Potential of Academic Sociologists & The Way to Tap it in Pakistani Universities

Abstract

Present research endeavors to initiate a discussion on the challenging role of an
academic sociologist in Pakistani academia. The study aims to classify the hurdles faced
by the academic sociologists within academic environment in Pakistan. This research
seeks to highlight the role and responsibilities of a sociologist in developing sociological
thought among sociology students in Pakistani universities. We employed qualitative
research methods, and conducted six semi-structured interviews with Pakistani
academic sociologists, teaching at both private and public universities of the capital city
of Pakistan. Research findings indicate that the sociologists are, usually, entangled in
pedagogical and bureaucratic challenges, academic ritualism and are less engaged in
indigenous epistemic sociology. The study also points out the dormant status of
Pakistan Sociological Association (PSA), which is consequential for aggravating the
challenges faced by Pakistani academic sociologists. It suggests Higher Education
Commission (HEC)’s intervention, and PSA’s revival to play a proactive role by
providing indigenous academic platform for making Pakistani sociologists academically
more productive and socially more relevant.