Liberation Sociology

“I came away from Liberation Sociology with a sense of renewed hope for the field. . . . Until Liberation Sociology, I found few well-written, cogently presented, and well-researched arguments suitable for the next generation of sociologists. This volume addresses this lack. For every undergraduate student considering entering sociology, for every graduate student wondering about his or her choice, as well as for current sociologists who wonder whether they have lost their way, Liberation Sociology might prove to be a breath of fresh air.”
―Patricia Hill Collins in the American Journal of Sociology

“I've successfully used the first edition in theory classes, and this new edition is even better! Liberation Sociology is to sociology what Howard Zinn's People's History is to U.S. history: an exciting and important revision of 'received history' that will enliven class discussions and validate the noblest motivations for studying sociology. Very highly recommended.”
―Barbara Finlay, Texas A&M University

“Liberation Sociology is must reading.”
―Gideon Sjoberg, University of Texas–Austin

“In this unique book, Joe R. Feagin and Hernán Vera show that sociology can make a vital contribution to human freedom and well-being. Drawing on many practical contributions of sociological researchers and activists, they offer an inspiring vision of the field and its possibilities. This crucial text will be adopted in courses everywhere.”
―Howard Winant, Temple University

“Truly a magnificent, original, exciting, and powerful consciousness-raising book!”
―Bernice McNair Barnett, University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign

Liberation sociology is concerned with eliminating social oppressions and creating truly just societies. Liberation sociology takes sides with the oppressed and envisions an end to that oppression. Liberation social scientists featured in this book consciously try to step outside their groups or societies and view them critically. The authors examine theories and research of social scientists who ask, Social science for what purpose? and Social science for whom? Case studies offer humanistic, democratic, and activist answers. Featured researchers provide tools to increase human abilities to understand deep social realities, engage in better dialogues, and increase democratic participation in use of knowledge.Many people of all ages today continue to be attracted to sociology and other social sciences because of their promise to contribute to better political, social, and moral understandings of themselves and their social worlds-and often because they hope it will help them to build a better society. We accent the liberation potential of social science with these social science teachers and students firmly in mind.