Relevance and Responsibility in Sociological Research*

Radical sociology is discussed in terms of the sociologist's relevance and responsibility to neglected and oppressed segments of the society. To illustrate these themes, the fate of a five‐city community‐survey and power‐structure research project which was intended to have an impact upon patterns of school segregation is described. Examples of the use and disuse of data by those in positions of authority are provided as evidence of the need for closer articulation of research design and application. The need for a “participatory sociology” is asserted and its character briefly sketched.