What Are Applied and Clinical Sociology

Applied and clinical sociology are the practical counterparts to academic sociology, because they involve applying the knowledge and insights developed within the field of sociology to solve real world problems. Applied and clinical sociologists are trained in the theory and research methods of the discipline, and they draw on its research to identify problems in a community, group, or experienced by an individual, and then they create strategies and practical interventions designed to eliminate or reduce the problem. Clinical and applied sociologists work in fields including community organizing, physical and mental health, social work, conflict intervention and resolution, community and economic development, education, market analysis, research, and social policy. Often, a sociologist works both as an academic (a professor) and in clinical or applied settings. Extended Definition According to Jan Marie Fritz, who wrote The Development of the Field of Clinical Sociology, clinical sociology was first described in print by Roger Strauss in 1930, in a medical context, and further elaborated by Louis Wirth in 1931. Courses were taught on the subject by sociology faculty in the U.S. throughout the twentieth century, but it was not until the 1970s that books on it appeared, written by those now considered experts on the topic, including Roger Strauss, Barry Glassner, and Fritz, among others. However, the theory and practice of these subfields of sociology are rooted firmly in the early works of Auguste Comte, Émile Durkheim, and Karl Marx, consider among the founders of the discipline. Fritz points out that noted early American sociologist, scholar of race, and activist, W.E.B. Du Bois was both an academic and a clinical sociologist. In his discussion of the development of the field, Fritz lays out the principles for being a clinical or applied sociologist. They are as follows. Translate social theory into practical use for the benefit of others.Practice critical self-reflection about ones use of theory and its affect on ones work.Offer a useful theoretical perspective to those one works with.Understand how social systems work in order to successfully work within them to address social problems, and change those systems when necessary.Work on multiple levels of analysis: individual, small groups, organizations, communities, societies, and the world.Help identify social problems and their solutions.Choose and execute the best research methods to understand a problem and respond positively to it.Create and implement interventionist processes and practices that effectively address the problem. In his discussion of the field, Fritz also points out that the focus of clinical and applied sociologists should ultimately be on the social systems that surround our lives. While people might experience problems in their lives as personal and individual--what C. Wright Mills referred to as personal troubles--sociologists know that those are most often connected to larger public issues, per Mills. So an effective clinical or applied sociologist will always be thinking about how a social system and the institutions that compose it--like education, media, or government, for example--can be changed to reduce or eliminate the problems in question. Today sociologists who wish to work in clinical or applied settings can earn a certification from the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS). This organization also lists accredited undergraduate and graduate programs where one can earn a degree in these fields. And, the American Sociological Association hosts a section (research network) on Sociological Practice and Public Sociology. Those wishing to learn more about clinical and applied sociology should refer to leading books on the topics, including  Handbook of Clinical Sociology, and  International Clinical Sociology. Interested students and researchers will also find useful the Journal of Applied Social Science  (published by AACS),  Clinical Sociology Review  (published from 1982 to 1998 and archived online),  Advances in Applied Sociology, and  International Journal of Applied Sociology

