Sociology not only for Academics
The science of Sociology is often called a boring science by students. This tendency is mainly caused by the fact that many of the advocates of Sociology believe that it is only an academic science. They therefore teach all the theories and history of Sociology but never come to the application thereof. Students then tend to take the subject as an easy additional subject to make up their credits for a degree and then forget about Sociology’s existence a month after graduation.
Sociology is for the real world
Sociology is actually a vibrant and highly applicable science to the challenges of our different communities today. We need more sociologists to work within the International Planning Arena, National Government Structures, Non Governmental Organizations and the Private Sector. University lecturers should focus more on the development of applicable methods of social planning and modern social research. There is definitely a lack of social data, especially in third world – and developing countries.
For example, the only available demographic data In South Africa is the data from 2001, totally outdated. The only other sources of information can be found in Integrated Development Plans (IDP’s), Local Economic Development Plans (LED’s) or Spatial Development Frameworks (SDF’s). These plans are not always compiled in a professional scientific manner and are not necessarily informative or statistically correct.
Social Impact Assessments
One of the new developments in social planning is Social Impact Assessments (SIA) as part of Environmental Impact Assessments. This is required by many Governments as environmental and social policy.
Social Planning
If the promoters of Sociology want to get to the forefront of these developments, they should act quickly for Environmentalists and Project Engineers are taking over the development of this science. We can study old theories and practices but Sociology must start exploring current populations, develop new applicable and practical methods of social planning and as a result be part of the planning of the future.
Sociologist the promoter of Sociology
Sociologists must come forward as specialist consultants and give expert advice to city planners, engineers, policy makers and developers. It is indeed possible to have a career in the field of Sociology and to earn a living as a Sociologist.
Need more information?
Contact Willie Oosthuizen for more information on the application of Sociology to Community Development, Local Government Planning and Policy, Business and Counselling.
