From the Editor

For Policy Sociology: An Introduction to the Series

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Sociologists are uniquely qualified to provide evidence-based solutions to complex social problems. Yet as a discipline we have undersold our ability to address issues of national importance. I argue that this is the result of a public sociology that excludes policy makers as its “public” and diminishes the value of applied scholarship. Sociologists should not only lead a public discussion about the direction of society. We also have a responsibility to share our expertise with policy makers and to promote the best means of solving social problems. In other words, the discipline needs to renew its commitment to policy sociology. Sociology Policy Briefs is a monthly series of policy briefs written by sociologists based on their original, peer-reviewed research. Our briefs deliver rigorous sociological research for evidence-based policy making. SPB is committed to promoting policy sociology by spreading sociological research to policy makers.