Public and professional

Question 1

Professional sociology

Answer 1

The conventional, university-based, scientific sociology which generates large research programmes and bodies of knowledge and provides academic careers

Question 2

Policy sociology

Answer 2

Those studies which pursue goals defined by clients, such as funding bodies and government departments looking to tackle social problems

Question 3

Critical sociology

Answer 3

The ‘conscience of professional sosiology’, which points out the questionable assumptions of research projects and professional sociology

Question 4

Public sociology

Answer 4

Speaks with social groups such as trade unions, social movements, faith groups and organizations in civil society in a genuine conversation about the future direction of society