Humanist sociology has long faced challenges in remaining relevant amid mainstream sociology and ongoing political and economic turmoil. This piece explores the “science in service of humanity” tenets of humanist sociology in the face of challenges and changes of the twenty-first century. Drawing on humanist sociologists of the past to guide this discussion, it also explores how sociologists can survive and thrive amid cultural divisiveness, distrust of scientific facts, and the pressures of securing and maintaining a career as a sociologist.
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