Clinical Sociology

This lucidly written textbook covers the historical background of clinical sociology as a field and its developing trends around the world. It addresses the urgent need for sociologists to develop a clinical approach in their effort to improve society, with the emphasis that clinical sociology should complement the work of other disciplines such as clinical psychology, social work, and social anthropology. This book discusses in depth the concept of clinical sociology itself and the obligations of clinical sociologists. It fills a gap in the literature which reveals a lack of discussion and consensus on the roles and responsibilities of clinical sociologists, therefore making an important contribution to clinical sociology, and sociology, more broadly. Graduate students, practitioners and professionals in the field of clinical sociology, social work and other related disciplines will find this book very useful.   

Abdul Halim, Wan is one of the pioneers and a champion of Clinical Sociology in Malaysia. Academically, he was trained at Monash University, Australia for his bachelor degree and at University of Bristol, England for his MSc and PhD in Sociology. He has developed various community-based and empowerment programmes at institutional, state and national levels such as Social Problem Management System (PINTAS), national family development program: a Social Relations Management System (SRMS), women service centre and single mother support group, peer-based rehabilitation program for drug addicts and hospice program for individuals with AIDS, to name a few. Wan Halim is also known for his contribution towards community mediation in Malaysia through his training of community leaders using sociological lens and tools to manage communal conflict. His email address is wanhalim@gmail.com.

Puspa Melati, Wan is a senior lecturer at Taylor's University, Malaysia. She holds a PhD inSociology and Anthropology from International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). She completed her MSc in Sociology from University of Oxford, UK (Oxford) and her BA in Sociology and Psychology from University of San Francisco, US (USF). Identifies herself as a Clinical Sociologist and passionate about the community, Wan Puspa Melati has worked with both local and international NGOs as well as managed grassroots empowerment programmes for various target groups such as single mothers, children of low income households, abused women and children, juvenile delinquents, transgendered individuals, senior citizens as well as Deaf community. Her email address is wanpuspamelati@gmail.com.