ABSTRACT
Emphasis on measurement techniques can interfere with understanding how well particular social programs in their field work. In Making a Difference: The Practice of Socioloy, Irwin Deutscher links traditional sociological concerns with applied sociology in an effort to overcome this problem. He contributes to the debate over the extent to which health, educational, and social programs initiated by the Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Johnson administrations have been successful in intimate, human terms. Deutscher believes that the introduction of a sociological perspective can provide a positive element to interdisciplinary pursuits. This belief, as well as his fresh perspectives on both the strengths and limitations inherent in applied sociology, offer the field a revitalising lift. As such, this highly informative, thought-provoking volume will be of interest to sociologists and policy makers in health, education, crime, welfare, and housing.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|74 pages
Toward a Useful Sociology
part II|52 pages
On Doing Applied Research: Comments and Cues
part III|124 pages
The Raised Eyebrow: Assumptions in Evaluation Research
part IV|124 pages
Vignettes: Troubles in the Everyday World
part V|44 pages
Polemics on Practice