1. The document traces the historical origins and development of sociology as a discipline that promotes both intellectual/theoretical work as well as direct efforts to impact social change through organizing and policymaking.
2. It discusses tensions between engaged sociology focused on social reform versus more isolated academic sociology, highlighting women and scholars of color who were marginalized from universities and did engaged work through other means.
3. Contemporary strategies for teaching public sociology and encouraging social action are discussed, including public sociology, service learning, community-based research, and civic engagement, though questions remain about realizing these goals fully within the modern university.