Discourse of Applied Sociology

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 ls"sociology of possibilityrs". These essays emphasize the close association of applied sociology with altruism, identity formation, race and ethnicity. They evaluate the empirical ls"truthsrs" 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.

Samir Dasgupta, D.Litt. is Professor and Chairperson, Department of Sociology at the University of Kalyani, West Bengal, India. His chief research interests are applied sociology, development studies, the sociology of globalization, urban sociology and environment studies. His major publications include Sociology through Objective Mirror (University of Kalyani, 1999), Global Malady in the Third World: A Reflection (Prateethi, 2002), The Changing Face of Globalization (Sage, 2004), Globalization and After (Sage, 2006).    Robyn Bateman Driskell, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Sociology at Baylor University, Texas. Her main research interests are demography, globalization, race and ethnic relations and issues of community. She has written articles on communities in cyberspace and minority women in the labour force. Her major publications include Empowerment Versus Development: Women's Status on Children's Nutritional Well-being and 'The Effects of Economic Growth' in Samir Dasgupta (ed.) The Changing Face of Globalization (Sage, 2004) and 'Impact of Globalization on Local Communities' in Globalization and After (Sage, 2006).