Suchergebnisse

Claudia Dreifus writes the "A Conversation With …" column for the New York Times. A long-time journalist and a "founder of the modern feminist movement," Dreifus pulls no punches. That's how she lives her life, which she shares with her partner, the social scientist Andrew Hacker.

Social scientists are increasingly drawn to research consulting careers, motivated by a desire to develop the practical implications of research, coupled with a clientele willing to invest in applied social research. Because this is a relatively new development, there are few sourcebooks on the craft of research consulting. To help bridge this gap, this issue provides a window into the way research is practiced by experienced consultants. In this opening article, the culture of consulting is discussed in relation to the culture of academic social science. Different conceptions of applied research and contrasting discourses are highlighted. Then, I show how each of the authors in this issue addresses these differences, which are barriers to communication. As bridge builders, the authors demonstrate the value of social science theory and methodology in solving applied problems in several domains. Together, they show how the pursuit of research can be joined to the business of consulting.

In the context of considering problems associated with curriculum development in social science education, an attempt is made to identify roles of the social sciences and social scientists in society. Issues and debates in several of the social sciences are reviewed and positions underlying these issues are postulated. In particular, a moral component is posited, and implications for research and other activities such as social science education are indicated.

Science and religion have often been seen as conflicting. What about the social sciences? Is there space for social scientists to be religious? Monika reflects on discussions in Sociology at Boston University. We often encounter the heated realm of science and religion, in our day-to-day life usually called physical science. Elders often say that science … Continued

""Part chronicle, part analysis and part advice manual, Social Scientists Meets the Media combines the thoughts of academics and media people to produce a vivid and valuable series of accounts that will prove of service to all academics seeking a wider audience but wary of the terra incognita they face in finding one"" Ellis Cashmore, Staffordshire UniversitySocial Scientists know they are in a dilemma: their work may fall prey to sensationalism, but at the same time they don't want to be overlooked. Social Scientists Meet the Media collects the experiences of academics who have sought to publ