public sociology at indiana university

Fabio

Yesterday, the Preparing Future Faculty program and the graduate student association hosted a panel on public sociology, with Ann McCrannie, Bernice Pescosolido, David Blouin, Melissa Quintela and myself. Here are some highlights from a good discussion:

– There are many types of public sociology, ranging from teaching in the community, talking to the media, blogging, and participatory research. It’s not just about elites speaking to policy makers any more.

– The main theme was crossing the boundary of the sociological discipline, whether it be to the educated public, policy makers, other disciplines, or to folks inside the university like students and administrators.

– As sociologists, we should be confident and get our knowledge out there. We shouldn’t be timid about saying what we know.

– Interacting with the media isn’t so bad. Sure, some journalists might make errors, but the coverage of science isn’t half bad and that’s an improvement.

– Good public sociology stems from good science. Be a great sociologist, and you can more easily reach the public.

The graduate students will put video and power points up soon. Previous orgtheory discussion on public sociology: What is Public Sociology?, Did research grants kill public sociology?, public sociology was better in the 50’s, The public side of economic sociology, the journal Contexts and public sociology.