Alle origini della sociologia pubblica: etica, prassi e conoscenza sociologica

Public sociology, as outlined by Michael Burawoy (2005, Italian trans. 2007), represents an epistemological and political challenge for contemporary sociological scholarship. This paper explores the very concept of public sociology, distinguishing between its traditional and organic forms, and proposes an interpretation of Danilo Dolci’s work as a concrete expression of early organic public sociology. Through an analysis of Dolci’s actions and research in Sicily, it becomes evident that sociology can serve as a tool for emancipation, dialogue, and social transformation, in line with the ethical and participatory principles advocated by Burawoy. Furthermore, the article delves into the internal structure of sociology according to Burawoy, articulated into four interdependent types, and reflects on the pathologies that may arise from their separation or hierarchization. A brief concluding synthesis relates the foundational concepts and social implications employed by the two sociologists.