At its core, Sociology thrives when it casts its gaze outward, going into the knots of human society: its myriad groups, organisations, and institutions; the diverse environments individuals inhabit, whether natural or man-made; the intricate belief systems and social norms that shape daily existence; and the fluid dynamics of power and resistance that underpin societal frameworks and catalyse evolution.

As highlighted by Fox (2018), sociologists harbour insights into contemporary challenges, ranging from climate change and migration to economic disparities. However, their analytical toolkit extends far beyond global issues, also offering illuminating perspectives on localised concerns like urban planning and workplace interactions. It is therefore intriguing that much of the sociological inquiry in the UK (and beyond) unfolds within academic realms, rather than actively engaging with the practical spheres of workplaces, communities, and local governance. In this discourse, I contend that hauntology offers a perspective for envisioning the future. Originating from the works of Derrida (1994), hauntology within the context of sociological imagination reveals how past traumas and forgotten histories continue to linger and influence present-day societal structures. Using this framework, I propose four pertinent motifs–information, aptitudes, occupation and professions, and implementation.

Embracing hauntology prompts us to acknowledge and grapple with these spectral forces that shape our societies, compelling us to adopt multifaceted approaches to interpreting information. By using hauntological lenses, we can critically analyse societal narratives and historical accounts, identifying and interrogating the lingering spectres that influence contemporary social dynamics. This perspective encourages us to explore the interaction between past traumas and present realities, shedding light on overlooked aspects of our collective consciousness. In practical terms, incorporating hauntology into our sociological analyses allows us to uncover hidden dimensions of social phenomena and develop interpretations that account for the spectral traces of history.

We can also leverage hauntology to look into the layers of societal dynamics, enriching our interpretive toolkit as applied sociologists. In our pursuit of understanding, we require a versatile skill set, blending generic proficiencies like interactions, innovative troubleshooting, astute scrutiny, and attentive engagement with others with specialised sociological abilities. These include the critical appraisal of evidence, the formulation and execution of methodologically sound research endeavours, and the autonomous navigation of diverse social contexts to address challenges. In this context, hauntology is depicted as a unique approach to comprehending power dynamics, distinct from conventional historical, archaeological, or Foucauldian genealogical methods (Rahimi, 2021). Rather than focusing on establishing past realities, hauntological analysis aims to acknowledge and amplify the voices of what might have been—those potential futures that were silenced or erased from historical narratives. This perspective allows us to illuminate the hidden potentials and suppressed trajectories that intersect with the past, shedding light on the complexities of societal dynamics and the influences of power structures across time.

Furthermore, adaptiveness and tenacity emerge as crucial attributes for establishing and sustaining a career in applied Sociology. Thus, the curriculum encompasses materials addressing employment dynamics, career progression, and ethical considerations intrinsic to applied sociological practice. Applied sociologists necessitate a grasp of diverse work methodologies, opportunities for professional advancement, and ethical responsibilities in navigating various social contexts. This facet discusses occupation and professions, illuminating the many-sided nature of professional involvement within the discipline. Concurrently, this holistic approach encourages a critical examination of human cognitive abilities, encompassing elements that challenge conventional rationality, transcend perceived reality, resist classification, and prompt humility in acknowledging the limitations of human understanding (Lorek-Jezińska & Więckowska, 2017). It also casts doubt upon claims of objectivity, certainty, predictability, measurability, and completeness, deconstructing established frames of reference and interpretations, while scrutinising our mechanisms of human memory at both solitary and cooperative levels.

Finally, applied Sociology includes a practical dimension that underscores the importance of hands-on experience in augmenting the learning journey. Incorporating a practice component into our learnings serves as a vital avenue for us to immerse ourselves in the role of sociological practitioners. This experiential approach allows us to not only deepen the understanding of theoretical concepts but also apply and test their project management and research skills in real-world settings. By engaging in practical experiences, we gain insights into the nuances of applied Sociology, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This hands-on learning facilitates a well-rounded view of the sociological landscape and equips us with the necessary tools and competencies to navigate the challenges in sociological practice. Furthermore, integrating perspectives from hauntology into these practical experiences adds a layer of depth, encouraging the examination of societal dynamics and the interrogation of the unseen forces that shape social realities.

Through this incorporative approach, we are empowered to actively engage with applied Sociology, fostering a deeper appreciation for the discipline and its practical implications. Hauntology offers an unparalleled viewpoint through which to understand risk in social reality as a fear of ‘the repressed, undecidable, and unknown’ (Gunder, 2008, p. 186). This implies that risk functions as an ideological apparition, triggered by a dearth of knowledge, ambiguity, and inherent unpredictability. This prompts society to pursue constructs of certainty, despite their being mere figments and delusions. This standpoint highlights the necessity of reviewing the concept of risk critically, acknowledging its capacity to engender adversity and hardship, while also recognising the innate uncertainties woven into our fabric of social existence.

As per predecessors’ insights (Calhoun, 1996; Inglis, 2014), sociologists confront significant epistemological challenges due to their limited exposure to robust historical methodologies and conceptual frameworks. This deficiency in historical and social awareness can result in overly simplistic or dangerously naive interpretations of societal phenomena. Overreliance on the distilled historical narratives propagated by a select group of social theorists, often revered as intellectual authorities, proves inadequate for fostering a comprehensive understanding of the intertwinement of past, present, and future dynamics. Embracing hauntology within sociological discourse stands to enrich our comprehension of the network of connections between different temporal dimensions, thereby enhancing our understanding of futurity formation in societal trajectories.

References

Calhoun, C. (1996). The Rise and Domestication of Historical Sociology. The Historic Turn in the Human Sciences, 305–338.

Derrida, J. (1994). Spectres of Marx: The State of the Debt, The Work of Mourning, and the New International. Routledge.

Fox, N. (2018). Applying the Sociological Imagination: A Toolkit for Tomorrow’s Graduates. LSE Impact Blog. https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/2018/05/04/applying-the-sociological-imagination-a-toolkit-for-tomorrows-graduates/

Gunder, M. (2008). Ideologies of Certainty in a Risky Reality: Beyond the Hauntology of Planning. Planning Theory, 7(2), 186–206. https://doi.org/10.1177/1473095208090434

Inglis, D. (2014). What is Worth Defending in Sociology Today? Presentism, Historical Vision and the Uses of Sociology. Cultural Sociology, 8(1), 99–118. https://doi.org/10.1177/1749975512473288

Lorek-Jezińska, E., & Więckowska, K. (2017). Hauntology and Cognition: Questions of Knowledge, Pasts and Futures. Theoria et Historia Scientiarum, 14, 7. https://doi.org/10.12775/ths.2017.001

Rahimi, S. (2021). A Hauntology for Everyday Life. In S. Rahimi, The Hauntology of Everyday Life (pp. 1–8). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78992-3_1

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Lance Peng, a nearing-end PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge’s Education Faculty, pens hauntology’s application across diverse spheres. Explore his web folio and reach out via shp48@cam.ac.uk.