Ethical Decisions in Business Essay - 2256 Words

Throughout the ages businesses have developed through technological advancements and innovative ideas but there has always been a common struggle that they are faced with, ethical decisions. Everywhere we look there is some level of ethical deterioration (Norman V. Peale, 1988), immoral millions made through inside trading information, a day hardly passes without the head of some major organisation who has been involved in some aspect of an ethical dilemma. This essay will break down why businesses struggle with ethical decisions but before examining such a sensitive issue we must understand what an ethical decision really is. Within the process of decision making, ethics are the personal standards of right and wrong. They become the basis†¦show more content†¦The element of outcome is an influencing factor in how ethical decisions are made, the theorists of fifty years ago such as Levitt(1958) and Friedman(1962) shared the view that the only outcome that is valuable to anal yse is whether the business made a profit or not (Gà ¶ran Svenssona, 2009). This is the approach many businesses still take to an extent today and is a reason for the struggle with ethical decisions and especially now with the arrival of such things as corporate social responsibility and corporate governance which point out the shift in the modern day business world. In order to apply some degree of sustainability into their everyday practises, businesses must work at becoming a good corporate citizen for long-term viability in their particular field so that their negative business reputation does not affect their dealings in the future. The question is does becoming a good corporate citizen conflict with the performance of the business. This is debateable, whichever way you turn there are arguments to be had and instances where profits could be made at the detriment of human ethics. Looking at this idea it becomes clear that making ethical decisions is increasingly difficult as i n some cases businesses must choose what they see as the greater importance and what they value more, profits and a successful business or human ethics. In business, the conflict betweenShow MoreRelatedEthical Decision Making in Business639 Words   |  3 Pagesbetween the demands of the workplace and those of their families and other personal responsibilities. In a bid to meet targets and other organizational goals and objectives, business executives in addition to traveling extensively also tend to dedicate long hours to office work. Discussion When analyzing situations from an ethical perspective, one is likely to be confronted by a number of questions. For instance, which criteria should one use to differentiate between dehumanizing actions and actionsRead MoreEthical Decision Making In Business1169 Words   |  5 Pageswrong when a conflict arises, but it is our moral responsibility to resolve the dilemmas to the best of our ability. This paper is going to explore the topic of ethical decision-making and establish ground rules for the process and analyze possible ethical implications that may arise. What are the ground rules? Making an ethical decision, at times, can be extremely difficult, as emotions tend to hinder ones judgment. For example, if a husband came upon his wife being beat to death, his first impulseRead More Ethical and Moral Decisions in Business Essay1562 Words   |  7 PagesEthical and Moral Decisions in Business Ethics alone tend to be defined as a moral code of conduct that is perceived to be the right thing to do. An ethical decision means doing what is right, as apposed to assessing the most profitable course of action. In the past, free market ideology was that corporations were kept responsible to customers, shareholders, workers and society by customer and investor behavior, seen in share price. Millions of individual â€Å"voters†Read MoreEthical Decision Making : Business Ethics And Social Responsibility1295 Words   |  6 Pages Ethical Decision-Making De’Ambre Zanders OMM640: Business Ethics and Social Responsibility (MOH1616A) Instructor: Dr. Maja Zelihic May 1, 2016 Abstract In any type of business, ethical decision-making is usually at the forefront of company operations. It shapes the foundation of a company and gives employees a moral compass as to what is expected of them ethically. Ethical-decision making prevents individuals from profiting from their own personal methods, while representingRead MoreWeek 8 - Making Ethical Decisions in Business2222 Words   |  9 Pagesunconventional. Beginning with its founder, Jack Ma, who gained global celebrity status these past 10 days, as his image became ubiquitous on business news channels and media outlets across America. We got to know Jack Ma before the onslaught, beginning over a year ago in China, where he talked with us about his relationship with the Chinese government, and his unorthodox business philosophy, which surprisingly, gives shareholders almost no say over how he runs the company. Jack Ma: If you want to invest inRead MoreEssay on Chapter 6 Business Ethics and Ethical Decision Making1278 Words   |  6 Pagesadvantages and disadvantages of each decision that Elaine has made. a. 1st decision Graphic, Inc. loan of $10 million. Graphco was a tobacco firm embroiled in litigation concerning the promotion of its products to children. Elaine based her decision by Moral Philosophies which refers to the specific principals or rules that people use to decide what is right or wrong (Ferrell, Fraedrich, Ferrell, Ninth Edition Business Ethics, p 153). The advantage to this decision is she did what she felt was morallyRead MoreBusiness Ethics, The `` Gray `` : Ethical Theories That Will Make The Decision Easier For Her Dilemma1103 Words   |  5 PagesIn business ethics, the â€Å"gray† areas are the toughest aspects that don’t have a clear right or wrong answer, but the reaction of the other party can have a potential negative impact on the business itself. Ethically, Jill will want to avoid the negative consequences as much as possible to avoid a conflict with William Potter and Henry. Objectively reviewing Henry delegated from William to Jill wil l have huge implications as the review moves forth. In making the decision, Jill will answer the questionRead MoreEthics in the Workplace1201 Words   |  5 PagesClassical and Contemporary Ethical Philosophies Ethical philosophies served as guide for people in the workplace to make moral decisions in conducting business. There are classical normative ethical philosophies as well as contemporary ethical philosophies being used. They have been applied in the different levels or dimensions of the business organizations. People do know that there are business organizations that have disregarded ethical standards and encounters ethical issues inside their companyRead MoreEthics and Profits of an Organization843 Words   |  3 Pagesorganization that is business oriented is in place to realize profits. Most of the corporations in the United States that are in existence were started on the basis of profit making. This means that the main reason why the corporations exist is so that the owners can get returns from their investment. Business ethics involves the application of ethics to business behavior and the decision making process in the business setting. The connection between business ethics and decision making comes aboutRead MoreMaking A Business Decision For Any Ceo Essay1130 Words   |  5 PagesMaking a business decision for any CEO is easy, the main principle is to keep the shareholders happy by generating more revenue. The more money a company earns the more attractive it looks to the pote ntial investor. Now, from history, we have learned that every CEO is not created equal and some use bad business practices to earn more revenue. So, laws were created to set guidelines, companies started to use risk assessment to see if a decision would lead to any legal recourse that would make them

