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Introduction: Locally Oriented Applications of Sociology in Aotearoa New Zealand

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Applied and Clinical Sociology in Aotearoa New Zealand

Part of the book series: Clinical Sociology: Research and Practice ((CSRP))

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Abstract

This volume brings together social scientists from around Aotearoa New Zealand, exploring the applications and practice of sociology in this unique context. Together, drawing on a range of backgrounds and specializations, we look at how sociology is utilized in the country, and what makes sociology clinical in this particular setting. While clinical sociology is a term most often used in North America and France, referring to the application of a sociological perspective to facilitate change (see Wirth, 1931; Glass, 1979, 1991; Freedman, 1982; Swan, 1981; Rebach & Bruhn, 2001), the practice of sociology has a long and varied history in Aotearoa, being applied and practised in many different ways. Responding to Fritz’s (2012) call, this book contributes to the study of global sociological practice, in examining the particular role and potential scope for sociology in New Zealand’s political, economic and cultural environment.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    We would like to clarify that these populations are themselves extremely diverse, and we are not assuming an overarching sameness within each population group. We use the terms “Māori” and “Pākehā” throughout the volume with this understanding in mind, as eloquently stressed by Barnes (2013).

  2. 2.

    Please refer to the glossary for translations as necessary.

  3. 3.

    In 1963 the Sociological Association of Australia and New Zealand was formed and was referred to as SAANZ. This changed in 1988 when New Zealand members formed an independent body separate from the previous association with Australian sociologists, and from that time onwards, the acronym refers to the Sociological Association of Aotearoa New Zealand.

  4. 4.

    Prominent examples include, but are by no means are limited to, former Labour government minister and current chair of Pharmac, Accident Compensation Corporation and Education New Zealand Steve Maharey, and CEO of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, Dr. Ang Jury (ONZM).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    Zarine L. Rocha

  2. Independent Practitioner, Masterton, New Zealand

    Kathy L. Davidson

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  1. Zarine L. Rocha
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  2. Kathy L. Davidson
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Correspondence to Zarine L. Rocha .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    Zarine L. Rocha

  2. Registered psychotherapist and independent research-practitioner, Masterton, New Zealand

    Kathy L. Davidson

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Rocha, Z.L., Davidson, K. (2023). Introduction: Locally Oriented Applications of Sociology in Aotearoa New Zealand. In: Rocha, Z.L., Davidson, K.L. (eds) Applied and Clinical Sociology in Aotearoa New Zealand. Clinical Sociology: Research and Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-36581-2_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-36581-2_1

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