Applied Sociology

Applied sociology, along with the theoretical, refers to a single sociological knowledge. However, there is a significant difference between the first and the second concept. So, unlike the part of science that studies and theoretically reflects the fundamental characteristics and patterns of social development, applied sociology, with its system of categories and research tools, is oriented toward solving and developing practical problems in public administration "here and now".

If it is impossible to solve this or that question, based on the available knowledge, there is a need for a scientific search for additional information, conducting empirical (experimental, practical) research.

Applied sociology is a kind of "social engineering". It helps to correct and comprehend everyday social life. This causes the presence of both theoretical and empirical instrumental technologies to study the mass human behavior in various spheres of public life. In addition, applied sociology includes both methods and methods of practical influence on the behavior of public institutions and groups.

The empirical study usually has a diagnostic character and is attached to a specific object. In other words, applied sociology assumes the implementation of a practical study "on order". Subsequently, its results and conclusions are applied to the practical solution of any social issue.

The results obtained in the process of experimental public research are applied in technologies that are part of the structure of applied science (sociology). It should be noted that in the traditional sociological study the toolkit and the program are created every time. Social technologies make it possible to repeatedly apply algorithms in the established standards in solving issues related to public administration in various spheres.

Analysis of different views on the essence of the above technology allows us to define it as a system of methods for identifying and applying hidden potentials in a public system that are consistent with the goals of its development and, as a set of procedures and operations, influencing the way to achieve the optimum result.

Fundamentals of applied sociology in the applied technology in its actual functioning are represented by three components:

- specially organized area of applied public knowledge about procedures and ways of optimizing human life activity, taking into account the increasing dynamics and interdependence of social processes;

- effective implementation of activities on the basis of its rational division into operations and procedures followed by their synchronization and coordination, as well as the selection of optimal methods and means for their implementation;

- management of social processes, ensuring the system of their reproduction and increasing efficiency in specific parameters (quality, integrity, volume, productivity and other), allowing to achieve the goal.

Thus, sociology, represented by the unity of branch and special methods and theories, procedures and techniques of empirical study, the results of which are applied in technology, becomes an applied character. In this case, the integrity of the theoretical and practical component of the structure of the above-described part of science is embodied.

Applied sociology makes it possible to determine the features and scope of the pilot study, to develop its technique, methodology, program, and to formulate hypotheses during the course of the study.