The Uses of Sociology

The Uses of Sociology discusses whether sociological knowledge is important. It introduces students to the main ways in which sociology is practised in the world and explores the major debates concerning its social purposes. Comparing and contrasting different traditions of sociological thought, the authors examine the different modes in which they engage with the social.
Questions considered include the relevance of sociological knowledge to government, the public sphere, the media, economic life, social movements, "race" and ethnicity. The text also discusses related issues, such as whether sociology is a science or a cultural endeavour, and whether sociological research and analysis can be detached and unbiased. Each specially written chapter is supported by carefully–selected readings, enabling students to evaluate the usefulness of different sociological perspectives.

Spis treści:
Preface.
The Uses Of Sociology: Introduction: Peter Hamilton And Kenneth Thompson.
1. Mapping The Field: Peter Hamilton.
2. Sociology And Government: Tony Bennett.
3. The Public Sphere: Jim Mcguigan.
4. Tools For Commerce? Sociology And Economic Life: Elizabeth Mcfall.
5. Sociology And Social Movements: Theories, Analyses And Ethical Dilemmas: Merl Storr.
6. Sociology Unbound: Karim Murji.
7. Understanding The Past And Predicting The Future: Sociologists And Prophets: Kenneth Thompson.
Readings In The Uses Of Sociology.
Auguste Comte: The Positive Philosophy (1853).
Robert A. Nisbet: Sociology As An Art Form (1968).
C. Wright Mills: The Sociological Imagination (1959).
Zygmunt Bauman: Legislators And Interpreters (1987).
Michel Foucault: Governmentality (1991).
Anne Witz: The Feminist Challenge (1997).
John Urry: Sociology As A Parasite: Some Vices And Virtues (1981).
Acknowledgements.
Index.

Nota biograficzna:
Peter Hamilton is Lecturer in Sociology at The Open Univers ity. He played a key role in developing sociology at The Open University, and in sociology publishing more generally. His recent publications include The Beautiful and the Damned (with Roger Hargreaves) (2001).
Kenneth Thompson is Professor in Sociology at The Open University. He was one of the founders of sociology at The Open University and is co–President of the International Sociological Association Research Committee on Sociological Theory. His previous publications include Moral Panics (1999).

Okładka tylna:
The Uses of Sociology discusses whether sociological knowledge is important. It introduces students to the main ways in which sociology is practised in the world and explores the major debates concerning its social purposes. Comparing and contrasting different traditions of sociological thought, the authors examine the different modes in which they engage with the social.
Questions considered include the relevance of sociological knowledge to government, the public sphere, the media, economic life, social movements, "race" and ethnicity. The text also discusses related issues, such as whether sociology is a science or a cultural endeavour, and whether sociological research and analysis can be detached and unbiased. Each specially written chapter is supported by carefully–selected readings, enabling students to evaluate the usefulness of different sociological perspectives.