Reintroducing... – serie

This book reintroduces the work of Robert K. Merton as a bridge between classical sociology and modern sociology. Founded in the sociological classics but developing a modern approach to the advancement of theory and research methodology, Merton’s thought helped to construct modern sociology in its coverage of many of the social institutional areas of contemporary society. Recovering and analysing the system of ‘structural analysis’, which Merton progressively developed – a system largely overlooked due to the tendency among commentators to stereotype him as a ‘functionalist’ – the author considers the applications of this approach to various substantive fields, particularly science and criminal justice, and examines the effect of Merton’s later ‘sociological semantics’ on his overall schema. A clear and accessible presentation of the array of concepts introduced by Merton to sociology, Reintroducing Robert K. Merton will appeal to scholars and students with interests in sociological theory, social research, the history of sociology and the various substantive areas covered in the work of Merton – deviance, science, and communications.

This book reintroduces the work of Robert K. Merton as a bridge between classical sociology and modern sociology. Founded in the sociological classics but developing a modern approach to the advancement of theory and research methodology, Merton’s thought helped to construct modern sociology in its coverage of many of the social institutional areas of contemporary society. Recovering and analysing the system of ‘structural analysis’, which Merton progressively developed – a system largely overlooked due to the tendency among commentators to stereotype him as a ‘functionalist’ – the author considers the applications of this approach to various substantive fields, particularly science and criminal justice, and examines the effect of Merton’s later ‘sociological semantics’ on his overall schema. A clear and accessible presentation of the array of concepts introduced by Merton to sociology, Reintroducing Robert K. Merton will appeal to scholars and students with interests in sociological theory, social research, the history of sociology and the various substantive areas covered in the work of Merton – deviance, science, and communications.

George Herbert Mead has long been known for his social theory of meaning and the ‘self’ - an approach which becomes all the more relevant in light of the ways we develop and represent ourselves online. But recent scholarship has shown that Mead’s pragmatic philosophy can help us understand a much wider range of contemporary issues including how humans and natural environments mutually influence one another, how deliberative democracy can and should work, how thinking is dependent upon the body and on others, and how social changes in the present affect our understandings of the past. Historical scholarship has also changed what we know of Mead’s life, including new emphasis on his social reform efforts, his engagement with colonization and war, and critical reinterpretation of the works published after his death. This book provides an approachable introduction to Mead’s contemporary relevance in the social sciences, showing how a pragmatic view of social action serves as the core of Mead’s theory, offering striking insights into human agency, symbolism, politics, social change, temporality, and materiality. As such, it will appeal to scholars of sociology and the social sciences more broadly, with interests in social theory and the enduring importance of the sociological classics.

George Herbert Mead has long been known for his social theory of meaning and the ‘self’ - an approach which becomes all the more relevant in light of the ways we develop and represent ourselves online. But recent scholarship has shown that Mead’s pragmatic philosophy can help us understand a much wider range of contemporary issues including how humans and natural environments mutually influence one another, how deliberative democracy can and should work, how thinking is dependent upon the body and on others, and how social changes in the present affect our understandings of the past. Historical scholarship has also changed what we know of Mead’s life, including new emphasis on his social reform efforts, his engagement with colonization and war, and critical reinterpretation of the works published after his death. This book provides an approachable introduction to Mead’s contemporary relevance in the social sciences, showing how a pragmatic view of social action serves as the core of Mead’s theory, offering striking insights into human agency, symbolism, politics, social change, temporality, and materiality. As such, it will appeal to scholars of sociology and the social sciences more broadly, with interests in social theory and the enduring importance of the sociological classics.

