Sociology Quotes – Sociology at Work

Happy New Year 2019

Happy New Year, colleagues! May we all continue to make a better world through sociological action. A quick post about what we have planned for you for the year ahead.

The Sociological Imagination

A lone man rides his bike across an empty road, with pedestrians and cars in shadow in the background

‘Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both.’ – C. Wright Mills

Foucault and Chomsky Debate Human Nature

Foucault is a white man who is bald and wears glasses and a checkered suit

What is our role in social justice as applied sociologists? In this debate from 1971, Michel Foucault and Noam Chomsky disagree about the fundamental qualities of “human nature” and the key task of social science in helping humanity achieve its collective potential. Chomsky believes that the social sciences should draw up a framework for an idealContinueContinue reading “Foucault and Chomsky Debate Human Nature”

Call Marx

Call Marx Do it! Photo: Marco Gomes

A Sociology for Women

Dorothy Smith is a white woman with white hair swept back. She is smiling lightly, and stands in front of a tree

Dorothy Smith helped to revolutionise sociological methods through feminist principles.

The Insight of Karl Marx

Marx's grave shows his face above an inscription: Workers of all lands unite

“… Inequality is rising. This is not just a ‘moral’ issue but also an issue of too little consumption too little savings that is bad for global growth. It’s a bit like the Marxist idea that if profits grow too much compared to wages, there’s not going to be enough consumption, and capitalism isContinueContinue reading “The Insight of Karl Marx”

International Women’s Day: Jane Addams

Jane Addams is a white woman with white hair and long white flowing clothes. She is surrounded by children sitting on the ground

Happy International Women’s Day, colleagues! Jane Addams, sociologist, was the second woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Our Responsibility as Sociologists

A woman holds up a sign with Donald Trump's picture. It says: Elect a clown, expect a circus

The President of the International Sociological Association (ISA), Professor Margaret Abraham, has addressed the Executive Order by USA President Donald Trump. The Order suspends visas to people born in seven Muslim-majority nations: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Libya and Somalia. Professor Abraham writes in the ISA newsletter: This ban is discriminatory, stigmatizing communities and people, and exacerbatingContinueContinue reading “Our Responsibility as Sociologists”

The Power of Sociology

A Malaysian teacher wears a hijab and face mask, while looking over some papers, while two students look on. They are outdoors, with other classmates and teachers in the background

Malaysian sociologist Professor Abdul Rahman Embong says that after a turbulent transition from colonial rule, sociology is now receiving a “revived interest” from students. “[Students] can see the power and relevance of sound social theories and sociological perspectives together with strong methodologies to analyse social conditions and suggest change.” Quote via: International Sociological Association’s Global Dialogue.

If Karl Marx Was Alive

As we commiserate with our American colleagues on Inauguration Day 2017, may this courageous lady’s sign bring you some mirth and sociological comfort. “If Karl Marx was alive he would say, I told you so.” Photo: Pete Birkinshaw.