Sociological Theories of Intervention. Psychosociological and Microsociological Approaches

Bernardeau- Moreau

doi:10.5539/res.v14n1p28

Abstract

A range of scientific works show that sociological intervention is rooted in two main theoretical branches &ndash; psychosociology and microsociology. Although the concepts and foundations of these two major scientific branches are, of course, different, their relationships with the subject mix proximity and self-analysis, resulting in an enlightening common factor. Our intention with this article is not only to identify the primary theories and concepts developed over the past two centuries, but also, and above all, to be able to look beyond their unique features to better visualize the probable points of convergence so as to provide a coherent framework that unifies the different psychosociological forms of intervention.

Highlights

A range of scientific works show that sociological intervention is rooted in two main theoretical branches – psychosociology and microsociology
It is useful to place sociological intervention in the general history of social sciences. Starting from this point, with Savoye (1979) and Hess (1981), it is possible to place the origins of sociological intervention in the monographic microsociology of Le Play, which was adopted by empirical American sociologists, given new momentum in Europe by Lapassade’s institutional analysis, Touraine’s method of sociological intervention and Crozier’s strategic analysis (Chapoulie 2012, Herreros 2012)
Intervention sociologists call for the use of practical, empirical sociology in which intuitive qualities and inductive perspectives are offered to the social individual

Summary

Introduction

A range of scientific works show that sociological intervention is rooted in two main theoretical branches – psychosociology and microsociology. The concept of intervention and its initial forms of theorization were supported in particular by American psychosociology from the 1940s, the French school of thought 30 years later Lewin and his method of action research, the works by the Tavistock Institute, Jacques and socio-analysis, and even Moreno and sociometry, were precursors. Our intention with this article is to identify the primary theories and concepts developed over the past two centuries, and, and above all, to be able to look beyond their unique features to better visualize the probable methodological points of convergence so as to provide a coherent framework that unifies the different psychosociological forms of intervention

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion