Problem-Solving Sociology

Problem-Solving Sociology PDF Author: Monica Prasad
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0197558488
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 241

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Book Description
A broad resource that offers tools for how to conduct problem-solving sociology in order to deepen and reformulate our understanding of society. Most students arrive in graduate sociology programs eager to engage with the pressing social and political issues of the day. Yet that initial enthusiasm does not always survive the professional socialization of graduate school. In Problem-Solving Sociology, Monica Prasad shows graduate students and early career sociologists how to conduct research that uses sociological theory to help solve real-world problems, and how to use problem-solving to improve sociological theory. Prasad discusses how to be objective when examining issues of injustice and oppression, and provides methodological strategies and plenty of exercises for research aimed at creating change. She gives examples throughout of problem-solving research conducted at all levels, from undergraduate theses to the major figures of the discipline. She also considers how to respond to some common objections; where problem-solving fits into the landscape of sociological practice; and how to build a life in problem-solving.

Problem-Solving Sociology

Problem-Solving Sociology PDF Author: Monica Prasad
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0197558488
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 241

Get Book

Book Description
A broad resource that offers tools for how to conduct problem-solving sociology in order to deepen and reformulate our understanding of society. Most students arrive in graduate sociology programs eager to engage with the pressing social and political issues of the day. Yet that initial enthusiasm does not always survive the professional socialization of graduate school. In Problem-Solving Sociology, Monica Prasad shows graduate students and early career sociologists how to conduct research that uses sociological theory to help solve real-world problems, and how to use problem-solving to improve sociological theory. Prasad discusses how to be objective when examining issues of injustice and oppression, and provides methodological strategies and plenty of exercises for research aimed at creating change. She gives examples throughout of problem-solving research conducted at all levels, from undergraduate theses to the major figures of the discipline. She also considers how to respond to some common objections; where problem-solving fits into the landscape of sociological practice; and how to build a life in problem-solving.

How Can We Solve Our Social Problems?

How Can We Solve Our Social Problems? PDF Author: James A. Crone
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 141299358X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 306

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Book Description
Updated with recent issues such as the national debate on health care reform, this Second Edition of How Can We Solve Our Social Problems? gives students a sense of hope by demonstrating specific, realistic steps we can take to solve some of the most pervasive social problems in America today. Author James Crone maintains a sense of sociological objectivity throughout and helps students realize that we can take steps to solve such key social problems as poverty, racial and ethnic inequality, unequal education, and environmental issues. The book's first two chapters define "social problem,," provide a theoretical background, discuss the daunting barriers we face in attempting to solve social problems, and demonstrate how sociology can help.

Personal Decisions in the Public Square

Personal Decisions in the Public Square PDF Author: Robert A. Stebbins
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351298186
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 186

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Book Description
This work looks into how, why, and when people pursue things in life that they desire, those that make their existence attractive and worth living. Robert A. Stebbins calls this "Positive Sociology," the study of what people do to organize their lives such that they become substantially rewarding, satisfying, and fulfilling. Western society has many challenges: crime, drug addiction, urban pollution, daily stress, domestic violence, and overpopulation. Significant levels of success in avoiding these problems brings a noticeable measure of tranquility, but it does not necessarily generate a positive life. Personal Decisions in the Public Square draws upon, in large part, the sociology of leisure, a "happy science." Among the basic concepts in the sociology of leisure are activity and human agency. The centrality of positive activity is one of its hallmarks and separates it from other social science specialties. Stebbins's positive sociology centers on conceptual roots found in the "serious leisure" perspective. This theoretical framework synthesizes three main forms of leisure (serious, casual, and project-based) while showing their distinctive features, similarities, and interrelationships. Positive sociology also considers two other domains of life: work and non-work obligations. This new approach focuses on the pursuit of "that which makes life worth living." Stebbins explores goals that are important to all people, such as negotiating the right work/family or obligation/leisure balance and the tricky relationship between money and happiness. Research scientists or the general public may find the ideas presented in this volume help them better understand and negotiate situations, by showing how to approach them in a positive way rather than as "problems" that need to be solved.

Problem-Solving Sociology

Problem-Solving Sociology PDF Author: Monica Prasad
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0197558518
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 241

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Book Description
A broad resource that offers tools for how to conduct problem-solving sociology in order to deepen and reformulate our understanding of society. Most students arrive in graduate sociology programs eager to engage with the pressing social and political issues of the day. Yet that initial enthusiasm does not always survive the professional socialization of graduate school. In Problem-Solving Sociology, Monica Prasad shows graduate students and early career sociologists how to conduct research that uses sociological theory to help solve real-world problems, and how to use problem-solving to improve sociological theory. Prasad discusses how to be objective when examining issues of injustice and oppression, and provides methodological strategies and plenty of exercises for research aimed at creating change. She gives examples throughout of problem-solving research conducted at all levels, from undergraduate theses to the major figures of the discipline. She also considers how to respond to some common objections; where problem-solving fits into the landscape of sociological practice; and how to build a life in problem-solving.

