Vol. 13 No. 26 (2023): Il dibattito sulla ricerca sociale pubblica in Italia. Storia, Profili, Prospettive.
Monographic Section

La sociologia come vocazione: il pubblico e la professionalizzazione sostanziale in Michael Burawoy

Francesco Bertuccelli
Università di Pisa

Published 2024-06-03

Keywords

  • Burawoy,
  • public,
  • Weber,
  • epistemology,
  • (re)imaging workplaces

How to Cite

Bertuccelli, F. (2024). La sociologia come vocazione: il pubblico e la professionalizzazione sostanziale in Michael Burawoy. Cambio. Rivista Sulle Trasformazioni Sociali, 13(26), 57–71. https://doi.org/10.36253/cambio-15276

Abstract

The paper illustrates an assessment of theoretical reflections on the concept of public sociology made by Michael Burawoy during a long period of research, occurring between the beginning of the 2000s and the most recent times. In the first place, assumptions concerning the definition of public sociology are presented. Thus, innovative elements compared to the previous interpretation of the term made by Herbert Gans are stressed. The focus is consequently shifted towards epistemological questions raised by necessity/willingness of practicing a reflexive science deeply engaged with publics. Secondly, it is argued how the thought of Max Weber represents an essential reference point to frame the relationship between expertise and audiences. Finally, some conclusive considerations are exposed with respect to the overall intellectual trajectory of the British sociologist.