238 Pages 2 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    238 Pages 2 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Sociology offers fascinating insights into social life that tell us so much about people and society. But what can we do with those insights? How can we put them to good use? That is exactly what this book is all about. It explores the practical value of sociology, how sociological understanding can be of help in a variety of settings.

    Neil Thompson’s wealth of experience in using sociology in practice comes shining through in this clearly written and accessible text that succeeds in conveying complex ideas without oversimplifying them. Key concepts are explained and clear links are drawn with how the ideas can be used to inform professional practice and cast light on a wide range of situations across all sectors of working life, and in our personal lives too.

    So, whether you are involved in the helping professions or any other occupation where success depends on having a good understanding of people; a student of sociology wanting to put your learning into practice; or simply interested in how sociology can help address social issues, this book offers a solid foundation of understanding. It is an ideal text for anyone seeking to use sociological ideas to make a positive difference.

    Preface

    Acknowledgments

    About the author

    Introduction

    Part One: Making Sense of Sociology

    Introduction to Part One

    Chapter 1: What is sociology?

    Introduction

    Defining Sociology

    Historical Overview

    The Sociological Imagination

    How Is it Useful?

    Who Uses Sociology?

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 1

    Chapter 2: The Sociological Imagination

    Introduction

    Thinking Sociologically Revisited

    Social Construction

    Ideology, Discourse, and Common Sense

    Sociology in Action: Praxis

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 2

    Part Two: Making Sense of Society

    Introduction to Part Two: The Web of Society

    Chapter 3: Social Structures

    What Are Structures?

    Social Divisions and Inequality

    Structuration Theory and Beyond

    Structures and Power

    Implications for Practice

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 3

    Chapter 4: Social Processes

    Introduction

    Social Construction

    Socialization

    Communication

    Social Control

    Institutionalization

    Discrimination

    Implications for Practice

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 4

    Chapter 5: Social Institutions

    Introduction

    Society

    The Family

    Community

    Government

    The Law

    The Media

    Religion

    Implications for Practice

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 5

    Chapter 6: Social Discourses and Ideologies

    Introduction

    Discourse

    Ideology

    Discourse and Ideology Compared

    Hegemony

    The Work Ethic

    Implications for Practice

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 6

    Chapter 7: Social Expectations

    Introduction

    Symbolic Interactionism

    Role Theory

    Gender Roles

    Culture, Ethnicity, and Race

    Act Your Age!

    Implications for Practice

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 7

    Chapter 8: Social Relations

    Introduction

    Friendship

    Love

    Groups

    Conflict, Aggression and Violence

    Abuse and Exploitation

    Work Relationships

    Implications for Practice

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 8

    Part Three: Sociologically Informed Practice

    Introduction to Part Three

    Chapter 9: The individual in Social Context

    Introduction

    What does it Mean to Be an Individual?

    The Role of the Social Context

    PCS Analysis Revisited

    People, Problems, Potential

    Beyond Psychotherapy

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 9

    Chapter 10: The Organizational Context

    Introduction

    Organizational Culture

    The Changing World of Work

    Workplace Well-being

    Leadership

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 10

    Chapter 11: Holistic Practice

    Introduction

    HOW Is Sociology Useful?

    WHO Can Use Sociology?

    WHERE Can Sociology Be Used?

    WHEN Can Sociology Be Used?

    WHAT Can Sociology Offer?

    WHY Should You Use Sociology?

    Making It Happen

    The PATCH Model

    Conclusion

    Points to Ponder

    Exercise 11

    Guide to Further Learning

    References

    Index

    Biography

    Neil Thompson PhD, DLitt, is an independent writer and educator with over 40 years’ experience in the people professions. He is a sought-after consultant and international conference speaker, and is currently involved in developing a range of online learning resources and surveys. His website and blog are at www.neilthompson.info.

    This book is a tour de force! Engaging and accessible, comprehensive in its coverage and scope, Applied Sociology fills a useful gap. With his applied focus and "real world" scenarios, Thompson illustrates how sociological knowledge can be put to effective use in providing both insight and remedy for a wide variety of practical, everyday problems. Whether encountering sociology for the first time or engaging in person-oriented professional practice, readers will find Applied Sociology an indispensable resource.

    Michael Brennan, Liverpool Hope University, UK

    Applied Sociology offers the theoretical concepts that can be used in real-life situations. No one brings such a vast knowledge of theory and practice as Neil Thompson. When faced with actual situations, theories often take a back seat. Thompson offers not only educators and their students, but also those engaging in various professions ways to use sociology in their work. The practical wisdom contained in this volume will be a major contribution to the field of sociology!

    Gerry Cox, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

    Wonderfully relevant and readable, this book makes a solid case for the need to recognize sociology as a foundational aspect of the human experience. Clear explanations and examples describe the inseparable interplay between the individual experience within the broader social framework and context. This is a real gem for anyone who wishes to have a greater understanding of the many facets of the human experience.

    Darcy Harris, King’s University College at Western University, Canada

    Neil Thompson has written a must-read primer raising critical questions that have long concerned those of us in sociology. Could the sociological imagination enhance the professional knowledge base necessary for a more holistic approach for people and their problems? Applied Sociology is a compelling read for all students, regardless of discipline, as well as those preparing for, or immersed in, a "helping profession." Definitely my go-to-text for years to come.

    Laurel Hilliker, University of Michigan

    This book is destined to be a key text, a "must read," not only for sociologists, but across the humanities, social sciences, social work and health care disciplines.

    Jan Pascal, Keele University, UK