Public sociologies reader /

Blau (Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) and Smith (Stonehill College) have collected 17 papers that demonstrate ways in which the sociological imagination can be applied to many of the most relevant/significant social/political issues of the period. The titles of the four sections give some indication of these issues: "The Local and the Global," "The Rights of Humans," "Sustainability and Peace," and "Rethinking Liberalism." The introduction, "A Public Sociology for Human Rights," is a continuation by Michael Burawoy of his 2004 presidential address to the American Sociological Association. He sets the tone for the more specific discussions by arguing that sociology must focus on fundamental human rights "against the colonizing projects of states and markets." The collection concludes with an equally well-developed perspective, "The Challenge to Public Sociology: Neoliberalism's Illusion of Inclusion," by Charles A. Gallagher. The appendix is a valuable annotated guide to over 100 online resources. Blau and Smith have provided professors with an outstanding vehicle through which to stimulate and inform sociology students about the potential of the discipline. In addition, the public sociology framework provides an opportunity to examine the more philosophical questions of values, perspective, objectivity, and engagement. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All academic levels/libraries. M. Oromaner formerly, Hudson County Community College