What is Real Sociology?

There are many ways to be a sociologist. To say I focus on “real sociology” isn’t to assert that other sociologists are fake. Instead, in my work I emphasize aspects of sociology that are related to what it means to be real:

• I am an empiricist, focusing on systematic measurement of observable reality.

• My research is focused on identifying patterns of context involving and surrounding people called social structures. Like gravity, these social structures may be literally invisible to the eye, but nevertheless are real in a philosophical sense because they have consistent consequences for people, their relationships, the groups they join, the institutions that surround them, and the communities in which they live.

• I am interested in using tools of sociological analysis and intervention to accomplish real, impactful and positive change for people, groups, institutions, and communities. We study the world and learn about it in order to help, to grow, to build - to change the world for the better.