The Challenges and Obstacles in Development Studies: A Sociological Perspective

Abstract

The interest of the sociologist is primarily theoretical. That is he is interested in understanding for its own sake. He may be aware of or even concerned with the practical applicability and consequences of his findings, but at that point, he leaves the sociological frames of reference as such and moves into realms of values, beliefs and ideas that he shares with other men who are not sociologists. Research related to development work in sociology brings great challenges to sociology as an academic discipline. The challenges involve expectations to take on a role of a practitioner be it a social worker or a policy maker. While it is crucial to acknowledge and understand the concrete problems in people’s everyday lives, as well as frustration over failed operationalization of development projects, as a sociologist, one should be careful in a role aimed at delivering solutions to problems as experienced and identified in the field.