The purpose of the Section on Sociological Practice and Public Sociology is to advance sociologically-informed research and public action, to further public discussion of sociological issues at local, national, and global levels, and to promote the use of sociology to inform public policy..

The section is committed to enhancing the professional image of sociological practitioners, expanding opportunities for the practical application of sociological principles and techniques and furthering the production and critique of sociological knowledge by providing a dialogue among sociologists practicing in a wide variety of academic and non academic settings