Using a Sociological Lens when Writing Technical Reports for Clients

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

Abstract

This round table will feature a discussion of the issues sociologists of practice face when writing technical reports for clients. Clients, from the federal government to municipalities or school districts, often seek a discipline neutral perspective for commissioned reports, particularly technical reports. These types of commissioned reports generally focus on a specific practical or technical topic or evaluation without much room for a theoretical perspective. For many government clients reports must be politically neutral and contain only subtle hints to many of the larger issues, such as inequality, that sociologists generally focus on.

In this session, I propose a roundtable discussing both the challenges faced by sociologists of practice when writing technical report, as well as strategies for subtly infusing sociology into commissioned reports. This includes a considering ways to handle client feedback, co-authors from other disciplinary backgrounds, and topic limitations. Additionally, at the roundtable we will discuss what the often extensive review process that commissioned reports must pass through on the way to publication.

I am uniquely positioned to lead this conversation and discuss this topic due to my role as an analyst on several federal contracts that include a reporting component. Since 2014, I have co-authored eight commissioned reports for federal clients (the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education), and have another five reports in progress.

Author

• Caren Arbeit, RTI International