1.2: What is a Sociological Practitioner?

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Sociological practitioners are public or applied sociologists who apply theories, research, and methods to bring about social change (Bruhn and Rebach 2007). As a practitioner, you will be involved in planning and implementing problem-solving interventions to improve the lives of others by examining social situations and understanding how they are organized. Practitioners use their training, skills, and knowledge to provide clients (e.g., individuals, groups, or organizations) information or data about the social condition or problem and areas for improvement. Clients then use the data, with or without direct involvement of the practitioner, to plan and develop policies or programs for change. Practitioners may also play a role in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of policies and programs to guide their development and progress towards identified goals.

A sociological practitioner is an active, ongoing agent of intervention and change (Bruhn and Rebach 2007). Sociological practitioners are one kind of interventionists among other professionals (e.g., social workers, therapists, physicians, probation officers, etc.) working on social problems. One of the most important competencies required in sociological practice, as with other interventionists, is the working relationship between practitioner and client (e.g., individuals, groups, or organizations). The overall outcomes of intervention and change rely on the trust, confidence, cooperation, and motivation of those working to improve or address the problem. Intervention and change are a process requiring collective action and collaboration among practitioners and clients to gain results.