Making a Difference

Emphasis on measurement techniques can interfere with understanding how well particular social programs in their field work. In Making a Difference: The Practice of Sociology, 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.The work is divided into five parts: "Toward a Useful Sociology" is a collection of essays concerning the causes of social problems and the uses of evaluation research. "On Doing Applied Research" explores research tools and stereotypes. 'The Raised Eyebrow" points out obstructions to useful program evaluation. "Vignettes" deals with specific areas of social programs: public housing, aging, family, disaster relief, small town petty crime, the integration of public facilities, delinquency, nursing, and the education of tribal people.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 revitalizing lift. As such, this highly informative, thought-provoking volume will be of interest to sociologists and policymakers in health, education, crime, welfare, housing.