The Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said, ‘this is not a time to commit sociology.’ He is wrong. Now is always the right time to commit sociology.
Tag Archives: Social Policy
Social Acts
Anthony Hogan looks back over his career across academia and applied research roles in social policy.
Changing Places
Bruce Smyth discusses his work at a national research agency. He considers the divide between academic and applied sociologies in the context of his recent move back to university work. By Bruce Smyth [1] Until recently, I worked at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) as a researcher in the area of family lawContinueContinue reading “Changing Places”
Using Sociology to Support Domestic Violence Victims
We explore the experience delivering care in domestic violence shelters, and how this differs from the academic theories of domestic violence survivors.
New Anti-racism Strategy in Australia
Australia will implement an anti-racism strategy from July 2012. In this post I sketch out some ideas as to how applied sociology might contribute to this process. The 2011 Mapping Social Cohesion Report shows that 14% of all Australians have experienced racial or religious discrimination. Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke (right) noted to SBS Newsthat government and other areasContinueContinue reading “New Anti-racism Strategy in Australia”
Language, Ideas and Policy: Insights From the Periphery. Melbourne, Australia
In this paper Dina Bowman draws parallels between her initial encounters with the jargon and assumptions of employment services policy and the treatment of ‘invalid’ survey responses. The paper was presented at the Australian Sociological Association annual conference in 2010. Dr Dina Bowman dbowman@bsl.org.au Research and Policy Manager, Brotherhood of St Laurence, and fellow (honorary)ContinueContinue reading “Language, Ideas and Policy: Insights From the Periphery. Melbourne, Australia”
Addressing Disadvantage: Applying Theory to Practice. Melbourne, Australia
Dina Bowman talks about her work with a not-for-profit organisation in Melbourne, Australia, which addresses social disadvantage through services, advocacy and research. Dina’s current research focus is on understanding inequality in the ‘working years’. She outlines how it is possible to use social theory in an applied context in order to address inequality and toContinueContinue reading “Addressing Disadvantage: Applying Theory to Practice. Melbourne, Australia”
Accounting for Sociology in a World of Auditors, UK
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”
Knowing That My Work Makes a Real Difference: The Career of One Applied Quantitative Sociologist, 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”
Consuming Sociology: Working for State Government, 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”