Professional and applied literature : putting knowledge to use

government documents | social policy and program documentation

Description: Academic sociologists tend to develop and test theories in order to advance sociological knowledge without regard for a particular use or application. Applied (or practicing) sociologists tend to focus on producing knowledge that "works" -- to help in decision-making, development and evaluation of programs, or the solution of social problems. Applied sociologists work as planners, program development specialists, researchers, policy analysts, community outreach coordinators, data analysts, human resource directors, etc. Settings in which they typically work include research organizations, community agencies, government bureaus and programs, school systems, medical facilities, courts, and private businesses.

Examples of types of work in applied sociology are:

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of various educational policies/programs
  • Investigating the social norms promoting or inhibiting the spread of AIDS
  • Evaluating and assessing the effectiveness of various criminal justice programs
  • Analyzing employment records for evidence of discrimination
  • Planning medical services and facilities for a target population

Types of applied sociology literature

Government documents
Sometimes sociologists provide testimony before federal, state, and local legislators and administrators for the purpose of providing critical input into the process of developing public policy in areas of social impact. Some documents descibing the development, mission, philosophy, and operations of specific social programs and/or legislation may have been shaped by the work of applied sociologists.

Social policy and program documentation
Documents such as those describing new social programs are shaped through the collaboration of administrators, lawmakers, sociologists, and other experts who make recommendations regarding community relations, organizational structure and dynamics, and other critical elements. Publications may include white papers, authoritative reports on a major issue meant to guide the development of policies and programs, perhaps using theory and research to better understand the environment within which a problem must be solved. Many of these publications do not go through traditional or commercial publishing channels (including peer-review) but are used in the field and on-the-job by practitioners rather than scholars or researchers.
STRENGTHS———
  • Provides a blueprint for methods of using sociological theory and research to improve the quality of life.
  • May provide insight into the ways in which Sociology can impact everyday professional and personal life and how sociological theory and research may be applied in the design of programs and organizations.
CONSIDERATIONS—
  • May be among the most difficult to find, access, or piece together from disparate sources. May require interviews or phone calls to social services staff.
  • Since congressional testimony on an issue may take months to accumulate, finding a single, specific address or interview can be challenging.
  • Many white papers and policy documents may be published only for internal use by members of an organization or agency.
  • Content contributed by sociologists to the development of programs and services may be deeply embedded in policy documents and hidden in organizational structures. 

Examples of finding aids for professional or applied Sociology literature

Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology
"The mission of the Association is to accomplish the following five purposes:
  • Provide a common meeting ground for individuals interested in the application of sociological knowledge.
  • Promote the application of sociological knowledge for beneficial social change through scholarly, educational, programmatic, community, and policy activities.
  • Enhance the understanding of the interrelationship between sociological knowledge and sociological practice.
  • Advance theory, research, methods, and training that promotes the use of sociological knowledge for beneficial social change.
  • Promote the use of applied and clinical sociology in local, regional, state, national, and international settings."

Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe UW access only
Newspapers, wire services, news transcripts and newsletters; business literature, industry and company information; legal, biographical, government and reference resources. Of particular note to applied sociology are the legislative and government sources, which will include congressional testimony by sociologists providing input into the development of public policy and indicating the role of sociological research in creating social programs.

Seattle Social Services
Contacting local social services directly can be an effective way to access their use(s) of information, as well as the documentation they generate in making their program decisions.

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