40828 - Reimagining the Future of OUR Work: Are We Preparing Sociologists for Work in Diverse Settings?

Description

This session will apply a sociological lens to examine the potential for our discipline to train sociologists who can address complex societal challenges by working in diverse settings. Although many problems are engineering, technologically or medically related, at their root they are social and behavioral in nature; the challenges posed by climate change and COVID-19 highlight the human aspects and call for interdisciplinary collaborations. Presenters from academic and applied settings and experiences will discuss how to best train and support the future workforce of sociologists in the skills necessary to engage in inquiry regarding policy and practice solutions, ranging from quality improvement to national or global efforts to address the major challenges of our times. Presenters will provide examples and insights into how we can advance sociologists seeking to engage with the major social and economic problems of our time and in their efforts to collaborate with other sciences.

Sub Unit

• Thematic Session

Presider

• Ricky N. Bluthenthal, University of Southern California

Individual Presentations

• Sociology Beyond the Ivory Tower: Non-Academic Career Patterns and Implications for Sociological Training - Karen Albright, University of Colorado

• Constrained Choice and Career Paths in Applied and Academic Sociology - Chloe E. Bird, Tufts Medical Center

• The Unrecognized Contribution of Sociologists in Government Positions - Augie Diana

• Finding Our Way: The Professional Identity Development of Applied Sociologists and Implications for the Future of the Profession - Catherine Mobley, Clemson University

• International Perspectives on Applied Sociology - Jerry A. Jacobs

Discussant

• Stephanie N. Wilson, Applied Worldwide

Session Organizers

• Chloe E. Bird, Tufts Medical Center

• Catherine Mobley, Clemson University