Exploring, clarifying, and moving beyond the distinction between ‘community’ and ‘society’ for which he is best known, this book rediscovers the work of Ferdinand Tönnies, providing fresh insights into his thought, which are often overlooked for want of a grasp of his background in philosophy. With attention to the fact that Tönnies always wrote from a sociological perspective, it considers the importance of the breadth of his writing on a range of subjects, including politics, philosophy, economics, and ethics, these being the foundations of social policy - a field with which Tönnies was concerned as a scholar who sought not only to understand the world but also to change it for the better. The first book to provide an accessible overview of Tönnies' work that places his thought in context, explores his key concepts, and demonstrates his continuing relevance in sociology - a discipline he helped to establish - Reintroducing Ferdinand Tönnies will appeal to scholars and students with interests in social theory, the history of sociology, and the sociology of Ferdinand Tönnies.

Exploring, clarifying, and moving beyond the distinction between ‘community’ and ‘society’ for which he is best known, this book rediscovers the work of Ferdinand Tönnies, providing fresh insights into his thought, which are often overlooked for want of a grasp of his background in philosophy. With attention to the fact that Tönnies always wrote from a sociological perspective, it considers the importance of the breadth of his writing on a range of subjects, including politics, philosophy, economics, and ethics, these being the foundations of social policy - a field with which Tönnies was concerned as a scholar who sought not only to understand the world but also to change it for the better. The first book to provide an accessible overview of Tönnies' work that places his thought in context, explores his key concepts, and demonstrates his continuing relevance in sociology - a discipline he helped to establish - Reintroducing Ferdinand Tönnies will appeal to scholars and students with interests in social theory, the history of sociology, and the sociology of Ferdinand Tönnies.

Reintroducing Pitirim A. Sorokin acquaints readers with the work and creativity of one of sociology’s greatest scholars, highlighting the enduring importance of his thought and vision.Forced to leave his native Russia by war and revolution, Sorokin (1889–1968) had a profound effect on sociology in the United States, where he helped to found several mainstream subfields of sociology and developed the discipline in new directions, including with his philosophy of Integralism. Exploring Sorokin’s research on culture, civilizational change and the sociology of love, as well as his advocacy of a peaceful international order blending the cultures of East and West, this book highlights Sorokin’s contribution to sociology, demonstrating that his work anticipates many of the problems of our new millennium and considering the ways in which his ideas continue to challenge and inspire us, while offering routes to addressing the difficulties we face.The book will appeal to scholars across the social sciences with interests in social theory and the history of sociology, as well as in the sociology of culture, the sociology of war and peace, and the sociology of morality and altruism.

Reintroducing Pitirim A. Sorokin acquaints readers with the work and creativity of one of sociology’s greatest scholars, highlighting the enduring importance of his thought and vision.Forced to leave his native Russia by war and revolution, Sorokin (1889–1968) had a profound effect on sociology in the United States, where he helped to found several mainstream subfields of sociology and developed the discipline in new directions, including with his philosophy of Integralism. Exploring Sorokin’s research on culture, civilizational change and the sociology of love, as well as his advocacy of a peaceful international order blending the cultures of East and West, this book highlights Sorokin’s contribution to sociology, demonstrating that his work anticipates many of the problems of our new millennium and considering the ways in which his ideas continue to challenge and inspire us, while offering routes to addressing the difficulties we face.The book will appeal to scholars across the social sciences with interests in social theory and the history of sociology, as well as in the sociology of culture, the sociology of war and peace, and the sociology of morality and altruism.

This book explores the innovative, sociological approach adopted by Harriet Martineau in her efforts to develop a ‘scientific’ approach to understanding social and societal change. With attention to her focus on the key social structures and societal issues of her day – the economy, education, the condition of women and the evils of slavery – the authors highlight her creation and application of what we now recognise as sociological methodology, fieldwork and analysis. Through an examination in each chapter of the writings that best illustrate Martineau’s sociological perspective, Reintroducing Harriet Martineau discusses her enduring contribution to sociology. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of sociology with interests in the history of the discipline and questions of methodology.

