Practicing Sociology: The Role of Theory in Applied Research

Abstract

The article argues that a degree in sociology provides an academic qualification rather than a professional qualification, and hence sociology cannot be practiced. The practice of sociology lacks scientific legitimacy and ethical legitimacy. Even though it cannot be practiced, sociology can be applied in the sense that it can be used in various fields. It informs decisions and actions either by using existing sociological knowledge and theories or by generating new knowledge through conducting sociological research. The article highlights that sociologists are taught in universities to conduct fundamental research rather than applied research, and that they conduct fundamental research regardless of context. This article presents the necessity of making a clearer methodological distinction between fundamental and applied research and proposes a clarification of the role theory plays in the latter. It emphasizes the idea that theory is not only not prioritized but is also not even mandatory in applied research.