RDS-32806 Sociology in Development: Towards a Critical Perspective

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

BSc degee in social sciences

Continuation courses:

Anthropology and Rural Development (RDS-32306); Social Theory and the Environment (ENP-32806)

Contents:

The course aims to provide an understanding of the practice of sociology and the sociology of practice. Sociologists are not - or should not - only be good in describing and analysing processes of social transformation; they also should have a role to play in the development of technologies, organisational forms and public participatory structures aiming to create 'room for maneouvre' for diverse kinds of social projects.
The course is divided in three parts:
1. a critical reflection on the debate on the relationship between science, technology and society. Such a reflection will serve to identify the parameters for sociology and sociological practices. Special attention will be given to the relation between 'niches', policies and 'popular demands/struggles, their theoretical importance, and the way in which technological developments relate to popular forms of participation.
2. 'strategic niche management', ecological modernization, 'participatory forums' and their potential for creating spaces for social change. Here the course dwells on how to create such spaces (niches, polocies and forums) in order to make alternatives thinkable that do not necessarily match with existing technological regimes and organisational forms. How to build such niches, policies and forums and to convert them into vehicles for change will be subject to critical debate, and will be explored with reference to practical examples.
3. the debate on socio-technical change, popular movements and local-global transformations. Going beyond positivistic notions of social engineering the course sets out to explore a number of alternative positions for the 'practical' sociologist, ranging from a Weberian commitment to scientific responsibility, to a reflexive modernization stance, to a politically engaged kind of sociology.

Aims:

- to introduce students to current debates on the relationship between science, technology and society;
- to help students understand the role of ecological modernisation, strategic niches and popular participation in social change;
- to increase students awareness of, and ability to, critically reflect upon their role as sociologists;
- to increase students' understanding of the dynamics of strategic niches and participatory fora.

Activities:

- lectures and guest presentations
- self-study;
- working groups;
- field trips;
- joint writing of a document.

Examination:

Written examination and a group report.

Literature:

Reader (available at start of the course).