Clinical Sociology: Moving from Theory to Intervention

Abstract

In his presidential address to the American Sociological Association in 1976, titled "Sociology for Whom?", McClung Lee posed a fundamental question about the purpose of sociology and whom the discipline truly serves. Lee called for the adoption of a “humanist sociology” that focuses on serving people. He believed that sociology should be a tool for social change, not merely an isolated academic activity. He emphasized the importance of linking sociological research to the everyday realities of people, especially marginalized groups—and working to understand and address their issues. Clinical sociology - is a form of applied sociology which involves intimate, sharply realistic investigations linked with efforts to diagnose problems and to suggest strategies for coping with these problems. The current study aims to introduce clinical sociology, monitor its historical development, and its importance in activating the applied aspect of sociology, reveal the topics and issues it focuses on, and identify its state in Arab societies. The study reveals the deep rootedness of applied sociology in the history of sociology and demonstrates that the founding fathers of sociology were deeply interested in sociological practice. Consequently, we observe a significant presence of clinical sociology in Western sociological circles—particularly in the United States.