La sociologia come vocazione: il pubblico e la professionalizzazione sostanziale in Michael Burawoy
Published 2024-06-03
Keywords
- Burawoy,
- public,
- Weber,
- epistemology,
- (re)imaging workplaces
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2024 Francesco Bertuccelli
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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.