Social Problems and Inequality

Social Problems and Inequality PDF Author: John Alessio
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317053567
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 302

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Book Description
Social Problems and Inequality explores integrated and root-cause-based explanations of complex social problems. Written in clear and understandable language, allowing it to be used for classroom purposes, it addresses the most fundamental principles of how humans, acting through social units, create, and eventually can remedy, social problems. With a central focus on the problem of inequality and the manner in which this is manifested in crime, social class and stratification, this book examines the key theoretical perspectives relevant to the study and solution of social problems, whilst drawing upon rich illustrations and case studies from the US and Europe to offer a thorough examination of the nature, common root causes and social remedies of social problems. Providing discussions of both theoretical approaches and concrete applications, Social Problems and Inequality investigates the sources of various prejudices and attitudes that contribute to social problems and the associated issues of globalization, economic greed and imperialism. Accessible in style and comprehensive in its coverage, this book will appeal to students and scholars of social problems across the social sciences.

Social Problems

Social Problems PDF Author: Charles Zastrow
Publisher: Burnham
ISBN: 9780830411979
Category : Deviant behavior
Languages : en
Pages : 656

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Book Description
SOCIAL PROBLEMS: ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS provides a clear and concise description and analysis of major social problems in the United States. The text stimulates interest in understanding and doing something about resolving social problems by presenting and describing solutions for each problem discussed. Provides an understanding of sociological theories and research that explains the nature of social problems and possible resolutions.

Usable Knowledge

Usable Knowledge PDF Author: Sterling Professor of Economics and Political Science Charles E Lindblom
Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 9780300023367
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 144

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Book Description
The problem that gives rise to this book is dissatisfaction with social science and social research as instruments of social problem solving. Policy makers and other practical problem solvers frequently voice disappointment with what they are offered. And many social scientists and social researchers think they should be more drawn upon, more useful, and more influential. Out of the discontent have come numerous diagnoses and prescriptions. This thoughtful contribution to the discussion provides an agenda of basic questions that should be asked and answered by those who are concerned about the impact of social science and research on real life problems. In general, Cohen and Lindblom believe that social scientists are crippled by a misunderstanding of their own trade, and they suggest that the tools of their trade be applied to the trade itself. Social scientists do not always fully appreciate that professional social inquiry is only one of several ways of solving a problem. They are also often engaged in a mistaken pursuit of authoritativeness, not recognizing that their contribution can never be more than a partial one. Cohen and Lindblom suggest that they reexamine their criteria for selecting subjects for research, study their tactics as compared to those of policy makers, and consider more carefully their role in relation to other routes to problem solving. To stimulate further inquiry into these fundamental issues, they also provide a comprehensive bibliography.

Sociology in Action

Sociology in Action PDF Author: David S. Hachen
Publisher: Pine Forge Press
ISBN: 9780761986638
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 364

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Book Description
Part 1 Doing Sociology Seeing Society Using Theory Decoding Culture Uncovering Inequalities and Power Imagining Futures Part 2 Decision Cases The Worth of a Sparrow Conflict at Riverside Tossin' and Turnin' Lucy Allman In the Eye of the Beholder The Case of the Minnetonka Kawn Ordinance Off to College What's So Scary about the Truth? People Like You Lisa's Hidden Identity.

Creative Problem Solving in the Field

Creative Problem Solving in the Field PDF Author: William Foote Whyte
Publisher: Rowman Altamira
ISBN: 9780761989219
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
From the street corners of the North End of Boston to the Basque regions of Spain, renowned sociologist William Foote Whyte has been a pioneer in developing methods and theories that have changed and expanded the way that we look at social structures and the individuals within them. Now, Whyte passes on his experience and knowledge with a look at problems he encountered in the field, and how he was able to overcome them. This book is both a guide through the practical and conceptual complexities and problems associated with fieldwork, as well as a look back on the life of one of the most interesting and important sociologists of our time.

Problem Solving in Families

Problem Solving in Families PDF Author: Samuel Vuchinich
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 9780761908784
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 252

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Book Description
Synthesizing the diverse body of perspectives and approaches to family problem solving covered in research and clinical work, Samuel Vuchinich assesses the implications of research on problem solving for family-based prevention and intervention programs. He explores family conflicts, the nature of family problems, problems across the life cycle, and social constructions.