and the growth of the academic community?
I hope that all academic professionals maintain a sense of purity and passion for research. To young women scholars, especially, my advice is to keep your curiosity, courage, and original aspirations alive. The academic journey is full of challenges, but the greatest motivation comes from within—from the excitement of tackling complex problems and the deep desire to understand the world—not from external rewards such as money or fame, which are ultimately unsustainable.
It is this inner drive that sustains our long-term dedication to research, year after year, and enables us to overcome obstacles. The most valuable reward is the new, deeper understanding of human behavior and social patterns that we gain along the way. I also encourage everyone to explore widely, develop diverse skill sets, stay forward-looking, and harness the strengths of interdisciplinary approaches to stay ahead of the times.

Looking Ahead
As Social Sciences enters its second decade of publication, we are deeply grateful to our readers, authors, Editorial Board Members, reviewers, and editors for their contributions to the journal’s growth. We hope to see more women engage in academic research and contribute to the scholarly community. We look forward to your continued support, guidance, and collaboration in the future development of Social Sciences.

Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Dr. Xiaoling Shu for taking time out of her busy schedule to speak with us. We are also grateful for her support and advice regarding the development of the journal. We wish her continued health and success in her academic endeavors in the coming year.

Prof. Dr. Xiaoling Shu (first from the left) with journal staff at the American Sociological Association Annual Meeting.

About the Section
“Family Studies” is one of 12 thematic Sections of the journal Social Sciences. The Section is currently supported by an Editorial Board of nine renowned scholars from around the world, including Prof. Dr. Xiaoling Shu from the University of California, Davis; Prof. Dr. Morten Blekesaune from the University of Agder, Norway; Prof. Dr. Nancy Luke from Pennsylvania State University; and Dr. Steven Sheldon from Johns Hopkins University. As of June 2025, the Section has published 155 papers.