The use of theory in applied sociology: The case of community mental health

Despite the rapid growth of applied sociology as a recognized subdiscipline in American sociology, very little attention has been focused on the use of traditional theory in applied settings. The author traces consensual and conflictual approaches to the concept of community in the applied literature of the community mental health movement and relates them to political economic phases of the movement. The analysis suggests that varying forms of consensual theory dominated the early years of the movement, that conflict theory emerged during the middle years, and that consensual theory again reasserted its dominance in the late years of the movement. It is concluded that applied theory is importantly limited and directed by the political and economic interests that influence the environment in which that theory is produced and employed. Sylvia kenig is a medical sociologist who directs her own consulting firm, which specializes in evaluation of nonprofit health and welfare agencies.