Practicing Sociology: Selected Fields

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Description

Chronicling the revitalization of the field of applied sociology, Dentler offers an interpretive history of how the field has evolved over the years, how it was transplanted from Europe into the U.S., how and why it declined during the latter years of the 20th century, and its recent rebound. Providing a conceptual and historical framework for the practice of applied sociology, this work profiles a variety of practicing sociologists and offers case studies in the fields of education, organizational development, work and labor, and program evaluation. Students, faculty, and practicing sociologists who wish to better understand the foundations and growth of applied sociology as well as the ways in which they can unify the field around the theoretical resources of symbolic interactionism and its offshoots in participation and client empowerment will find what they need in this accessible and unique text. ^IPracticing Sociology^R will instruct faculty and students in the history, traditions, and future prospects of both applied sociology and sociological practice, the social engineering subfields of the more general field of sociology. Degree programs at both the M.A. and B.S. levels continue to spring up at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and in many countries around the world. This is the first text aimed at the students of these programs, who are preparing to enter such fields as program evaluation, educational planning and program management, organizational development, and labor relations. It is designed to prepare students for careers in applied sociology while providing them with a thorough discussion of the foundations of the field.

Reviews

"I am struck by the depth and richness of this work. Dentler provides convinceing evidence that should open the eyes of sociologists and students alike. He also demonstrates that the so-called "objective" and value-free' approach to sociology is itself a political response to the structural causes of everday problems. In short, the greatest strength of this book is likely to be the re-introduction of an important aspect of the history of sociology that has either been forgotten or overlooked. Practicing Sociology is a book whose time has come."-Hayward Derrick Horton Associate Professor of Sociology State University of New York at Albany
"This text attempts to lay the foundation and development of sociological practice over the past century and sets the tone for students to understand applied, clinical and sociological practice at the beginning of the 21st century."-Harry PerlstadtlProfessor of Sociology Michigan State University
Dentler's book makes a major contribution to understanding and promoting applied sociology. Dentler reviews the rich history of sociology as an applied field and explains the social, political, and economic changes that influenced it. He explains the tension between those who see the purpose of sociology as one of knowledge development and those interested in using this knowledge to improve social conditions....provides a detailed review of sociological practice in different arenas including participitory action research, organizations, work and labor relations, education, and evaluation. By showing how sociological ideas can be applied to these fields of endeavor, Dentler makes a major contribution....this is an excellent book that should be widely prescribed in sociology classes and in other fields as well.-Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare
"Dentler's book makes a major contribution to understanding and promoting applied sociology. Dentler reviews the rich history of sociology as an applied field and explains the social, political, and economic changes that influenced it. He explains the tension between those who see the purpose of sociology as one of knowledge development and those interested in using this knowledge to improve social conditions....provides a detailed review of sociological practice in different arenas including participitory action research, organizations, work and labor relations, education, and evaluation. By showing how sociological ideas can be applied to these fields of endeavor, Dentler makes a major contribution....this is an excellent book that should be widely prescribed in sociology classes and in other fields as well."-Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare

Author Bio

ROBERT A. DENTLER is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Massachusetts at Boston./e He has authored or co-authored thirteen books and one hundred articles in sociology and education.