The Sociological profession in Britain has changed in fundamental ways over the last decade. This note draws attention to the rapid growth of research occupations and describes the sources and location of this expansion. Most of the recent growth has come from direct financing by central government departments. The note discusses some of the implications of this development for careers, training, and the content of the discipline. It explores some of the implications of the pressures to make the social sciences more useful to government.
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References
1.
Personal communication—Professor J. A. Banks (November 1973).
2.
J. A. Banks and O. L. Banks , British Journal of Sociology, June 1954, March 1956 and September 1958.
3.
Joan Abbott , `Employment of Sociology and Anthropology Graduates 1966-67' ( BSA1969).
4.
D. R. Webb , `The Present Employment of 1966 Sociology and Anthropology Graduates: a Preliminary Report—1972' (Unpublished).
5.
`The Employment of 1970 Sociology Graduates: a preliminary report'Sociology, Vol. 6, No. 3 (1972).
6.
M. P. Carter , `Report on a Survey of Sociological Research' ( British Sociological Association , 1968).
7.
N. Perry , `Survey of European Social Science Organizations-First Report of the UK Study' (May 1973), ( SS RC Survey Research Unit ).
8.
N. Perry and Suzanne Hyams , `The First Employment of Sociology Graduates' (March 1974), SS RC Survey Research Unit .
9.
Central Statistical Office, `Studies in Official Statistics' No. 21, 1973, Research and Development Expenditure. Table 12 gives a figure of £14,701,000 for estimated net Government expenditure 1972-3 on Social Science research and development but this excludes University research.
10.
See also David L. Smith , `Research and Intelligence in the new local Authorities'. Local Government Studies (February 1974).
11.
N. Perry, op. cit.
12.
`Framework for Government Research and Development'—July 1972 ( HMSO Cmnd. 5046).
13.
Department of Health and Social Security—Annual Report on Departmental Research and Development-1973. Page 58 for membership of the Research Committee .
14.
M. I. A. Bulmer , `Social Survey Research and Postgraduate Training in Sociological Method' , Sociology, Vol. 6, No. 2, May 1972.
