Discourse on Applied Sociology: Theoretical perspectives


Book Description

This engaging two-volume study urges a balance between theoretical and practical sociology. Applied sociologists adapt theoretical knowledge to actual human situations, using it to formulate social policy, investigate domestic and international social problems and create a pragmatic ‘sociology of possibility’. These essays emphasize the close association of applied sociology with altruism, identity formation, race and ethnicity. They evaluate the empirical ‘truths’ of sociological theories and examine their relevance for contemporary research, poverty, demographic issues and social policies framed in the context of globalization. Each chapter of the study provides some workable guidelines for social scientists, policymakers, planners, administrators and social activists. The reader is also introduced to the sophisticated research methods employed in the social sciences. Excessive theorizing is avoided as modern crises precipitated by war, terrorism, anarchy and poverty are examined in practical and realistic terms.




Discourse on Applied Sociology: Volume 1


Book Description

This engaging two-volume study pursues a balance between theoretical and practical sociology. Volume I, subtitled ‘Theoretical Perspectives’, focuses on the problems and prospects of applied sociology in an era of globalization. The essays emphasize the close association of applied sociology with altruism, identity formation, race and ethnicity. They evaluate the empirical ‘truths’ of sociological theories and examine their relevance for contemporary research, poverty, demographic issues and social policies. The authors agree that the ultimate test of theory is the extent to which it can produce knowledge that ‘works’.




Discourse on Applied Sociology


Book Description

Re-orient world history, social theory and the nineteenth century / |r Andre Gunder Frank -- |t The unique complexity of social phenomena and the uses of social science knowledge / |r Nico Stehr and Reiner Grundmann -- |t Unlimited love, compassion and forgiveness: acts of moral exemplars / |r Samula P. Oliner -- |t Theoretical applications / |r Rosalind A. Sydie -- |t Applied sociology's need to rethink the tradition: sociological theorizing in a global framework / |r Peter Kivisto -- |t Social analysis and social action / |r Amitai Etzioni -- |t The applied sociologist as craftsman / |r David J. Hartmann and Subhash R. Sonnad -- |t Applied sociology: its problems and prospects / |r Samir Dasgupta -- |t Sociology and its application in society: giving sociology its 'working' meaning / |r Joy A. Alemazung -- |t The evolution of sociology: back to its applied future / |r Tillman Rodabough and Elizabeth Embry -- |t Contemporary corporate crime: theoretical perspectives, cases & consequences / |r Nelson Foster and Verghese Chirayath.




Applied Sociology


Book Description

Sociology offers fascinating insights into social life that tell us so much about people and society. But what can we do with those insights? How can we put them to good use? That is exactly what this book is all about. It explores the practical value of sociology, how sociological understanding can be of help in a variety of settings. Neil Thompson’s wealth of experience in using sociology in practice comes shining through in this clearly written and accessible text that succeeds in conveying complex ideas without oversimplifying them. Key concepts are explained and clear links are drawn with how the ideas can be used to inform professional practice and cast light on a wide range of situations across all sectors of working life, and in our personal lives too. So, whether you are involved in the helping professions or any other occupation where success depends on having a good understanding of people; a student of sociology wanting to put your learning into practice; or simply interested in how sociology can help address social issues, this book offers a solid foundation of understanding. It is an ideal text for anyone seeking to use sociological ideas to make a positive difference.







Opening Pandora's Box


Book Description

This book proposes a fresh approach to sociological analysis and, in particular, to the analysis of scientific culture. It moves away from previous studies, which have tended to focus on scientists' actions and beliefs to show that analysis of scientific discourse can be productive and revealing. The book demonstrates that scientists produce varying accounts of their actions and beliefs in different social situations. Rather than attempting to extract one coherent interpretation from these diverse accounts, the study identifies two basic scientific repertoires and shows how scientists use them to create their discourse. This provides a point of departure for more complex analytical topics. Discourse analysis is applied to show how different degrees of 'consensus' can be ascribed to the same group of scientists at a given moment in time through the application of standard interpretive techniques. Finally, discourse analysis is used to explore scientists' humour, a neglected topic that is shown to provide important insights into the normally hidden interpretive regularities which underlie the cultural diversity of science.