Diagnosis in Social Fields and Networks: Theories and Practice in Complex Social Contexts

Containing a novel compilation of theoretical and methodological approaches, this textbook lays out the most relevant foundations of clinical sociology. Relying heavily on well-recognized medical models and concepts to help communicate ideas (e.g. treatment, diagnosis, clinical, cure), the methods of social diagnosis and social therapy presented in this book will help in better and socially informed protection of vulnerable individuals and citizens as well as an informed design of protection policies for macro, meso and micro levels of society.

The book explains that many problems, perceived as economic, psychological-individual, and political, are rooted in social functions and structures of the wider society, and how these social structures and functions interact in everyday life. Through the application of the theoretical and methodological approaches in case studies on recent issues, such as the Covid pandemic, or the Hurricane Katrina disaster, the book will allow readers to easily cope with the complexity of clinical sociology and to develop clinical competencies and pertinent training.

This renders the book not only highly useful for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of clinical and applied sociology but also for the preparation of courses for theoretically informed practitioners who are keen to work by defining learning objectives and learning paths.

Sotirios Chtouris is a Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of the Aegean, Mytilini, Greece, a Lecturer and founding Director of the MSc ＂Applied Clinical Sociology and Art＂ at the University of the Aegean, as well as a Lecturer at the postgraduate program of the School of Fine Arts of the University of Western Greece. A sociologist with much experience in applied and clinical sociology, Chtouris also is the President of the Cooperative for Ecology and Social Research ＂Demouergia＂, Pyrgoi Thermis, Greece, where he offers educational and consultancy work in the fields of social economy and clinical sociology.

DeMond S. Miller is a Professor of Sociology, Professor of Crisis and Emergency Management, and Coordinator of the Program in Disaster Science & Emergency Management and the Program in Healthcare Management & Administration at Rowan University, Glassboro, USA. He has worked as a principal investigator to facilitate federally-funded projects involving natural and technological disasters, environmental issues, and community development/community satisfaction initiatives in Camden, New Jersey, USA. Internationally, he has completed multiple studies in Greece, in conjunction with the University of the Aegean, Mytilini, Greece, on youth development amid economic and social crises, international migration crises, sociological interventions, applied and clinical sociology, and irregular migrant social integration. His primary area of specialization is environmental sociology, environmental sustainability, disaster equity studies, community development/community organizing, community-based research, and social impact assessment.