Die Toestand Van Die Sosiologie In Suid-Afrika 'N Kritiese Selfondersoek

Abstract

THE STATE OF SOCIOLOGY IN SOUTH AFRICA. A CRITICAL SELF-EXAMINATION: Sociologists in South Africa are presentlyfacing three dilemmas. Firstly, a theoretical dilemma: two concepts of sociology seem to predominate, viz the “scientific” (or “academic” and the “ideological” (or “radical” concepts of sociology; sociology is either regarded as a study of society as it is or as a study of society as it should be. Secondly, a professional dilemma: two professional roles are associated with the aforementioned concepts of sociology: The sociologist is either supposed to provide knowledge and technical erudition for his students, his colleagues and a few outsiders who call on him for advice and technical assistance or to provide inspiration and leadership for the (revolutionary) masses. Thirdly, an organisational dilemma: South African sociologists are broadly organised in two ideologically opposed organisations, viz. SA SA and ASSA. A plea is made for a new dispensation for sociology in South Africa. Three other alternatives are proposed as an escape route from the aforementioned dilemmas. A theoretical alternative: sociology as a study of society as it could be; a professional alternative: the sociologist as critical adviser of the ruling elites; an organisational alternative: the creation of one single professional organisation for all sociologists in South Africa.

Referaat gelewer tyedens die veertiede jaarlikse kongres van die Suid-Afrikaanse Sosiologie-vereniging. Unversiteit van Suid-Afrika, 14 Januarie 1981.

Referaat gelewer tyedens die veertiede jaarlikse kongres van die Suid-Afrikaanse Sosiologie-vereniging. Unversiteit van Suid-Afrika, 14 Januarie 1981.

Notes

Referaat gelewer tyedens die veertiede jaarlikse kongres van die Suid-Afrikaanse Sosiologie-vereniging. Unversiteit van Suid-Afrika, 14 Januarie 1981.