Justice – Sociology at Work

Applied Sociology of W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois is an elderly bald man with grey hair on the sides. He wears a suit and holds glasses. He is seated in a large office with a bookcase behind him, and many papers stacked on his desk

We celebrate the life and achievements of W.E.B. Du Bois. We begin with an overview of this methodological and theoretical innovations. We then explore how we might use a ‘Du Boisian sociology’ to decolonise sociology, and undo the harm of racism and colonialism. We end with a summary of Du Bois’ applied sociological practice in activism, advocacy, applied research, and the arts.

Sociology for Peace

Prof Johan Galtung is seated in the centre of a table speaking. He is an older white man, with white hair balding, and he is wearing glasses. He is surounded by white women and a Black man

As we near the anniversary of his death, we look at the achievements of Norwegian sociologist, Professor Johan Galtung. He was awarded the Right Livelihood Award (known as the Alternative Nobel Prize), for his work in peace and conflict.

Using Sociology in Policy Implementation: Q&A with Dr Samantha Crompvoets

Dr Samantha Crompvoets is a white woman with brown, short, wavy hair. She wears ornate earrings and smiles broadly

Dr Samantha Crompvoets is an applied sociologist with an impactful career in health, defence, and security. She tells us about how she uses sociology to implement policy change and deliver consultancy projects.

The Sociology of Doing Nothing, Probation and COVID-19

A large white bus in Bucharest, Romania, drives past in a whirl and large buildings are in the background. The street in the foreground are empty, and one man looks transparent and diminutive in the background

Dr Marian Badea works as a Probation Inspector in the social policy sector, in Bucharest, Romania. Marian analyses reports and coordinates activities of probation officers in 42 regions. COVID-19 social distancing laws have radically altered how probation officers carry out their work.

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”

Sociology of Law

Bronze sculpture of lady justice - a woman figure blindfolded holds scales

Sociology student and Fullbright Scholar, Jesse Fenichel, worked as a “temp attorney” over the summers before heading to the Philippines to study the ever-growing market for outsourcing American legal work overseas.

Our Responsibility as Sociologists

A woman holds up a sign with Donald Trump's picture. It says: Elect a clown, expect a circus. In the background protesters hold sings and the USA flag.

“We need to reflect, respond and recognise our responsibility as sociologists.” – Prof Margaret Abraham, President of the International Sociological Association, has addressed the discriminatory Executive Order by USA President Donald Trump.

Dr Martin Luther King: “Public Sociologist Par Excellence”

Dr Martin Luther King is a Black man with a moustache and buzz cut black hair. He smiles broadly

“We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr is described as “a public sociologist par excellence.” We look at how sociology students can model his use of sociology to transform society, through civil rights principles.

Supporting Women’s Well-Being, Education and Civic Engagement Improves Societies

A young Asian woman kisses her baby's cheek, as the baby looks at the camera

A new infographic shows the importance of improving women’s socioeconomic outcomes, to prevent maternal deaths, reducing child marriages, and increase national gross domestic product.