Public sociology in print: A comparative analysis of book publishing in three social science disciplines

Abstract

Much discussion surrounding Burawoy-s (2004; 2005) argument for public sociology has focused on concerns about the model-s normative and political implications while failing to empirically analyze current practices of public academic work. The debate thus risks devolving into competing rhetorical claims about what public sociology should be. We offer a preliminary comparative analysis of one type of public academic work-the writing of books-by sociologists, political scientists, and economists in Canada. In the hope of encouraging more empirical research on the current status of public academic work in Canada, books are put into one of six categories determined on the basis of 1) the publisher-s characteristics; 2) the book-s intended audience; and 3) the book-s intended intellectual/political purpose. We find that sociology lags behind political science in producing books intended for a public audience; however, other evidence suggests Canadian sociologists are attempting to open a public dialogue in a more "organic" way through small presses. Questions are raised about the status and rewards structure of professional sociology in Canada and how it influences public academic work. © Canadian Journal of Sociology 2009.