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In Praise of Sociology
1University of Sydney.
Canadian Review of Sociology = Revue Canadienne De Sociologie
|August 11, 2017
Summary
Sociology is crucial for combating public misinformation and requires a global perspective. Its future depends on actively defending its role against marginalization in neoliberal systems.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Social Sciences
- Knowledge Economy
Background:
- The public sphere is increasingly affected by misinformation and pseudoscience.
- Sociological knowledge formation is influenced by a global knowledge economy with inherent imbalances.
- Sociology faces potential marginalization within neoliberal economic and university structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reflect on the relevance and future of sociology.
- To highlight the urgency of research-based social science.
- To discuss the challenges and opportunities for sociology in the contemporary world.
Main Methods:
- Reflective analysis of the discipline.
- Autobiographical engagement with sociology.
- Examination of the global knowledge economy's impact.
Main Results:
- Research-based sociology is vital for countering public distortions.
- Global knowledge production creates significant imbalances.
- Sociological data is valuable for policy and public discourse but needs broader context.
- Sociology's future is threatened by neoliberalism, necessitating proactive defense.
Conclusions:
- Sociology must be actively defended to avoid marginality and triviality.
- A future for sociology requires fighting for its relevance and broader understanding.
- Integrating data into a larger project of world understanding is key to sociology's vitality.
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