Discourse on Applied Sociology: Volume 1

This engaging two-volume study pursues a balance between theoretical and practical sociology. Volume I, subtitled Theoretical Perspectives, focuses on the problems and prospects of applied sociology in an era of globalization. The essays emphasize the close association of applied sociology with altruism, identity formation, race and ethnicity. They evaluate the empirical truths of sociological theories and examine their relevance for contemporary research, poverty, demographic issues and social policies. The authors agree that the ultimate test of theory is the extent to which it can produce knowledge that works.