American Government And Politics The Melting Pot

America has always been referred to as a melting pot. According to The Dorsey Dictionary of American Government and Politics, a melting pot is a sociological term that â€Å"implies (1) that each succeeding wave of immigrants to the United States blends into the general society and (2) that this melting is ideally what should happen† (Shafrtiz 348). The term is originally from Israel Zangwill’s play The Melting-Pot. In this play, he wrote â€Å"America is God’s Crucible, the great Melting-Pot where all races of Europe are melting and reforming† (Shafritz 348). The term refers to the diversity of races, ethnicities, and cultures in America, as expressed by Israel Zangwill. However, within many cultures are subcultures, and America is not only a melting-pot of races, ethnicities, and cultures, but also of subcultures such as hip-hop. Culture has several, sometimes contradictory meanings, in which its uncertainty of a definition can be found in its different uses in history. Williams describes it as a Particular way of life which expressed certain meanings and values not only in art and learning, but also in institutions and ordinary behavior. The analysis of culture, from such a definition, is the clarification of the meanings and values implicit and explicit in a particular way of life, a particular culture (Brake 1). In this definition, culture is a way of life. In Swingewood’s definition, culture is the result of consumerism. He writes Consumer capitalism, rather than creating aShow MoreRelatedCultural Mosaic826 Words   |  4 Pagesrefer to this as the â€Å"melting pot† of the world because of how different we are from each other as well as how all of our different cultures interact with each other. Another term some use is there expression â€Å"cultural mosaic†, this phrase is used to describe the mix of ethnic group, languages and cultures that coexist within Canadian society. 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If we were to look at where the fiery passions of an American identity first arise we have to look to where the colonists first fought for their right to be a recognized citizen of America. American colonists formed their identity through the ideas of liberty, resistance to unfair British jurisdiction, and cultural diversity. Their identities formed

