Description
Book SynopsisPolitics 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 betterand 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 agendathat 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 soc
Trade ReviewThis 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, Illinois State University
Table of ContentsChapter 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
