Policies and Objectives
Policies and Goals of the Afghanistan Sociological Association
Objectives:
The ASA’s objectives are to carry on activities which benefit the community and in particular (without limitation):
1. To conduct and support research on Afghan social issues, with a particular emphasis on action research projects focusing on diaspora Afghan communities and the integration of Afghan communities in host countries, in order to better understand the communities we serve.
2. To develop and carry out action research projects aimed at tackling key social issues that impact on Afghan communities
3. To organize conferences, workshops, and seminars, and to publish scholarly journals and bulletins in Dari, Pashto, English and other languages advancing sociological scholarship and dialogue.
4. To encourage wider sociological engagement within Afghan communities with key societal ideals such as social justice, democracy, human rights, and sustainable development through critical, inclusive, and locally grounded research.
5. To promote the development of sociological education, with a particular focus on Afghan society, emphasizing indigenous knowledge production, critical inquiry, and engagement in global academic discourses.
6. To develop a comprehensive database of sociological works and support research on critical themes such as migration, identity, inequality, governance, gender, education, and culture in Afghan society.
7. To enhance the academic and professional capacity of the trainees through education, training, mentorship, and the establishment of scholarly networks for knowledge exchange and collaborative research.
8. To foster cooperation between academic institutions, research centres, and civil society organizations while promoting public access to sociological insights through publications, conferences, and digital media.
General Policies:
Support for Research Capacities: Strengthening and supporting study and research capabilities among professors, students, and others interested in sociology.
Coordination with Organizations: Collaborating with individuals, scientific research organizations, and governmental and non-governmental entities to enhance capacities and expand the role of sociology in society.
Community Relations Improvement: Fostering community relations by forming a scientific network of sociologists.
Resource Development: Creating and enhancing the financial and human resources of the association.
Evaluation of Sociology’s Status: Conducting evaluations and critiques of the state of sociology in the country.
General Programs:
Outlines of Programs Related to Policy Provision
Conducting Research: Implement quantitative and qualitative research based on prioritized needs and issues.
Training Courses: Organize training on scientific writing, essay writing, research methods, general sociology, and other relevant topics.
Scientific Meetings: Host discussions led by sociology elites and other humanities scholars regarding social issues.
Collaboration with Researchers: Facilitate scientific meetings with sociology researchers and professors focused on theories, concepts, and various sociology fields.
Publication Initiatives: Publish scientific works in magazines and books, and produce written, audio, and video formats of lectures and discussions.
Translation of Works: Translate significant scientific works in sociology and publish them.
Digital Libraries Creation: Establish general and specialized digital libraries.
Membership Opportunities: Provide opportunities for interested individuals to join the association and participate in various programs.
Recognition of Scientific Contributions: Welcome and honor the scientific activities of professors, students, and academic figures, and collaborate with them.
Outlines of Programs Related to Policy Provision
Memoranda of Understanding: Sign agreements for scientific and research cooperation with relevant domestic and foreign organizations and institutions.
Guidance and Support Policies: Implement guidance, support, and monitoring policies in collaboration with internal researchers.
Attracting Foreign Cooperation: Engage prestigious foreign organizations and universities to utilize their research resources and expertise.
Joint Projects: Execute collaborative educational and research projects with domestic and foreign entities.
Scientific Seminars and Conferences: Organize joint scientific events with local and international institutions.
Educational Opportunities: Provide study and educational opportunities for sociology professors and students.
Outlines of Programs Related to Policy Provision
Institutionalizing Values: Institutionalize necessary values and norms in the scientific community of sociologists, such as impartiality, honesty, and organized doubt.
Strengthening Scientific Dialogue: Enhance interactions and dialogues among sociology practitioners based on established scientific criteria.
Expanding Scientific Cooperation: Foster scientific collaboration with other associations and institutions in the social sciences.
Intellectual Property Protection: Safeguard the intellectual and material rights of association members.
Outlines of Programs Related to Policy Provision
Attracting Expertise: Recruit committed and expert individuals to enhance the effectiveness of human resources.
Framework for Resource Attraction: Establish a clear framework for attracting resources and financial support for the association, including membership fees, research project implementation, training and capacity-building initiatives, and financial support aligned with the association’s values.
Financial Balance Framework: Prepare a clear framework to maintain a balance between income and expenses.
Outlines of Programs Related to Policy Provision
Curriculum Review: Conduct periodic reviews of sociology department curricula and provide suggestions for improvements.
Meta-Analysis of Research: Perform meta-analyses of scientific research conducted by sociology departments and plan subsequent steps.
Evaluation of Scientific Events: Assess and critique seminars and scientific conferences involving contributions from students, professors, and organizations in sociology.