This book explores the innovative, sociological approach adopted by Harriet Martineau in her efforts to develop a ‘scientific’ approach to understanding social and societal change. With attention to her focus on the key social structures and societal issues of her day – the economy, education, the condition of women and the evils of slavery – the authors highlight her creation and application of what we now recognise as sociological methodology, fieldwork and analysis. Through an examination in each chapter of the writings that best illustrate Martineau’s sociological perspective, Reintroducing Harriet Martineau discusses her enduring contribution to sociology. As such, it will appeal to scholars and students of sociology with interests in the history of the discipline and questions of methodology.

This book explores the thought of Olive Schreiner, the internationally famous writer, feminist theorist, social critic, opponent of imperialism and nationalism, and analyst of violence and war, best known for her novels and short stories, articles and critical commentaries, and her feminist treatise, Women and Labour. Expounding her groundbreaking ideas and analyses to a new generation of sociologists, it presents Schreiner as one of the first proponents of an intersectional analysis, in her treatment of the great questions of the age – on labour, women and race – as mutually reinforcing and also bound together with capitalism, imperialism and war in society. Through an analysis of her use of different genres of writing in representing the complexities of social life and oppressions, the author reveals a combination of social theory with practical substantive examples and analysis at the core of Schreiner’s intellectual and moral project – an approach that put her at odds with her contemporaries but shows her to be a forerunner of present-day sociological thinking. An examination of the significance for sociology of the work of a figure, the importance of whose thought is only now being recognised, Reintroducing Olive Schreiner will appeal to scholars of sociology and social theory with interests in the history of the discipline, intersectionality and methods of research and analysis.

This book explores the thought of Olive Schreiner, the internationally famous writer, feminist theorist, social critic, opponent of imperialism and nationalism, and analyst of violence and war, best known for her novels and short stories, articles and critical commentaries, and her feminist treatise, Women and Labour. Expounding her groundbreaking ideas and analyses to a new generation of sociologists, it presents Schreiner as one of the first proponents of an intersectional analysis, in her treatment of the great questions of the age – on labour, women and race – as mutually reinforcing and also bound together with capitalism, imperialism and war in society. Through an analysis of her use of different genres of writing in representing the complexities of social life and oppressions, the author reveals a combination of social theory with practical substantive examples and analysis at the core of Schreiner’s intellectual and moral project – an approach that put her at odds with her contemporaries but shows her to be a forerunner of present-day sociological thinking. An examination of the significance for sociology of the work of a figure, the importance of whose thought is only now being recognised, Reintroducing Olive Schreiner will appeal to scholars of sociology and social theory with interests in the history of the discipline, intersectionality and methods of research and analysis.

This book reintroduces the work of Florian Znaniecki (1882–1958) as an innovative constructor of modern sociology who viewed the processes of modernity through the prism of culture and rediscovers his relational thought on the emergence and transformation of cultural and social systems.Exploring the contribution of Znaniecki’s philosophy of culturalism to the cultural approach in sociology, it shows the importance of Znaniecki’s work for the foundation of sociology as one of the cultural sciences. Through an examination of his work on the world society from a cultural perspective, the author reveals Znaniecki to have been a pioneer of global sociology and shows that sociology has much to gain from a fuller appreciation of his legacy in its understanding of processes of social and cultural change.Aimed at students and researchers of sociology, Reintroducing Florian Znaniecki will appeal to those with interests in the dynamics of culture, the cultural sciences, theoretical sociology, and sociological methods. It presents stimulating analytical concepts and offers inspiration for research in many areas, including knowledge, science, education, creative leadership, the emergence of modern nations and world society.

This book reintroduces the work of Florian Znaniecki (1882–1958) as an innovative constructor of modern sociology who viewed the processes of modernity through the prism of culture and rediscovers his relational thought on the emergence and transformation of cultural and social systems.Exploring the contribution of Znaniecki’s philosophy of culturalism to the cultural approach in sociology, it shows the importance of Znaniecki’s work for the foundation of sociology as one of the cultural sciences. Through an examination of his work on the world society from a cultural perspective, the author reveals Znaniecki to have been a pioneer of global sociology and shows that sociology has much to gain from a fuller appreciation of his legacy in its understanding of processes of social and cultural change.Aimed at students and researchers of sociology, Reintroducing Florian Znaniecki will appeal to those with interests in the dynamics of culture, the cultural sciences, theoretical sociology, and sociological methods. It presents stimulating analytical concepts and offers inspiration for research in many areas, including knowledge, science, education, creative leadership, the emergence of modern nations and world society.

