Applied and Clinical Sociology

Introduction

Applied sociology differs from pure sociology because the latter is theoretical and applied sociology is more practical. Clinical sociology seeks to understand the various elements of a person’s social experience. These elements may be based on history, culture, ecology or interpersonal relationships. Hence in this article we will briefly discuss applied sociology and clinical sociology.

Applied Sociology

The idea to create positive social change through active intervention is used to characterise practitioners who employ sociological theories and methodologies outside of academic settings. Applying sociology more narrowly may be defined as putting sociological theory into action for particular clients. In other words, rather than being defined by the researcher, this idea refers to the use of sociological knowledge to address research issues or problems.

Applied sociologists work in various fields and industries including private companies, government sectors and non-profit organisations. They focus on changing the current situation or part of social life for better experience or improvement. Some of the works that applied sociologists may focus on are improving the health sector or ensuring accessibility of health support.

They may work with organisations for better enforcement of laws. They may also work in the rehabilitation sector where criminals or other sections of society are rehabilitated with the aim of including them in society. Some applied sociologists may also work for reducing the impact of natural disaster or align with the government for providing better policies and programs to victims of natural disaster.

History and Development of Applied Sociology

The idea of applied sociology was initially introduced to sociology by Lester F. Ward. The potential of legislators and the government to improve societal conditions by learning about the social dynamics, using this information, and becoming social scientists was defined by Ward in a book named "Dynamic Sociology or Applied Social Science" released in 1883.

Radical socialist movements and utopian reform that brought about rapid transformations offended Ward profoundly. By acting as a manual for social and political action, in Ward’s opinion, applied sociology prepared the way for the implementation of sociological concepts.

Ward thus sought to lay the foundation for the separation between causative processes and the feasible interventions that might be made in these processes to promote societal advancement through his work. In contrast to the what, how, and why questions that pure sociology raises, he claims that applied sociology seeks to answer the question "what for?" Pure sociology focuses on causes, principles, and facts, but applied sociology is more concerned with goal, purpose, and object. Unlike pure sociology, which focuses on the field of sociology, it examines how sociology is used.

Clinical Sociology and its Applications

Clinical sociology is the study of social groupings to improve social and environmental conditions or enrich people's lives holistically. A clinical sociologist, also known as a socio-therapist or life enrichment therapist, typically holds another relevant profession besides their clinical work, such as a medical doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, social worker, criminologist, or professional in the activity and recreational industries.

Clinical sociologists work in various contexts, such as treatment centres or living arrangements like nursing homes, and typically concentrate on vulnerable demographic groups like children, teens, or the elderly. They take an active part in care coordination and case management.

Clinical sociology examines the personality of a human being as a social unit influenced by various human experiences. This examination can explain that various social elements like history, ecology, culture or interpersonal relationships can affect a person’s self-assessment, style, personality, behaviour, role, self-image or psychic. Hence, it can be said that clinical sociology is based on observation, but it is studied on the basis of evidence to conclude.

Clinical sociology is considered as important in clinical psychology or clinical psychiatry. It helps in understanding human beings and their behaviour or functions through the influence of social factors. It can help in predicting a person’s social behaviour.

Conclusion

From the discussion, we can conclude that both applied and clinical sociology focuses more on the application of sociology to understand human behaviour and provide practical knowledge based on empirical evidence and data. They are conducted through scientific research.

FAQs

Q1. Who is associated with the work “Psychopathology and Politics”?

Ans. Laswell is associated with the work “Psychopathology and Politics” which he wrote in 1930. In this work he tried to create a relationship between the political role of people who belong to various radical groups and how it impacts their psycho-dynamic development.

Q2. What are the roles that applied sociologists can perform?

Ans. Applied sociologists can perform several roles related to decision-making and education. They can also perform roles related to social criticism, research or consulting.

Q3. What are the types of approaches that applied sociologists can take?

Ans. Applied sociologists can use empirical methods to collect data for their study. They can also use ethnography, public opinion or market analysis.