Category Archives: Working Notes Issue 1

Michael Hughes is the Director of Studies and Knowledge for the Audit Commission, UK, reviewing reports on local government services. He tells us why we should ‘never underestimate the value of a sociology degree in providing a foundation of skills and concepts for understanding other disciplines and their models’. Michael Hughes michael-hughes@audit-commission.gov.uk I am DirectorContinueContinue reading “Accounting for Sociology in a World of Auditors, UK”

  Tony Alderton reflects on his career in civil service and his current role as a researcher for Early Years and Childcare with the Kent County Council in the UK. Dr Tony Alderton Tony.Alderton@kent.gov.uk I am employed… As the Researcher for Early Years and Childcare with Kent County Council in the UK. The Council deliversContinueContinue reading “Knowing That My Work Makes a Real Difference: The Career of One Applied Quantitative Sociologist, UK”

Christine Walker answers some questions about her work as Chief Executive Officer for Chronic Illness Alliance in Melbourne, Australia, which connects not-for-profit groups with government and academics in order to advocate for better healthcare for people with chronic illnesses. Dr Christine Walker christine@chronicillness.org.au Tell us about your organisation.  Chronic Illness Alliance (CIA) is a peakContinueContinue reading “An Organisational Perspective: Applying Sociology to the Health Sector in Melbourne, Australia”

Stephen Leyden works as a Research Officer for Consumer Affairs Victoria in Australia, a government agency more accustomed to focusing on business and legal concerns rather than on sociological issues. Dr Stephen Leyden Stephen.Leyden@justice.vic.gov.au My work involves conducting and managing social research and evaluation projects. The work ranges from qualitative exploratory studies about social policyContinueContinue reading “Consuming Sociology: Working for State Government, Melbourne, Australia”

Adrian Lui works as a Council Coordinator for a global membership organization for the business community in Hong Kong. He tells us how his general sociological skills help him to work with businesses in order to strengthen their services. Adrian Lui adrianlws@gmail.com What is your occupation?My job title is Council Coordinator. My company is a non-profit, membershipContinueContinue reading “Strengthening Business Through Sociology: The Work of a Council Coordinator in Hong Kong”

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”

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”

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”