Applied Sociology

Applied Sociology is a work by Lester Frank Ward that focuses on his ideas of "social telesis," sociocracy, and social planning. Ward, a key figure in establishing sociology as an academic discipline in the United States, believed that social sciences could provide the knowledge necessary for human happiness. He advocated for a planned society where education would be the driving force, with social scientists advising the government.1

Ward's work emphasizes social function and planning, influencing later thinkers in economics. Sociology itself is a social science that examines human societies, their interactions, and the processes of change and stability. It studies various societal components like institutions, communities, and social groups, as well as social issues such as crime and social change. Sociology's unique contribution is explaining social phenomena by considering the broader societal context.12