Machine derived contents note: Contents -- Preface xi -- Chapter 1 -- Introduction 1 -- Practicing Sociology 2 -- Community-Based Learning 5 -- Engaging in Social Justice 9 -- Organization of the Guide 19 -- Conclusion 20 -- Reflections 20 -- Chapter 2 -- Practicing Sociology 23 -- What It Means to Practice Sociology 24 -- Practicing Sociology and Structural Relations 25 -- Practicing Sociology Using a Systematic Approach 27 -- Practicing Sociology Using Critical Thinking 36 -- Conclusion 45 -- Reflections 45 -- Chapter 3 -- Exploring Community Cultures 47 -- The Importance of Culture 48 -- Constructing Cultures 49 -- Transforming Cultures 58 -- Discovering Yourself 60 -- Conclusion 64 -- Reflections 65 -- Chapter 4 -- Recording and Reflecting 67 -- What Is a Journal? 68 -- What to Record 69 -- How to Record 77 -- Where to Record 79 -- Why Keep a Journal? 79 -- Ethical Issues 80 -- Conclusion 82 -- Reflections 82 -- Chapter 5 -- Doing Field Research 85 -- What Is Field Research? 86 -- Planning Your Community Project 88 -- Field Research 92 -- Making Sense of Your Data 99 -- Telling Their Stories 106 -- Uses of Your Research 109 -- Conclusion 111 -- Reflections 111 -- Chapter 6 -- Engaging in Social Justice 114 -- Poverty in the United States 115 -- Poverty among Children 120 -- Empowering Children 122 -- Becoming a Social Advocate 124 -- Conclusion 125 -- Reflections 126 -- Bibliography 128 -- Author Index 136 -- Subject Index 139
