Public Sociology – Sociology at Work

Sociology in Action

We showcase the achievements of sociology students, the careers of applied sociologists, and examples of sociology in the workplace.

Sociology in the News

In the Metro of North Korea, a group of men read a bulletin board, with people walking in the background

We look back at some examples of public sociology from the past year, and news of sociologists forging social change around the world.

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 More Nimble on its Feet

A young Asian woman fills in paperwork while speaking to a group of women

“When research is conducted in partnership with community, sociology becomes more ‘nimble on its feet.'” – Philip Nyden, Leslie Hossfeld and Gwendolyn Nyden

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.