Description

Civics as Applied Sociology

Weinstein offers a historical examination of the theoretical and practical relationship between applied sociology and democracy. He argues that from the beginning of the discipline, the development of sociology and the related social sciences was driven by an attempt to apply scientific knowledge to improve human relations. Following a provocative and insightful review of applied sociological thinking from Sir Patrick Geddes through W.E.B. DuBois and the Students for a Democratic Society, Weinstein concludes that the concept of participatory democracy lies behind the many different terms used by applied sociologists when referring to the best informed and most effective system for articulating and managing group interests.

applied sociology, participatory democracy, W.E.B. DuBois, Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 30, No. 4 (2003): 21-39