Why Sociology Does Not Need to Be Saved: Analytic Reflections on Public Sociologies*

This chapter outlines the basic critique of public sociologies developed by mainstream and radical sociologists, with a particular focus on the perspective developed in the "save sociology" website. It discusses the problem with the use of the notion of reflexivity in Michael Burawoy's model, the ambiguities of what he means by "critical sociology", and the need to develop a model that will work for both comparative researches on various national sociologies, as well as for thinking about different disciplines. The chapter presents some tentative ideas about how to move forward towards an alternative perspective for studying public sociologies. A different set of concerns arises from left-leaning scholars who fully share Burawoy's passion for public sociology, yet criticize his sketch of how it complements and integrates with the other major types of disciplinary practice. For some, Burawoy's vision of professional, policy, critical and public sociologies working together is a utopian vision.