Sociology

Because the field of sociological inquiry is multi-faceted in perspective, and does subsume a variety of specialty interests, the literature in this discipline has developed and proliferated in a near exponential fashion. Sociology, today, has become so specialty driven in its research and theory agenda that the result is an enormous and complex body of sociological knowledge that is often considered to be unwieldy.

by Xavier Guillaume (Editor), Pınar Bilgin (Editor)

This is the first volume to explore clinical and applied sociology in Aotearoa New Zealand, while also providing unique insights into the practice of sociology internationally. Drawing out the intersections between sociological research, public sociology and applied sociology, the chapters in this volume enrich the rapidly growing field of international clinical sociology. Aotearoa New Zealand presents an important case study in the development and practice of sociology: with a vibrant social scientific community and a significant diversity of scholars and practitioners, local research and practice highlight the country’s innovative and often unusual approaches to addressing social problems. This volume brings together a diversity of scholars and practitioners, from the country’s top sociologists to early career researchers, and provides a comprehensive and valuable exploration of sociology and its many practical applications in this unique context. It covers a wide range of key topics in the field, from the challenges of practicing a public sociology in Aotearoa New Zealand to the role of applied and clinical sociologists in government and consultancies. Contemporary social issues are explored as case studies, including practising sociological psychotherapy; indigenous applications of sociology and Māori language learning; and applying sociology within healthcare. This is a key addition to applied and clinical sociology literature.

Semiotic Sociology recalls classics of the field, such as Economy and Society by Neil Smelser and Talcott Parsons or Pierre Bourdieu’s Logic of Practice, in its scope, ambition, and subtle synthesis of remarkably different insights from opposed traditions of thought. Heiskala’s brilliance allows him to show how debates central to social theory for more than 100 years look different when properly grounded in the analysis of signification.

The overall conception of the volume is absolutely splendid, and the editors skilfully place the material in the context of disciplinary and post-disciplinary developments in sociology. This is a major contribution to the field, as well as a comprehensive and reliable guide to its main components' - William Outhwaite, Professor of Sociology, School of European Studies, University of Sussex

This volume constitutes a sustained effort by prominent sociologists and other social scientists to assess the current standing of sociology. It is a stocktaking of the unique nature of sociology in the light of advances within the discipline itself and within a range of neighbouring disciplines…