Theoretical Framework and Hypothesis Development †Free Sample

Questions: 1.There are three basic features that should be present in any theoretical framework. Discuss these features? 2.(i) Is there or are there any alternative approaches that would allow jesse to develop a conceptual model? (ii) Describe the advantages and disadvantages of undertaking a literature review to develop a model? (iii)Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative approaches that you have come up with? 3.(i)label the variables of jesses conceptual model in terms of independent, dependent, moderating and /or mediating variables? (ii)Explain the general difference between the moderate and mediate variables? 4.Develop the relevant hypotheses based onJesses model (use directional hypotheses)? 5.(i)Provide a thorough evaluation of Jesses argument? (ii)Provide a better explanation of why we would expect these relationship to exist? Answers: 1. The basic features of theoretical framework are:- i- The factors which are considered to explain the study should be clearly discussed and labelled. The relationship between these factors and how they are interrelated. ii- Literature survey i.e the facts from the previous research and findings. iii- Graphical representation or schematic diagram of the theoretical framework that reader can easily understand what the researcher wants to represents. The theoretical framework is the comprehensive way of researcher how to show the facts about the study he is doing clearly and precisely. The proper labelling of the facts he wants to highlight about the study. Like if we take the example of the given topic of the social network, the proper framework of the study done is given with the help of the examples ofApple community, Harley Davidson community etc. how managers of the community attract the people and engage them with it. This help in dispersion of the various new ideas with community members. The discussion of the previously found facts and relating it with the newly found variables should be comprehensively shown in the theoretical framework. This will help the reader to have a keen look on labelled features. The most important feature in the theoretical framework is the graphical representation of schematic diagram representation of the variables which are discussed in the study. This is a clear picture which shows and helps the reader to comprehend the theoretical explanation of the variables. 2- a) As the study shows that jesse has only considered the literature survey of the online communities. There are some other ways in which jesse could develop the conceptual model. These are:- By collecting the real and practical facts by working on the subject .This would make the conceptual model more accurate and healthy. Comparing the real and literature survey features together could make the model quite attractive and effective. Filtering the facts which are highly discussed about the social media could make it nearest to accuracy. b) The following are the advantages and disadvantages of literature review:- Advantages :- Deep learning of the subject of research. Develop basic understanding of the subject. Ideas of the resources which we reuse for fact findings. Help reducing time consumption. Comprehensive look on previously found facts and the work done required at various stages of research. Disadvantages:- The literature review sometimes does not clear some factors in the variables. This cause wastage of time and resources. Proper guidance of the supervisors is required to every researcher especially for the inexperienced students (Garrett, 2010).. It is time consuming for teachers to provide feedback and correct them where they are wrong. c) The following are the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative approach:- Advantages:- By collecting the real practical facts by doing it yourself will make the previously found facts more exact and near to accuracy. It increase the practical experience of the researcher and build its confidence to explain the things in more better way. It easily differentiate between the practically found by itself and previously found facts. Disadvantages:- It increase the time consumption where facts are not clear. Without proper guidance of the supervisor or teacher the researcher may got confused sometimes. 3.a) The following are the variables of jesses conceptual model:- Independent variables:- In the independent variables , it consist of two variables which are considered:- Informational value:- The information about the subject is taken by researcher on its own. It is totally independent which topic to choose and where to take information about it. Self discovery value:-The discovery of the certain facts about the subject is the outcome of the independent research done on it (Garrett, 2010). So these variables are totally independent variables. Dependent variables:- In the dependent variables, it consists of two variables which are considered as follows:- Social interactivity value:-The increase in the knowledge about the subject is done by social interactivity at the social media sites. Likewise if we take the examples of apple community and Harley Davidson riders community. These are brands community where people get to know about various things about their devices and bikes by interacting with the members of the community. So it dependent on the knowledge which you get by interaction with social websites. Social enhancement value:-The eagerness to enhance the knowledge about the subject , researcher try to meet various people to know about it and social media help in enhancing the knowledge by getting into touch with outside community people. This increase the dependency on the social sites and social life of the people. Moderating or mediating variables:- In this also there are two variables considered according to jesses conceptual model:- Entertainment value:-The entertainment provided by social websites eventually increase the usage of the social networking sites. Actually entertainment value is different from other social networking sites because in this we can stream live on various things, playing games, online challenges and etc.(e.g:-dholakia,bagozzi,mckenna and bargh 1997) experiences with functionality, and different people i.e it basically maintains relationship with other users. Reward value:- Many social websites increase the attraction by offering rewards on various things . This increase the social involvement of the people. This means that it plays a moderate part of the conceptual model. 3.b) The following are the differences between the moderate and the mediate variables:- Moderators:- Moderator variable is basically a qualitative and quantitative (like reward level) variable. Like if we talk about the social networking sites which attract people by placing rewards on certain items and things, this make this variable a dependent variable. Moderator represents the interaction between independent variables and appropriate condition of a factor in operation (Teel,1983). Mediators:- Mediators are the variables which work between the independent variable and outcome variables. Like we talk about the entertainment value of the social networking sites it plays a mediate variable between the independent variable and the outcome variables. 4.As the model developed by Jesse after the literature survey of the social networking sites. The following hypotheses can be done:- To increase the satisfaction of the member in a particular community the basic variable needed is the informational value from which the researcher get to know about the study and concluding independently discovering the facts from the information give huge encouragement to get deep into the study of brands or anything else. With the increase in the knowledge about the particular brand the social interaction of the member increases(Garrett, 2010). This means that self-discovering of the ideas has higher value to provide satisfaction the member than just collecting the information when dependent variable social interaction and social enhancement values are considered. If we talk about the entertainment value (like playing games or listen music online) provide higher level of satisfaction to the members and further reward value helping as a moderator to make it an outcome variable. If the satisfaction of the member increase higher that it further increase his/her loyalty towards the particular brand community. These are the hypotheses which can be done by considering the Jesses conceptual model. 5.(i)According to Jesses argument, people who love some particular brands will access it from the comfort of their home by showing intentions to join that online brand community. The increase in the driving values from the online brand community will rise the eagerness of the member to join it and start participating in it. Therefore it always important to know from which values the members got drive to join the community. These values include the informational values, self discovering values, self- interaction values, self-enhancement values, entertainment values and the reward values. These values will play a role to rise the satisfaction of the member and this satisfaction will make him to join the community. Once the member got completely satisfied with it, its loyalty towards the brand community will keep on rising and shows his future intentions towards community. This is how Jessecomes into the conclusion about the online networking sites. (ii) The research details shows that there are certain values which rise the relationship between the members and the community. The entertainment provided by online communities through fun by playing games or interacting with others( Dholakia, Bogozzi and Pearo 2004) or by encountering and solving the online challenges or contests(Mckenna and Bough, 1999). This participation of members rise the entertainment value of the social networking sitesand attract other outside members to join the community. This rise the perceived value of site and increase in the satisfaction of the members. These variables increase the relationship between the member and the community. References: O'reilly, T. (2007). What is Web 2.0: Design patterns and business models for the next generation of software.Communications and Strategies,65(1), 17-37. Garrett, J. J. (2010).Elements of User Experience, The: User-Centered Design for the Web and Beyond. Pearson Education. Bearden, W. O., Teel, J. E. (1983). Selected determinants of consumer satisfaction and complaint reports.Journal of marketing Research, 21-28.