This book offers a new introduction to the thought of Gabriel Tarde, highlighting the continuing relevance, and even the novelty, of both his general theoretical approach and many of his specific analyses. Showing that Tarde elaborates a comprehension of the social that was received with difficulty in his time but is increasingly akin to ours, it demonstrates that the infinitesimal sociology offered to us by Tarde provides a framework through which we can understand a whole range of social phenomena. With attention to social networks, public opinion, innovation, diffusion, virality and virtuality—all of which were topics addressed by Tarde himself—the author clarifies and elaborates upon Tarde’s central theses on the multiple, differential, infinitesimal and infinite nature of both the social and the subjective. An examination of the importance of a figure whose work looked ahead to our own age, Reintroducing Gabriel Tarde will appeal to scholars and students of social sciences and social theory with interests in contemporary social thought.

This book offers a new introduction to the thought of Gabriel Tarde, highlighting the continuing relevance, and even the novelty, of both his general theoretical approach and many of his specific analyses. Showing that Tarde elaborates a comprehension of the social that was received with difficulty in his time but is increasingly akin to ours, it demonstrates that the infinitesimal sociology offered to us by Tarde provides a framework through which we can understand a whole range of social phenomena. With attention to social networks, public opinion, innovation, diffusion, virality and virtuality—all of which were topics addressed by Tarde himself—the author clarifies and elaborates upon Tarde’s central theses on the multiple, differential, infinitesimal and infinite nature of both the social and the subjective. An examination of the importance of a figure whose work looked ahead to our own age, Reintroducing Gabriel Tarde will appeal to scholars and students of social sciences and social theory with interests in contemporary social thought.

Reintroducing Hannah Arendt connects Arendt’s philosophical and political thought to social theory and the social sciences in the 21st century, as individuals experience profound social, political, and technological change.Though classifying herself as a political theorist sceptical of sociology and the social sciences, Arendt’s critique of mass society shares much in common with perennial themes in social theory. Indeed, her reflections on the importance of the world and the power of stories, the prevalence of loneliness and alienation, statelessness, cynicism in politics, antisemitism, imperialism, totalitarianism, and the banality of evil mark her as one of the most original and provocative thinkers of the 20th century. Reintroducing Hannah Arendt links her focus on the unprecedented nature of totalitarianism with the importance of plurality, birth, freedom, responsibility, and new beginnings.In addition to outlining central themes in her published work, Siobhan Kattago argues for the acuity of Hannah Arendt’s insights for understanding our century of polarised politics, post-truth, artificial intelligence, social media, and echo chambers. The volume will thus appeal to scholars and students of sociology, philosophy, social theory, and politics with interests in the thought of Hannah Arendt and its enduring significance.

Reintroducing Hannah Arendt connects Arendt’s philosophical and political thought to social theory and the social sciences in the 21st century, as individuals experience profound social, political, and technological change.Though classifying herself as a political theorist sceptical of sociology and the social sciences, Arendt’s critique of mass society shares much in common with perennial themes in social theory. Indeed, her reflections on the importance of the world and the power of stories, the prevalence of loneliness and alienation, statelessness, cynicism in politics, antisemitism, imperialism, totalitarianism, and the banality of evil mark her as one of the most original and provocative thinkers of the 20th century. Reintroducing Hannah Arendt links her focus on the unprecedented nature of totalitarianism with the importance of plurality, birth, freedom, responsibility, and new beginnings.In addition to outlining central themes in her published work, Siobhan Kattago argues for the acuity of Hannah Arendt’s insights for understanding our century of polarised politics, post-truth, artificial intelligence, social media, and echo chambers. The volume will thus appeal to scholars and students of sociology, philosophy, social theory, and politics with interests in the thought of Hannah Arendt and its enduring significance.

