War and Peace in Educational Disadvantage

Lea Campbell works as a researcher for a social welfare organisation in Australia, addressing educational disadvantage among young students. She argues that constructive conflict makes a difference in educational policies. Dr Lea Campbell lea.campbell@jss.org.au As I am writing for Working Notes two thoughts come up. First, I wonder if the term ‘applied sociology’ sits wellContinueContinue reading “War and Peace in Educational Disadvantage”

Beyond Merciless Critique: Reflections on the Contribution of Sociology in the Social Policy Space

Anthony Hogan is a Fellow with the National Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health at The Australian National University. His paper argues that sociology could make a stronger impact on social policy if it went beyond criticism and engaged with the imperfect aspects of decision making. Dr Anthony Hogan Anthony.Hogan@anu.edu.au Introduction This paper1 examines governmental policyContinueContinue reading “Beyond Merciless Critique: Reflections on the Contribution of Sociology in the Social Policy Space”

Advice for Students Who Want to Work as Social Activists: A View From a Trade Union, UK

Gary Pattison provides advice for students interested in becoming trade union officials, including how he moved into his profession and how sociology helps him achieve better conditions for workers. Gary Pattison G.Pattison@dorsetcc.gov.uk I work as a trade union official with GMB, supporting members in their workplace / collective organisation. GMB is an amalgamation of manyContinueContinue reading “Advice for Students Who Want to Work as Social Activists: A View From a Trade Union, UK”

Defining Sociological Identity and Community: The Work of the Sociologists Outside Academia Group, UK

Annika Coughlin is one of the convenors of the Sociologists Outside Academia Group, which is part of the British Sociological Association. She answers questions about the issues facing their members. Annika Coughlin annika.coughlin@googlemail.com Please tell us a little about your professional organisation. The Sociologists Outside Academia group, is a specialist group within the British SociologicalContinueContinue reading “Defining Sociological Identity and Community: The Work of the Sociologists Outside Academia Group, UK”

Becoming an Applied Sociologist: A Personal Journey From Student to Academic to Public Servant

Zuleyka Zevallos has a position as Sociologist in the Australian Public Service as well as being an Adjunct Research Fellow with the Institute for Social Research, Australia. Her paper provides a reflexive case study of her career. She argues that sociology students need better vocational training and career planning strategies. Dr Zuleyka Zevallos Contact Introduction ThisContinueContinue reading “Becoming an Applied Sociologist: A Personal Journey From Student to Academic to Public Servant”

Link for Qualified Market Researchers

Here is a new link provided by one of our members, Anthony Hogan: The Qualified Practising Market Researcher (QPMR) is a professional organisation providing an accreditation scheme for market and social researchers in Australia. The QPMR demonstrates industry experience, continuous professional development and education, and it requires QPMR members to undertake a yearly renewal processContinueContinue reading “Link for Qualified Market Researchers”