Do Sociology/Political Science Phd programs look at GPA the most?

I have a bachelor CGPA of 3.2, sadly some of my math grades and other weird curriculars brought it down…

I did my BA in economics. I got admitted to a good rigorous master in europe. so I am hoping that 1 year of courses can somewhat offset my bachelor’s mediocrity. Anyway, I see so many people here with research before they even graduate from undergrad but is that a STEM thing? We never really had publishing /research opps in my uni in turkey, at least for my field…

Is that looked down upon for phd applications to social sciences, demography etc? I am not sure if my profile will be enough even with a masters to get admission somewhere in europe or NA…