Sociological Practice and Public Sociology

This chapter discusses clinical sociology, a type of sociological practice, and its relation to the human rights paradigm. Clinical sociology is a creative, rights-based, multidisciplinary specialization that seeks to improve life situations for individuals and collectivities. Clinical sociologists work with systems to assess situations and avoid, reduce, or eliminate problems through a combination of analysis and intervention. A clinical sociologist in the United States who is involved in analytic and intervention work may have an undergraduate or a graduate degree. The role of the clinical sociologist can involve one or more levels of focus, from the individual to the global. Clinical sociologists are contributing to the discussion about and resolution of the most pressing issues of the day - such as violence reduction, community development, climate change, inclusion, and health promotion.