Strategies for Effectively Communicating the Value of Taking a Sociological Perspective

• In Event: 2481 - Sociology in Practice Settings Symposium Roundtable Session
  In Informal Discussion Roundtable: Table 07. Communicating Sociology's Value-Added

Abstract

The practical value of applying sociological theory, research, and methods is not always obvious or accessible to the broader public. Furthermore, although sociological thinking and ways of knowing are employed across a wide range of occupations, they are often implicit and therefore not always apparent to even those who employ them. Because of this, there are many myths, misconceptions, and misunderstanding of sociological research methods. Whether the audiences are other academics, practitioners, tribes, or state and federal agencies, as practicing sociologists, it is critical that we communicate the value of taking a sociological perspective, including the importance of empirically assessing the social context and the human impact of new policies and interventions in a rapidly changing world. Often applied sociologists are employed as evaluators for local, state, and federal programs. Because of a broad lack of knowledge of the value and practice of sociology, we have discovered a number of common barriers faced by practicing sociologists working in this capacity. For example, underestimating and devaluing the practical applications of sociology and evaluation often lead to insufficient budgets and timelines, which often result in the inability to measure clear outcomes and objectives. In this roundtable/workshop, we will discuss the common barriers practicing sociologists face, particularly as evaluators, and some of the strategies we have used to overcome these barriers. Such strategies include cultural competency, being responsive to the audience and their needs, and developing tools for and providing hands on trainings in basic research methods for non-sociologists. We also take every opportunity to spread the word about how applying sociological theory and methods will result in more effective and replicable policies and interventions that can be communicated and disseminated more broadly in our society.

Authors

• Alian Kasabian, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Trish Wonch Hill, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Mindy Anderson-Knott, Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Consortium (SBSRC)