Prof. Gabriella Punziano is an Associate Professor of General Sociology at the University of Naples Federico II. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Research and contributes significantly to methodological innovation in the social sciences. Her work spans digital sociology, welfare systems, communication processes, and mixed-method research. As a scholar and educator, she plays a key role in national and international research collaborations, doctoral programs, and academic publishing. She is actively involved in editorial boards and research training initiatives across Italy, maintaining a strong interdisciplinary and comparative focus in her academic contributions and public engagement.
University of Naples Federico II | Italy
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Educational Background
Prof. Gabriella Punziano earned her Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Research from the University of Naples Federico II, with a specialization in methods for the analysis of social and territorial policies. Her doctoral thesis focused on European welfare regimes, social inclusion, and cohesion, and received a rating of Excellent. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed a Master’s degree in Public, Social and Political Communication with 110 cum laude, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a grade of 110, all from the same university. Her early academic work examined topics such as immigration, health, and social networks, laying a strong foundation for her methodological expertise.
Current Position and Qualifications
Prof. Punziano currently serves as an Associate Professor of General Sociology (SPS/07) at the Department of Social Sciences, University of Naples Federico II. She holds the National Scientific Qualification – First Band for Sector 14/C1, valid from January 2023 to January 2033. In this capacity, she engages in research, teaching, and coordination of academic programs, particularly in the areas of sociology, communication, digital sociology, and methodological innovation. She is also a key member of the Doctoral College in Social Sciences and Statistics, where she mentors doctoral students and leads training initiatives.
Research and Teaching Activities
Prof. Punziano’s research spans diverse thematic areas, including epistemological and methodological innovation, welfare systems, strategic planning, and network communication. She is widely recognized for addressing analytical challenges in the age of digital and big data, particularly through the development of mixed methods and digital research strategies. Her teaching portfolio includes courses for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs, with an emphasis on Public, Social and Political Communication, Digital Sociology, and Web Analysis. She actively organizes seminars, workshops, and international conferences, playing a vital role in advancing academic discourse and methodological training.
Awards and Acknowledgments
Prof. Punziano received a special mention at the AIS Youth Forum for the scientific maturity of her research, particularly her international comparative study on European welfare systems. Her contribution was noted for its integrated techniques and relevance of findings, culminating in the publication of her chapter titled Integration Processes and Europeanization in European Welfare Regimes in the book The Sense of the Times. For a Sociology of the Present (EGEA, 2014). This recognition underscores her commitment to interdisciplinary rigor and impactful sociological research.
Notable Publications
New Organizational Responses, Innovations and Social Impacts of Covid-19 on Third Sector Organizations in Campania Region
Author: Gabriella Punziano, Suania Acampa, Rosa Sorrentino
Journal: Fuori Luogo – Journal of Sociology of Territory, Tourism, Technology
Year: 2024
Digital Mixed Content Analysis for the Study of Digital Platform Social Data: An Illustration from the Analysis of COVID-19 Risk Perception in the Italian Twittersphere
Author: Gabriella Punziano, Ciro C. De Falco, Domenico Trezza
Journal: Journal of Mixed Methods Research
Year: 2023
Digital Mixed Content Analysis on Digital Platform Social Data
Author: Gabriella Punziano
Journal: Book Chapter (in a publication by IGI Global)
Year: 2021
Doing Web Surveys During Uncertain Times
Author: Gabriella Punziano, Felice Addeo, Lucia Velotti
Journal: Book Chapter (in a publication by IGI Global)
Year: 2021
The Ethnographic Approach in the Digital Scenario
Author: Giuseppe Michele Padricelli, Gabriella Punziano, Barbara Saracino
Journal: Book Chapter (in a publication by IGI Global)
Year: 2021
Riflessioni e riflessi sulla comunicazione politica: la formazione del Governo dopo le elezioni politiche del 2018
Author: Gabriella Punziano
Journal: SMP – SocietàMutamentoPolitica
Year: 2020
Conclusion
Prof. Gabriella Punziano exemplifies academic leadership, research innovation, and teaching excellence in the field of sociology. Her contributions span theoretical, methodological, and applied domains, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation, public communication, and welfare studies. Through her editorial roles, inter-university collaborations, and involvement in national academic forums, she has significantly influenced the development of social research in Italy and beyond. Her career reflects a commitment to advancing the role of sociology in addressing contemporary social challenges through rigorous methods and inclusive education. Prof. Punziano remains a dedicated scholar contributing actively to public knowledge and academic excellence.