James J. Chriss – författare

Published in 1999, this book is an exploration of the life and work of American sociologist Alvin W. Gouldner. Gouldner''s life and contribution to legal theory is a case study in the limits of critical, self-reflexive inquiry. Hegel''s dialect is a major theme running throughout Gouldner''s work, and, even throughout his life, Gouldner himself seemed trapped in the unfolding of the spirit through three distinct stages: 1945-1960 - thesis; 1960-1970 - antithesis; and 1970-1980 - synthesis or new thesis. Implications for creating a reflexive critical sociology in Gouldner''s image are discussed.

Published in 1999, this book is an exploration of the life and work of American sociologist Alvin W. Gouldner. Gouldner''s life and contribution to legal theory is a case study in the limits of critical, self-reflexive inquiry. Hegel''s dialect is a major theme running throughout Gouldner''s work, and, even throughout his life, Gouldner himself seemed trapped in the unfolding of the spirit through three distinct stages: 1945-1960 - thesis; 1960-1970 - antithesis; and 1970-1980 - synthesis or new thesis. Implications for creating a reflexive critical sociology in Gouldner''s image are discussed.

This book examines the contributions made by Talcott Parsons to sociology over the course of a career spanning half a century. Summarizing the development of Parsons’ thought, it shows how his work on the conceptualization of the social world via the unifying structure of four functions—adaptation, goal-attainment, integration, and latent pattern maintenance (or AGIL)—can further the goal of explanation and understanding social phenomena. With attention to the contemporary and subsequent reception and adaptation of Parsons’ work, its practical importance, and its continuing relevance to our understanding of the social world, Reintroducing Talcott Parsons will appeal to scholars and students of sociology with interests in social theory and the history of social thought.

This book examines the contributions made by Talcott Parsons to sociology over the course of a career spanning half a century. Summarizing the development of Parsons’ thought, it shows how his work on the conceptualization of the social world via the unifying structure of four functions—adaptation, goal-attainment, integration, and latent pattern maintenance (or AGIL)—can further the goal of explanation and understanding social phenomena. With attention to the contemporary and subsequent reception and adaptation of Parsons’ work, its practical importance, and its continuing relevance to our understanding of the social world, Reintroducing Talcott Parsons will appeal to scholars and students of sociology with interests in social theory and the history of social thought.

What is social control? How do social controls become part of everyday life? What role does the criminal justice system play in exerting control? Is the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness a form of social control? Do we need more social controls to prevent terrorist atrocities?

In this third edition of his popular introduction, James J. Chriss carefully guides readers through the debates about social control. The book provides a comprehensive guide to historical debates and more recent controversies, examining in detail the criminal justice system, medicine, national security, and everyday life. Chriss blends theoretical discussion with a rich range of contemporary examples to illustrate the ways in which social control is exerted and maintained. The updated edition includes new or expanded material on autism, trauma and PTSD, sports participation, the murder of George Floyd and the ensuing protests, domestic terrorism, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the growing importance of social media in surveillance and informal control, among other topics.

Social Control is essential reading for students taking courses in deviance and social control, and will also appeal to those studying criminology, the sociology of law, and medical sociology.