This book reintroduces the work of Raymond Aron and demonstrates the pertinence of his thought for reflection on social interaction and the human condition.One of Europe’s leading intellectuals, Aron was primarily a sociologist, but his writings transcended disciplinary boundaries and engaged with philosophy and political theory. A clear and concise introduction to Aron’s thought on a variety of major socio-political questions—including the importance to social thought of historical understanding, the connection between ideology and socio-political thinking, the development and nature of sociology itself, labor relations, international relations, and trans-disciplinary socio-political thought—Reintroducing Raymond Aron explains Aron’s work within its historical context, underlining its importance and relevance for contemporary sociological and political problems.It will therefore appeal to scholars and students of sociology, sociological theory, political theory, and international relations.

This book reintroduces the work of Raymond Aron and demonstrates the pertinence of his thought for reflection on social interaction and the human condition.One of Europe’s leading intellectuals, Aron was primarily a sociologist, but his writings transcended disciplinary boundaries and engaged with philosophy and political theory. A clear and concise introduction to Aron’s thought on a variety of major socio-political questions—including the importance to social thought of historical understanding, the connection between ideology and socio-political thinking, the development and nature of sociology itself, labor relations, international relations, and trans-disciplinary socio-political thought—Reintroducing Raymond Aron explains Aron’s work within its historical context, underlining its importance and relevance for contemporary sociological and political problems.It will therefore appeal to scholars and students of sociology, sociological theory, political theory, and international relations.

This reintroduction to the life and work of Marcel Mauss highlights his coherent and original thought both as an academic and an engaged intellectual of his time. Since his work regained attention in social sciences in the later 20th century, Reintroducing Marcel Mauss also emphasises the progression of research on Mauss’s thought, bringing to light various neglected aspects of his scientific project, including his political commitment and writings. With a review of the contemporary research on Mauss’s legacy, it offers a fuller understanding of the questions with which he was concerned – questions which converged in the challenge of working out alternative ways for a social life that promotes a genuinely social society inspired by socialist and cooperative values. It will therefore appeal to scholars of sociology and anthropology with interests in the history and development of sociology, and the contemporary importance of classical social theory.

This reintroduction to the life and work of Marcel Mauss highlights his coherent and original thought both as an academic and an engaged intellectual of his time. Since his work regained attention in social sciences in the later 20th century, Reintroducing Marcel Mauss also emphasises the progression of research on Mauss’s thought, bringing to light various neglected aspects of his scientific project, including his political commitment and writings. With a review of the contemporary research on Mauss’s legacy, it offers a fuller understanding of the questions with which he was concerned – questions which converged in the challenge of working out alternative ways for a social life that promotes a genuinely social society inspired by socialist and cooperative values. It will therefore appeal to scholars of sociology and anthropology with interests in the history and development of sociology, and the contemporary importance of classical social theory.

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.

This book offers a reappraisal of the central themes and problems animating the work of Vilfredo Pareto, reconsidering their place within contemporary social and political inquiry.Emphasising the breadth and complexity of his thought, the book adopts a cross-cutting approach that brings its different dimensions into dialogue. Rather than offering a conventional introduction, it revisits Pareto through a critical engagement with established interpretations and contemporary debates. Moving beyond both celebratory and dismissive readings, it shows how Pareto’s reflections continue to illuminate central tensions and contradictions of modern political life, demonstrating their continuing relevance to contemporary social and political sciences.By reopening exegetical questions, sketching possible directions for future research, and moving across disciplinary boundaries, Reintroducing Vilfredo Pareto will appeal to scholars and students of sociology, political sociology, political theory, and the history of political thought.