Service-Learning and Development Sociology: Appraising Civic Engagement and Experiential Learning as a Pedagogy

Abstract

Service-learning, as an educational approach combines service activities and community engagements to academic learning experiences. While this approach has gained prominence in the Indian context in the contemporary times, intersecting service-learning pedagogy and sociological theories, aims to understand how the method augments students’ understanding of sociological concepts, promotes civic engagement, and contributes to societal change. This research paper explores the relationship between service-learning, civil society, and sociological theories drawing from a synthesis of relevant literature and empirical research. The paper further investigates how service learning programs engage students in civil society initiatives, enabling them to apply sociological theories in real-world contexts. It demonstrates the potential of this interaction to foster civic engagement, promote social change, and advance the students’ understanding of societal events; concomitantly, provides a valuable platform for students to apply sociological theories to real-world contexts, fostering critical thinking and empathy.