The role of sociologists in society: the case study of Malaysian Universities` sociologists

Abstract

The lack of discussion and ambiguity on the roles of sociologists in a society is very noticeable in sociological literature, even in a developing nation like Malaysia. Failing to recognize who sociologists are, what they are capable of doing and in what area they can contribute to would inevitably limit the opportunity for them to contribute to society. As a means to reduce this sociological gap, this research study was carried out to develop the sociological role pattern played by Malaysian universities’ sociologists using the Sociological Role Framework (SRF). In addition, this study analyzed the factors that influenced the involvement of the Malaysian universities sociologists in various sociological roles as well as discussed the perceived roles to be played by sociologists as raised by sociology students. Based on the case study of 106 sociologists from public universities in Malaysia, it is found that the majority of them have been engaging in all three sociological roles, namely action-based, knowledgebased and education-based sociology. 259 surveyed sociology students also outlined similar three categories with more emphasis given to action-based sociology. It was found in this research that sociologists’ involvement in sociological roles was contributed not only by pull factors, but also by push factors. These results were summarized using the Push-Pull Analysis Model (PusPA Model). Hence, findings of this study can be significantly used to expand the sociological knowledge, to improve society, to assist the government and authorities, to guide universities, to sensitize fellow sociologists as well as to shape future sociologists.