Embracing Social Activism: Sociology in the Service of Social Justice and Peace

Abstract

REFLEXIVE STATEMENT For many years, we have personally and professionally, individually and together, struggled with what it means to be a sociologist today. We wondered what the mission of sociology should be given the hardship and suffering in the world and the urgent need for significant social change. We have found the answer in two places. First, we started with our shared vision of a better world-a world that is substantially more just and peaceful. Second, we thought about what it will take to get us closer to that new world and realized that part of the answer lies in certain key historical moments in, and particular contributions of, the sociology of the past. The promise of sociology has not been fulfilled, but we can change that by learning from these lessons of our past and envisioning the exciting possibilities for the future-a future in which sociology plays an active role in healing and transforming our world.