APPLIED SOCIOLOGY:
Where they believe their knowledge and skills should be put to work in the
real world. Social Services work, community work, health services etc., are
included in this category.
Use of sociology with intent of yielding practical applications for human
behavior and organizations
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Historical Context
Chicago School influential 1892 – 1935 (dates vary) US Sociology’ adopts a
‘progressive’/‘reformist’ stance in response to the perceived
injustices/inequities of late 19th/early 20thC. US
Chicago: Site of Rapid Social Change
Fast Population growth
Rapid Urbanisation
Migration
Numerous Social problems
Critical of ‘armchair theorising’ that was seen to characterise early
American sociology.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Lester Frank Ward (father of American Sociology) was also considered the
“Father of Applied Sociology”.
His view of “Social Telesis” meaning “Social Planning” stated that “We can
change situation and conditions of human being with the help of
technology, social planning, education and knowledge”.
He gave concept of “Synergy” (Collective force of people to achieve a
common goal) as opposed to the concept “Laissez Faire” (leaving things to
take their own course, without interfering)
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PURPOSE:
The difference between applied sociology and pure sociology is that pure
sociology aims to find out "What is" about how society works, while
applied sociology seeks to take what is learned in pure sociology and use it
for solving practical (social problems)
APPLIED SOCIOLOGY:
Applied sociology is one of the more than a dozen fields within sociology.
Applied sociology is what has been deemed the “practical side” of
sociology.
That’s because applied sociology takes sociological theories and research
and applies this knowledge to sociological methods which are carried out in
order to find solutions to problems within society.
This use of sociological theories and methods is called sociological practice.
How it’s done
Using qualitative and quantitative research methods led to a resurgence in
the science as sociologists began developing new methods for studying
society and actual ways to apply the science.
As people began to realize its usefulness on local and national levels they
found there was an even greater importance for applied sociology
SCOPE:
Due to economic factors as well as increasing forms of communication
globalization is now a topic of interest.
Applied sociology is now being used to analyze society and its interactions
on a global level, which includes online communities.
It addresses solutions to questions about political power on a global level,
how economics and trade affect societies around the world, how
globalization is changing structures of societies and more.
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Jobs in applied sociology
Research Coordinator, Research Associate/Officer /Fellow, Qualitative
Analyst, Project Manager, Strategic Analyst, Public Policy Assistant,
Policy Analyst, Urban Development Adviser, Human Rights Officer, Case
Manager, Impact Planning Or Evaluations Officer, Education Consultant,
Gender Specialist.
Roles
Today applied sociologists play an important role in our country and even
the world’s development.
As societies begin, grow and merge sociologists are reading into every
aspect and analyzing where there are problems and applying tested
methods to ease those problems.
Applied sociologists work in every level of government; local, state and
national.
Roles
These scientists work every day to create a more functional society that
serves all the people equally.
They also work for community organizations, public administration and
even businesses to solve problems of social organizations within smaller
environments.
Another role of sociologists today is to work with financial companies such
as those who issue credit cards and internet companies such as social media
websites to understand user behavior and make for a better experience.
Conclusion
This same analysis and application of corrective methods can be applied by
people in many aspects of their lives.
By taking a deeper look at a problem, understanding how elements are
interrelated to create the problem and knowing different ways in which we
can approach the situation we have a better chance at alleviating the
problem.
