Politics in the Human Interest: Applying Sociology in the Real World

by William Du Bois, Dean R. Wright

Overview

Politics in the Human Interest presents the striking proposition that by paying attention to what's been learned about human behavior, we can develop a political agenda that is in the human interest. Du Bois and Wright, editors of Applying Sociology: Making a Better World, seek a synthesis of the disciplines by returning to the bold conversation of August Comte, Lester Ward, Robert Lynd, Erich Fromm, Abraham Maslow, Alvin Gouldner, Ernest Becker and Alfred McClung Lee. As economist Kenneth Boulding once said, "The question for the social sciences is simply, what is better—and how do we get there?" Politics in the Human Interest provides an important foundation for the answer and explores the theoretical foundation of a humanistic sociology. It returns to the original progressive agenda—that knowledge about human behavior can be used to create social progress and a better world. Politics in the Human Interest is perfect for advanced undergraduate courses and graduate courses as well as sociology professionals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739117712
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	04/18/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	6.07(w) x 9.07(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

William Du Bois, Ph.D. is assistant professor of Justice Administration at Southwest Minnesota State University.
R. Dean Wright, Ph.D. is Ellis and Nelle Levitt Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Drake University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 The Politics of Sociology
Chapter 2 Sociology and Social Change
Chapter 3 The Human Agenda:Values and Priorities
Chapter 4 The Progressive Agenda:Positive Social Change
Chapter 5 The Knowledge Wars
Chapter 6 Public Education
Chapter 7 Human Nature:Basic Needs and Processes
Chapter 8 Progressive Politics:The Mind Intervenes in Evolution
Chapter 9 The Foundations of Humanistic Sociology

Editorial Reviews

This is a stimulating, fervent effort, valuable in its wisdom and challenges....The authors...respect their profession, care about its direction, and offer an excellent framework for discussion and action toward a social science that helps people.

PsycCRITIQUES

Across the disciplines, neutrality of method is confused with neutrality of substance. Research closely tied to social advocacy is reflexively viewed as tainted. Du Bois and Wright bravely challenge this assumption, reconnecting the academic practice of sociology with its original idealism - to identify the sources of,and find solutions to genuine human problems. This fresh perspective on social science has direct application in many areas of research, certainly not least in my own field of social work.

Daniel Liechty