Discourse on Applied Sociology: Volume 1

Theoretical Perspectives

Edited by Samir Dasgupta, Robyn Driskell

Publication date:

01 August 2007

Publisher

Anthem Press

Dimensions:

234x155mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781843312543

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’.

Preface and Acknowledgement; Contributors; List of Abbreviations; Introduction; Re-Orient World History, Social Theory and the Nineteenth Century; The Unique Complexity of Social Phenomena and the Uses of Social Science Knowledge; Unlimited Love, Compassion and Forgiveness: Acts of Moral Exemplars; Theoretical Application; Applied Sociology’s Need to Rethink the Tradition: Sociological Theorizing in a Global Framework; Social Analysis and Social Action; The Applied Sociologist as Craftsman; Applied Sociologists: Its Problems and Prospects; Sociology and its Application in Society: Giving Sociology its ‘Working’ Meaning; The Evolution of Sociology Back to its Applied Future; Contemporary Corporate Crime: Theoretical Perspectives, Cases and Consequences; Index

'The work is an ambitious effort that draw upon the works of others, provideds a solid historical grounding of sociological practice, and offers as Dasgupta's chapter names it, the 'problem and prospects' of applied sociology.' —Jeffrey R. Breese, Marymount University