Toepassingsmoontlikhede van die sosiologie / The application of sociology

Abstract

Interest in the application of sociological knowledge has existed from the earliest development of Sociology. During the last three decades there has been a renewed interest in the uses of sociology, and a growing number of books and articles on the application of sociology have been published. The difference between basic and applied sociology should be based on the difference in the nature of orientation, the aims, the worknorms, and the reference groups of these fields rather than on methodology and field of knowledge. Applied sociology is essentially client orientated with the aim of problem solving through application of knowledge. The applied sociologist has as reference points political and other interest groups, who are interested in solving specific problems. By means of a wide variety of activities, the sociologist can contribute to solving clients' problems. Also the sociologist has various resources at his disposal, of which the ability to do research of a high standard is of prime importance. Although there are instances where sociology has found an application in South Africa, the sociologists in this country will have to work more purposefully towards the development of applied sociology. This will be a prerequisite for the professionalization of sociology in South Africa. S. Afr. J. Sociol. 1985, 16(2): 65–74