Faculty Profile

Mohammad Jasim Uddin, (PhD, Helsinki)

Professor

Contact Information

  • Office Address: Professor Institute of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh
  • Phone: +8801715055869
  • Email: mjauddin-soc@sust.edu, mjauddin@yahoo.com

Biography

I am a professor in the Department of Sociology at Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST) in Sylhet, Bangladesh. My journey in academia began at Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), Dhaka, in 1998, where I joined as a Lecturer in Sociology. In April 2001, I joined the Department of Sociology at Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST), where I became a faculty member. Over the years, I progressed from Lecturer to Assistant Professor, then to Associate Professor, and finally to the position of Professor on November 17, 2013, within the same department.

From June 8, 2015, to June 7, 2018, I had the privilege of serving as the Head of the Department of Sociology. During this time, I was also an active member of the Academic Council, the Board of Advanced Studies, and the IQAC Self-Assessment Committee of Sociology. Additionally, I held an honorary membership on the Board of Governance of the Institute of Modern Languages at SUST from February 2018 to February 2021.

From May 2019 to May 2023, I served as Editor-in-Chief of the SUST Journal of Social Sciences, where I enjoyed collaborating with the editorial board to enhance the publication experience. Since April 2023, I have also been a board member of the SUST research center.

I completed my Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in 1989 and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) in 1991, achieving first division marks and securing positions in the top twenty of the merit list for both examinations. I had the opportunity to study at three different universities. I earned my BSS (Hons) and MSS degrees in Sociology, both with first-class honors, from the University of Dhaka. I also completed a second MSS degree in Development Studies from Uppsala University.

I completed my doctoral studies in Sociology at the University of Helsinki, earning my PhD with research that delved into the relationship between microfinance, gender, and neoliberal development in Bangladesh. My study aimed to understand and analyze how microcredit influences the social, cultural, and economic dynamics affecting the lives of women and their households in rural Bangladesh. The culmination of this research was my book, The Micro-politics of Microcredit: Gender and Neoliberal Development in Bangladesh (Routledge, 2015).

My teaching and research span sociology, gender studies, development studies, and underdevelopment. I focus on neoliberal development policies and their impact on class, caste, and gender in both rural and urban settings, as well as global knowledge dynamics. My research includes quantitative and qualitative-ethnographic fieldwork across Bangladesh. I have extensive experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in subjects such as Sociology of Development and Underdevelopment, Environment and Climate Change, Advanced Research Methodology, Social Statistics, Classical Sociological Theories, Social Demography, and State, Civil Society & Development.

Education

  • PhD in Sociology (April 2013), University of Helsinki, dissertation with a grade Magna Cum Laude Approbatur.
  • Master of Development Studies (MDS- June 2004), Uppsala University, Sweden. The Degree includes a thesis entitled: Growth, Inequality and Political Regimes: Development Strategies of Bangladesh Since Independence.
  • Master of Social Sciences in Sociology (MSS -1995, held in 1997), First class, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Degree includes a thesis entitled: Resettlement and Social Structure of a Slum in Greater Dhaka : A Case Study.
  • Bachelor of Social Sciences in Sociology (BSS honors-1994, held in 1995), First class. The Degree includes a research monograph entitled: Relationship Between Socio-economic Characteristics and Levels of Fertility in Bangladesh: A Study of a Village in Comilla.
  • Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC-1991), First division with position in the top twenty merit list, Comilla Board, Bangladesh.
  • Secondary School Certificate (SSC-1989), First division with position in the top twenty merit list, Comilla Board, Bangladesh.

Research Interests

  • Social Capital & Civil Society; Development & Corruption;
  • Neo-liberalism, Microfinance & Poverty;
  • Migration, Environmental change and Vulnerability; Modernity & Fertility Behavior;
  • Health and Illness

Active Research Project

  • PhD Research Grant, Academy of Finland (Grant no SA 138232), From 2011 to 2012.
  • The Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation scholarship for Doctoral Studies at University of Helsinki: From 2009 to 2010.
  • Dhaka University merit scholarship for BSS (Hons) and MSS Degrees in Sociology: From 1992 to 1995
  • Comilla Board Merit Scholarship, Bangladesh 1991-1992
  • Sustainable Livelihoods and Politics at the Margins: Environmental Displacement in South Asia, 2018-2022 (Academy of Finland & Helsinki University)
  • Extreme Environmental Events, Vulnerability and Migration: A Study in Sylhet & Dhaka cities ( Funded by SUST Research Center: 2020-21)

Previous Research Project

  • The Dilemma between Public and Private Social Capital: a study on micro-credit involvement and the creation of social capital in rural Bangladesh. (Funded by SUST Research Centre: 2015))
  • Migration, Modernity and Fertility Practices among the Poor in Sylhet city. (Funded by SUST Research Centre: 2017-18)

Journal Publish

  • 1. Ashrafun, L. Uddin, M.J., & Debnath, D. (2024). Caregiver Narratives of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring Symptom Recognition, Diagnosis, and Interventions. J Autism Dev Disord (Springer Nature, IF: 4.5,Scopus)
  • 2. Tenhunen, S., Uddin, M.J. & Roy, D. (forthcoming, 2024).Confronting Climate Change in the Sundarbans in Coastal India and Bangladesh
  • 3. Book Section: Farid, K.S. & Uddin, M.J. (Forthcoming- 2024). 'Husbands’ overseas migration and left-behind wives’ health outcomes: A paradox.' In Chouhan, P., Das, K.C., & Rahaman et al. (eds), Women's Health Dynamics in South Asia: Perspectives, Challenges, and Innovations. Springer Women Health Series
  • 4. Tenhunen, S., Uddin, M.J. & Roy D (2023): After cyclone Aila: politics of climate change in Sundarbans (Contemporary South Asia, Routledge, Scopus:IF-1.09))
  • 5. Uddin, M.J & Ashrafun, L.A. (2023). Parenting in Context: Parent’s Experiences of Caring for a Child with Autism in Bangladesh (Scopus: Springer Nature)
  • 6. Uddin, M.J. (2023). Climate Change, Vulnerabilities, and Migration: Insights from Ecological Migrants in Bangladesh. Journal of Environment and Development (If: 3.2, Scopus: Sage)
  • 7. Uddin, M.J. (2022) Editor's Note- SUST Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 33, No.1
  • 8. Uddin, M.J. (2022). Editor's Note- SUST Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 33, No.2
  • 9. Uddin, M.J. (Forthcoming). Migration, Modernity, and Alienation among the Urban Poor in Bangladesh
  • 10. Uddin, M.J. (2021). Editor's note, SUST Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 32, No.1
  • 11. Uddin, M.J. (2021) Editor's Note- SUST Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 32, No.2
  • 12. Book Section: Uddin, M.J. (forthcoming). Ralf Dharendorf 's theory of Class and Class Conflict in Industrial Society (edited by Alam, K: Post Modern Sociological Theories (in Bengali), UPL
  • 13. Uddin, M.J. (2020). Editor's note, SUST Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 31, No. 1
  • 14. Uddin, M.J. (2020). Editor's note, SUST Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 31, No. 2
  • 15. Book Section: Uddin, M.J. (2019) Development, Neoliberal Development and Microfinance: An Appraisal (Chapter-2). In (Eds. M Tanzim Uddin Khan and M Sajjadur Rahman): Neoliberal Development In Bangladesh: People on the Margins, UPL, Dhaka)
  • 16. Uddin, M.J. (2019). Editor's note, SUST Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 30, No. 1
  • 17. Uddin, M.J. (2019). Editor's note, SUST Journal of Social Sciences, Vol 30, No. 2
  • 18. Raihan, MH & Uddin, M. J. (2018) Creating women’s capabilities through micro-credit in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences 41 (2), 111-122 (Indexed in SCOPUS and ESCI)
  • 19. Uddin, M. J. (2018) Associational Membership and Social Capital: The Case of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh. The Journal of Public Administration (Lok Proshason Samoeeky), No. 68
  • 20. Uddin, M.J (2018) Theoretical Discourse of Microfinance and Economic Development: A Critical Analysis (in Bengali). Palli Unnayan -A Journal of Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development-BARD, No.21
  • 21. Uddin, M J, Ashrafun L et.al (2017) Patient satisfaction with doctors’ care in Bangladesh: A case of government hospital. J Fam Med 4 (6), 1132 (IF: 2.8)
  • 22. Book: Uddin, M.J (2015).The Micro-politics of Micro-credit: Gender & Neoliberal Development in Bangladesh. Routledge: London and New York
  • 23. Uddin, M.J. (2014). Microcredit and Building Social Capital in Rural Bangladesh- Drawing the Uneasy Link. Contemporary South Asia, Routledge, Vol. 22(2). (Scopus: IF: 1.09)
  • 24. Uddin, M.J. (2014). Microcredit, Civic Networks and Women’s Political Involvement in Bangladesh. The Hong Kong Journal of Social Work, Vol. 47, No 1(2).
  • 25. Book: Microcredit, Gender and Neoliberal Development in Bangladesh (2013). Helsinki University Press: Helsinki.
  • 26. Uddin,M.J. & Ashrafun, Laila (2011). Daughters of the Dark: A Qualitative Study of Street-based Sex Workers in Bangladesh. The Journal of the Finnish Anthropological Society, Vol. 36, No. 3 Autumn 2011. (indexed in the Royal Anthropological Index online)
  • 27. Ashrafun, Laila & Uddin, M.J. (2011): Factors Determining Inpatient Satisfaction wjth Hospital Care in Bangladesh. Asian Social Science, Vol. 7, No. 6 June 2011. (SCImago, IF:.694)
  • 28. Ashrafun, Laila & Uddin, M.J. (2010): Fertility Practices: A Qualitative Study of a Slum in Sylhet, Bangladesh. IUB Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Vol.8 No.1, 2010.
  • 29. Uddin,M.J. & Ashrafun, Laila (2010). The Dilemma of Politics and Development in Bangladesh. Working Paper No. 10, Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences.
  • 30. Uddin, M. J. & Ashrafun, Laila (2007). Good Governance and Development: Lessons for Developing Countries. Asian Affairs, July-Sept 2007.
  • 31. Ashrafun, Laila & Uddin, M.J. (2007). Micro-Credit, Women Empowerment and Rural Development in Bangladesh (in Bengali). Palli Unnayan -A Journal of Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development- BARD, Comilla, 2007.
  • 32. Ashrafun, Laila & Uddin, M. J. (2005). Women, Empowerment and Development. Asian Affairs, January- March 2005.
  • 33. Uddin,M.J. & Ashrafun, Laila (2005). Conditional Aid and Good Governance: Exploring the Linkages. BIISS journal, Vol.26, No.1.2005, pp.31-54.
  • 34. Uddin, M.J. (2003). Resettlement and Social Structure of a Slum in Greater Dhaka : A Case Study. Social Science Review, Dhaka University, Vol.20, No.1, June 2003. pp.57-72.

