Sociological practice
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Sociological practice is intervention using sociological knowledge whether it is in a clinical or applied setting. It is different from pure academic sociology in which sociologists work in an academic setting such as a university.
Many universities are starting to make their undergraduate and graduate degrees more practical. Since many people with a BA, MA, or MS in sociology are working in jobs that are applying sociological knowledge and the sociological perspective, more and more universities are trying to make the curriculum more geared towards sociological practice. There are even accreditation bodies such as the Commission on Applied and Clinical Sociology. For a student considering a degree in applied or clinical sociology, one should check to see if the degree has such a special accreditation. Accreditation is important because it lets potential employers know that the university has met national standards on applied or clinical sociology.
However, while such programs are increasing emphasis on practical skills, they still incorporate pure knowledge. Pure academic researchers are also useful to applied sociologists in that their theories and research may be used by an applied sociologist or clinical sociologist in research or in sociological practice.
Some degrees may only be focused on applied or clinical sociology. Applied sociology is generally meso-level or macro-level intervention. It would include grant writing, program evaluation, human resources, work in public policy, community development, and many other jobs within social service agencies, non-profits, and businesses. There are many other opportunities for someone with applied sociological training.
Clinical sociology courses give students the skills to be able to work effectively with clients, teach basic counseling skills, give knowledge that is useful for careers such as victims assisting and drug rehabilitation, and teach the student how to integrate sociological knowledge with other fields they may go into such as marriage and family therapy, and clinical social work.
Careers and jobs mentioned are just a sample of what a sociological practitioner can do, to apply their education. A minister, for example, could benefit from such training.
[edit] External links
- Commission on Applied and Clinical Sociology
- Valdosta State University Masters in Applied Sociology
- Applied sociology & sociological practice
- Montclair State University has "What is applied sociology?"
- Valdosta State University also has a q&a, "What is applied sociology/sociological practice?"
- Don Arwood has a definition in his "Applied Sociology" class.
