What is Applied Sociology

Summary

Dr. Steve Steele discusses the practical applications of sociology, emphasizing the difference between basic (theoretical) sociology and applied sociology. He explains how sociology can be used to solve real-world problems at various levels, from personal interactions to organizational and global scales. Applied sociology helps improve relationships, organizational structures, and social interactions by using theories and methods in real-life situations. He highlights how sociologists can work in diverse roles, including organizational development, even without explicitly using the sociology label, making it a valuable career or supplementary skill.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Applied sociology uses sociological theories to solve real-world problems across various settings.
• 📚 Basic sociology focuses on developing theories about human interactions at different levels, from personal to global.
• 🏛️ Applied sociology can be valuable for organizations, helping them understand internal relationships and improve functionality.
• 👥 Sociologists study human interactions at multiple levels, including person-to-person, group-to-group, and society-to-society.
• 🌍 Applied sociology has practical applications in fields like healthcare, where demographic data helps structure services effectively.
• 🧠 Applied, clinical, and public sociology are focused on using theories and methods to solve specific societal issues.
• 🏢 Sociologists are often hired by organizations for roles in organizational development, even if their title doesn't reflect their sociological background.
• 💼 Sociology graduates can pursue careers in sociological practice, often working with businesses, governments, or community groups.
• 🔍 Sociological perspectives allow for an analysis of collective realities, helping understand how people define and interact with their environment.
• 🎯 Applied sociology equips individuals with skills like research methods and demographic analysis, which are transferable across many career fields.

Q & A

What is the main focus of applied sociology as described in the video?

Applied sociology focuses on using sociological theories and concepts to solve real-life problems, particularly for organizations, community groups, and governments.

How does basic sociology differ from applied sociology?

Basic sociology is concerned with creating theoretical frameworks to explain human interaction at various levels. Applied sociology, on the other hand, uses these theories to address practical problems and improve real-world systems.

What is an example of a field that uses both basic and applied approaches, similar to sociology?

Physics is a field that has both basic and applied components. For example, the basic theories of physics help in understanding the laws of nature, while applied physics uses those theories to create practical tools like the Hubble telescope.

How is sociology applied in organizations, according to the video?

In organizations, applied sociology helps in understanding relationships between departments and individuals, improving productivity, and providing insight into group dynamics and organizational behavior.

What are the three types of applied sociology mentioned, and how do they relate to basic sociology?

The three types mentioned are applied sociology, clinical sociology, and public sociology. They differ from basic sociology in that they use theoretical insights to solve real-world issues, rather than focusing on developing theories.

Why is the demographic composition of a group important in applied sociology?

Demographic factors such as age, population size, and social roles affect how services are structured and delivered. For example, healthcare needs for a group of young children differ significantly from those for elderly populations.

What is meant by 'sociological practice' in the context of applied sociology?

Sociological practice refers to the practical application of sociological theories and methods in real-world settings, similar to how doctors or lawyers refer to their practice. Sociologists often apply their knowledge to help organizations or communities without necessarily being labeled as sociologists.

How might a sociologist's role in an organization be disguised, as suggested in the video?

A sociologist working in an organization might be hired for tasks like organizational development or consulting under titles that don't explicitly mention sociology, even though they are applying sociological principles.

What is the 'sociological perspective,' and how is it applied?

The sociological perspective involves looking at situations through a lens that considers social structures, group dynamics, and human interactions. It helps in understanding how collective definitions of reality shape behavior and outcomes.

Why is it useful to have a background in sociology, even if someone pursues a different career?

A background in sociology provides generalizable skills such as understanding social interactions, demographic analysis, and research methods, which are valuable in various fields like business, healthcare, and community development.