Contemporary Debate on the Communication of Public Sociology in China

Public sociology, emphasises expanding the disciplinary boundaries of sociology and bringing sociology into a conversation with public or non-academic audiences. It strives to make sociological knowledge understandable and relevant to a wider audience, moving beyond specialized academic language. Since the notion of public sociology was proposed by British sociologist Michael Burawoy in 2004, it has triggered a heated debate around the world. In China, aiming at the issue of the communication of public sociology, many scholars participate in discussions, and their standpoints mainly include supportive, oppositional, and neutral standpoints. This study analyzes their viewpoints respectively and provides certain interpretations on the basis of the development of Chinese sociology. Through analyzing the contemporary debate around local communication of public sociology, this study expects to provide a reference for its communication or spreading in China without losing the considerations of local context and corresponding challenges, thereby advancing the development and progress of society in the future.