Applied sociology

Applied Sociology and its relevance for Law students

1. APPLIED SOCIOLOGY

2. Meaning The sociology in use/sociology in action Application of sociological knowledge to understand and solve social problems According to Lester F Ward (1903), applied sociology is the means and methods for the artificial improvement of social conditions on the part of man and society as conscious and intelligent agents (in Dynamic Sociology, 1883) Applied sociology uses sociological knowledge and research skills to gain empirically based knowledge to inform decision makers, clients and the general publ ic about social problems , issues, process and conditions so that they might make informed choices and improve quality of life (Bryant et.al.,).

3. Origins of Applied Sociology Auguste Comte-divided Sociology into Social statics and dynamics Social static-study of the conditions and preconditions of social order (theoretical part) Social dynamics- study of human progress and evolution (practical part)- it would study the laws of the rise and fall of societies and furnish the true theory of progress for local practice Ideas of Herbert Spencer, W.G Sumner etc (argued against any form of artificial interference, especially the meddling of governments and reformers)

4. Lester F. Ward (1841-1913) brought the term applied sociology into the discipline Against Spencer and Sumner- argued for the efficacy of government as an agent of social reform Sociology as the chief source of information that is essential for any extensive development of scientific government He offered-two summer courses- pure ad applied sociology-at the university of Chicago (1897)

5. Pure Sociology Vs Applied Sociology Pure/basic/theoretical sociology- oriented towards to the advancement of sociological knowledge Evaluated in accordance with agreed upon standards of scientific merit To understand various social facts, phenomena, reality etc

6. Applied Sociology :Oriented toward those who make decisions, develop or monitor programs Social engineering - the use of centralised planning in an attempt to manage social change and regulate the future development and behaviour of a society Later on Sociology was being applied in social welfare and social policy World wars: boosted the scope of applied sociology Applied sociology became a science that contributes to the development of an objective description social problems and an understanding of their causes- to guide social planning and social engineering

7. Today, applied sociology as a branch of sociology Sociology- holistic approach Issues such as poverty, crimes and other social evils, legislations, population studies, community studies, race relations Helps in conceptualising, studying and facilitating the adaptability of alternative social forms; better social institutions (more adaptive family structures, encouraging inter-religious marriages to overcome the evils of casteism) Social research, planning, monitoring and evaluation purposive action, social impact assessment of developmental projects Public health-sociology of diseases/famine- 19th century famines in India as a result of British Colonial Rule

8. References Clifton D. Bryant, Dr. Dennis L. Peck - 21st Century Sociology_ A Reference Handbook -Sage Publications, Inc (2006). Volume II (Ch.39) https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/applied-sociology