External Affiliations

  • 01.06.2019- 15.5.2023: Editor-in-Chief, SUST Journal of Social Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST), Sylhet
  • 08.07. 2015- 07.07-2018: Head, Department of Sociology, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST), Sylhet.
  • 08.07. 2015- 07.07-2018: Member, Academic Council, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST), Sylhet.
  • 08.07. 2015- 07.07-2018: Member, Board of Advanced Studies, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST), Sylhet.
  • 01.06.2018- to the date: Member, Board of Governance of Institute of Modern Languages, SUST.
  • 01.04.2018-to the date: Senior Academic Researcher, University of Helsinki (Funded by Academy of Finland & University of Helsinki)
  • 2020: Convener & Editor, souvenir committee, 3rd Convocation, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology (SUST), Sylhet
  • 2015-2017: Member, IQAC Quality Assessment Committee of the Department of Sociology, SUST
  • 15.5.2023-to the date: Member, SUST Research Centre

Awards & Recognition

  • PhD Research Grant, Academy of Finland (Grant no SA 138232), From 2011 to 2012.
  • The Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation scholarship for Doctoral Studies at University of Helsinki: From 2009 to 2010.
  • Dhaka University merit scholarship for BSS (Hons) and MSS Degrees in Sociology: From 1992 to 1995
  • Comilla Board Merit Scholarship, Bangladesh 1991-1992

Teaching

  • 17.11.2013- to the date: Professor, Department of Sociology, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology,Sylhet-3114,Bangladesh.
  • 8.7.2010- 16.11.2013: Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology,Sylhet-3114,Bangladesh.
  • 01.01.2011- 31.12.2012: Worked as a full-time teaching and research personnel, Department of Sociology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
  • 15.04.2004- 7.7.2010: Assistant Professor, Department.of Sociology, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology,Sylhet-3114,Bangladesh.
  • 15.4.2001- 15.04.2004: Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology,Sylhet-3114,Bangladesh.
  • 3.12.1998- 12.04.2001: Lecturer, Department of Humanities, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), Dhaka.

Graduate Supervision

  • 1. Under supervision: PhD Thesis: International Migration, Poverty Alleviation and Development in Rural Bangladesh Department of Sociology, SUST Supervised: M.Phil Thesis Supervision: Migration and Individual Modernity among the Urban Poor in Bangladesh. Candidate: Mr Mohammad Mushahid 3. Acted role as the convener of PhD defense committee: 24.4.2022. PhD dissertation: Juvenile Delinquency in Bangladesh: A Study of the Correctional Centers Candidate: Mr. Md Mahmud Hasan Department of Sociology, University of Dhaka
  • Conference/Workshop: 1. Paper presented on "Microcredit and Building Social Capital: Trade-off" at Nordic Conference on South Asia, University of Helsinki, 26.5.2010. 2. Paper presented On " Is environmental migration only environmental? Vulnerabilities, struggles, and adaptations of Aila-induced migrants in Bangladesh?" in Development Days Conference, 2023, University of Helsinki. 16.2.2023. 3. Joint conference paper: Farid, K.S. and M.J. Uddin (2023). Husbands' international migration and the lives of wives left behind in rural Bangladesh: Opportunities and challenges. Paper presented at the 1st International Conference on Labour Migration and Sustainable Development in Asia: Opportunities, Challenges and Way Forward held at International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India from 1-3 June, 2023. 4.Joint conference paper: Farid, K.S. and M.J. Uddin (2023). Social impact of international migration on left-behind communities: Is it boon or bane? Paper presented at the 2nd International Conference on Social Work and Sustainable Social Development held at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh from 5-7 January, 2023.