Abstract
Clinical sociology is a way of doing sociology, so, formally, it is a methodological approach within sociology. Methodology is not only a set of techniques used to gather data for analysis by the sociologist in the role of expert. Methodology, in a broader sense, speaks about the kinds of social issues to be studied, who is producing the proper knowledge to address those issues, and how can we develop not only theory but practical knowledge about those issues. This is particularly appropriate for studying the social dynamics of community development.
Clinical sociology methodology has specific epistemological and ethical standpoints. Clinical sociology is pragmatic, critical, interpretative, dialectical and emancipatory; it is an approach that is oriented toward a complex analysis of the relationship between individual and society; theory; and action. Research practice in clinical sociology is basically participatory, an interactive process between researchers and participants in the research, involving social practice and change. It also is based on sharing knowledge in order to reach a common understanding of the situation under study.
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Rhéaume, J. (2014). Research for the Community. In: Fritz, J., Rhéaume, J. (eds) Community Intervention. Clinical Sociology: Research and Practice. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0998-8_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0998-8_3
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