Social Engineering, Resuscitator of Sociology: Jonathan Turner's Viewpoint

Many sociologists since late 20th century have embarked on a pathological study of their discipline and raised serious criticisms against the existing sociology. Among them, Jonathan Turner went beyond a pathological analysis and offered a curative plan for the improvement of sociology. In Turner’s viewpoint, the fundamental problem of sociology has its roots in the gap between theory and research and action, which has hindered sociology from becoming a cumulative science. If sociology fails to become a cumulative science, it cannot leave any real impact on the social world. Social engineering, whose existential essence is “social action” or practice inspired by sociological theory, is the most appropriate approach for creating a difference in the real world and the social world. Engineering approach in sociology depends on the development of clearer and more precise theories, verification of such theories and inclination of actors to apply these theories when they are dealing with the problems of their clients or employers. Thus, social engineering can make the mutual relationship between the theory and research inevitable and connect them to each other and to action. According to Turner, the most encouraging way to reintegrate the theory and research in sociology is action; while the best way for using sociological action is adoption of social engineering approach by sociologists.