Theory & Methods – Sociology at Work

Sociology Career in Technology: Q&A with Chenai Chair

Chenai Chair is a Black Zimbabwean woman who is smiling softly, indoors. She las shoulder-length black and blonde locks, and she wears long earrings, a necklace, and a patterned yellow and green shirt

Zimbabwean sociologist, Chenai Chair, has worked with many global foundations, and is an executive at two organisations leading research on AI and gender rights. She discusses her leadership, and provides career tips for students looking to get into technology.

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.

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”

Benefits of Sociology to Future Careers

Students in graduation robes throw their caps in the air

A new report identifies four areas of innovation that will open up employment opportunities: technological methods, interdisciplinary methods, applied sociological skills, and consultancy.

Social Survey Invented by Sociology

A sign saying "ASK MORE QUESTIONS" in the centre of a white wall, beside two analogue clocks

“Indeed a case might well be made for the statement that the social survey was an invention of the sociologist.” – E. W. Burgess (1916)

Applied Sociology Goals for 2017

Christmas baubles and tinsel surround a neon sign that reads: 2017

“Applied sociology goals: exercise the sociological imagination.” New Year’s resolutions for enhancing our collective sociological practice

Applied Sociology: Understanding, Intervention, and Enhancement of Human Social Life

“Applied sociology is ‘any use (often client-centred) of the sociological perspective and / or its tools in the understanding of, intervention in, and/ or enhancement of human social life.” – Stephen Steele and Jamie Price

Classic Quote of the Week: Zygmunt Bauman on The Task for Sociology

Zygmunt Bauman is a white man bald at the top with white hair fluffing out on the sides of his head. He is smoking a pipe in front of a bookcase

“The task for sociology is to come to the help of the individual. We have to be in service of freedom. It is something we have lost sight of.” – Zygmunt Bauman