ACTION SOCIOLOGY: Contribution of Dr Bindeshwar Pathak

Book Details

• Author: Richard Pais

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2022

• ISBN: 9788131611883

• Pages: 482

• Cover: Hardcover

• Release Date: 01-12-2022

About the Book
This comprehensive volume explores the theory and application of Action Sociology, centering on the pioneering work of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak—a prominent sociologist and social reformer. The concept of Action Sociology, as formulated by Dr. Pathak, goes far beyond ‘Applied Sociology’ or ‘Sociology in Action’, focusing instead on the sociologist’s active role in shaping social change.

This book not only delves into theoretical foundations—from Max Weber and Talcott Parsons to Mahatma Gandhi—but also documents real-life initiatives such as sanitation reform, the liberation of manual scavengers, widow upliftment, and inter-caste marriage campaigns initiated by Dr. Pathak.

Key themes covered in this book include:

• The sociological and philosophical underpinnings of Karma, Dharma, and social action

• The Sulabh movement and its multifaceted contributions

• Scientific methods and theoretical perspectives in Action Sociology

• A comparative study of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Pathak on sanitation, caste, non-violence, and women's empowerment

An essential resource for scholars, students, and practitioners in the fields of sociology, social work, and development studies, this book bridges theory with transformative real-world action.

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Life of Dr. Pathak

3. Scavenging in India

4. Sanitation in India

5. Sulabh Road to Freedom

6. Other Sulabh Initiatives

7. Action Sociology

8. Theoretical Perspectives

9. Scientific Methods in Action Sociology

10. Writings of Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak

11. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak

12. Future of Action Sociology

About the Author
Richard Pais is former Professor and Head of the Department of Sociology, St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru. He has been an active contributor to Indian sociology with 24 books and numerous research papers to his credit. A recipient of several prestigious awards—including the L.P. Vidyarthi Award, Sulabh International Gold Medal, and the Indian Social Science Association Golden Year Award—Dr. Pais currently serves as Vice-President of the Indian Social Science Association and Academic Consultant to Sulabh International.