Clinical sociology is an action-oriented field that seeks to prevent, reduce, or resolve the seemingly overwhelming number of social problems confronting modern society. In an extensive revision of the first edition of this classic text and reference, published by Plenum in 1990, the editors have assembled a distinguished roster of contributors to address such topics as theory and practice; intervention at various levels of social organization; specific kinds of sociological practice; social problems; and the process of becoming a clinical sociologist.

about the first edition:
****This handbook is long overdue. It is a book which will assist those involved with clinical practice (read: problem solving) as well as those in academia who are interested in gaining a better understanding of a rapidly emerging discipline. ...well organized. It certainly meets the goals of providing the reader with an overview of the field and a detailed discussion of the hands-on work that sociologists are currently performing. This is the kind of book that college professors who teach courses on clinical sociology, sociological practice, social change, social intervention strategies, socioliogy of work, and related themes will find extremely useful.**'** **Clinical Sociology Review, 10** **...an accurate reflection of the current state of clinical sociology. ...does address a number of important issues for clinically oriented practitioners, such as assessment, intervention, communication techniques, and ethical issues. ...could be used effectively as a text in an upper-level undergraduate or introductory graduate course in clinical or applied sociology.'
Contemporary Sociology**

Inhalt
I The Field of Clinical Sociology.- 1 • Theory, Practice, and Sociology.- 2 • Intervention in Clinical Sociology.- 3 • Communication and Relationships with Clients.- 4 • Ethics and Sociological Practice.- 5 • The Effects of Social Change on Clinical Practice.- II Levels of Intervention.- 6 • Work with Individuals.- 7 • Work with Families.- 8 • Group Work.- 9 • Sociological Work in Communities.- 10 • Intervention in Formal Organizations: Lessons from Interventions in Public Schools.- III Tools of Practice.- 11 • Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.- 12 • Evaluation.- 13 • Social Policy.- 14 • Preventive Programming.- IV Approaches to Contemporary Social Problems.- 15 • Healthcare Equity.- 16 • Domestic Violence.- 17 • Racism and Diversity in U.S. Society: Issues for Clinical Sociologists.- 18 • Poverty, Social Welfare, and Public Policy.- V In Closing.- 19 • On Becoming a Clinical Sociologist.- Exhibit A • Discovering Clinical Sociology.- Exhibit B • How I Became a Clinical Sociologist.- Exhibit C • How I Became a Clinical Sociologist.