Skip to main content
Add Me To Your Mailing List
Date: 9/13/2022
Subject: New speaker for September meeting
From: TASA Applied Sociology



Applied Sociology TG logo
Applied Sociology Thematic Group
Contact Letter

Hi everyone

Just a quick note to say member Edgar Burns will be presenting at our September meeting/seminar, hope you can make it!

Cheers
Sophie & Catherine

 

 

Stories from an embedded position working as a sociologist

TASA Applied Sociology meeting
Wednesday, 28 September 2022 1:30 PM-2:30 PM (UTC+10:00) Brisbane (AEST).
Zoom: https://charlesdarwinuni.zoom.us/j/89724536348

 

Edgar Burns will talk about his role supporting the environment and climate programs of a New Zealand Regional Council. His position is half paid by the Council and half by Waikato University. How do you relate to ecology scientists, planners, organisational rules, in the subtle game of helping shift public opinion? The Council is one of New Zealand’s dozen or so local authorities responsible for environment, water and land use. This applied sociology role is about influencing community understanding and motivation to change, given continuing environmental damage, and coming consequences for humans from climate change. 

 

Edgar is a kiwi; he grew up on an animal-cropping farm; was the first generation of postgrads in Massey University’s new sociology program. His MA analysed New Zealand’s veterinary profession sociologically. He worked in government housing research before establishing and managing his own outdoor plant nursery. His PhD looked at why people become lawyers part-way through their careers. He taught at La Trobe for over a decade before his present job.