This book offers a comprehensive overview of the major theoretical perspectives in contemporary sociology, covering schools of thought or intellectual movements within the discipline, as well as the work of individual scholars. The author provides not only a rigorous exposition of each theory, but also an examination of the scholarly reception of the approach in question, considering both critical responses and defences in order to reach a balanced evaluation. Chapters cover the following theorists and perspectives: ¢ Alexander ¢ Bourdieu ¢ Ethnomethodology ¢ Exchange Theory ¢ Foucault ¢ Giddens ¢ Goffman ¢ Habermas ¢ Luhmann ¢ Merton ¢ Network and Social Capital Theory ¢ Parsons ¢ Rational Choice Theory ¢ Schutz and Phenomenalism ¢ Structuralism ¢ Symbolic Interactionism An accessible and informative treatment of the central approaches in sociology over the course of the last century, this volume marks a significant contribution to sociological theory and constitutes an essential addition to library collections in the areas of the history of sociology and contemporary social theory.
This introduction dwells on Parsons' conceptual apparatus and offers a compendium of his research. His works are subdivided into three distinct periods, each characterized by specific concepts and theoretical developments. Parsons utilized his conceptual and theoretical frameworks to conduct several studies, which are presented in detail. Segre also evaluates the numerous receptions of Parsons' writings. Attention is devoted to the controversies and divergent interpretations his works have inspired. -- adapted from back cover.
This book provides a compact and up-to-date presentation of Jürgen Habermas’ oeuvre, with particular reference to his theory of communicative action. It formulates the concepts of communicative rationality and validity claims, indicates the conditions of a perfect communicative rationality, and underscores Habermas’ distinction between understanding- and success-oriented actions. Moreover, this book considers Habermas’ critical reception of classical sociologists such as Weber and Durkheim; of the Lukacs and Frankfurt school; of Schutz, Mead, and Wittgenstein; and of important contemporary authors such as Foucault, Parsons, and Luhmann. Segre also explores Habermas’ themes of the rationalization of the life-world and its consequences on the social, cultural, and personality systems. He discusses Habermas’ well-known theses of colonization of the life-world, its impact on the public sphere and communicative action, and the legitimacy crisis that follows as a consequence. Finally, Introduction to Habermas provides an overview of the reception—both critical and appreciative—of Habermas’ work.
‘Bauman, Elias and Latour on Modernity and Its Alternatives’ provides a comparison between the conceptions of modernity and its alternatives in the works of Bauman, Elias and Latour. Their work and research are linked to their distinct views on modernity and its alternatives. For Bauman, the rationality, effectiveness and impersonality that characterize present-day bureaucratic apparatuses are the distinguishing features of modernity. Its post-modern or ‘liquid’ alternative has none of these traits. For Elias, modernity has two different and contrasting faces, that of civilization and barbarity. Elias conceives of civilization as a process connoted by self-control and pacification, which prevail as a consequence of the restraint which honor and morality exert on individuals. By contrast, the breakdown of civilization involves barbarity. For Latour, modernity if defined by a separation between society and nature, or humans and non-humans, has never existed. By virtue of their intimate association, humans and non-humans have formed hybrids, whose proliferation is the hallmark of our age. Modernity, therefore, has never prevailed. Alternatives to hybrids are, in the current age, failed hybrids. The set of alternatives is then as follows: modernity vs. post-modernity (Bauman); civilization vs. barbarity (Elias); and successful vs. unsuccessful hybrids (Latour).
Moral economy, as a set of rules which regulate market transactions, has been the object of much research and debate since the 1980s; it has also been the focus of classical sociological authors such as Weber, Simmel and Toennies. Weber in particular examined the rules of the moral economy in the financial markets, and this volume sheds light on his contribution to the subject. The book formulates two models of business relations – one oligopolistic model, the other based on free competition – which are derived from Weber and Simmel's writings and which represent alternative instances of the moral economy. Empirical case studies in the form of South Korea and Taiwan are included to exemplify the two models and to highlight the consequences of adopting one model over the other. The volume also examines the conduct of actors in some of the leading financial markets, with reference to Weber's writings on the 19th century London and Berlin Stock Exchanges.
This work builds on the classical sociological contributions of Weber, Simmel, and Toennies, and makes the case for different and alternative ideal-typical models of business relations, which the author calls "English" and "German." The "English" model of business relations is characterized by free competition between firms. They abide by the ethical rules of fair business and the moral economy in market exchanges. Their relations are accordingly based on mutual trust. As a rule, they do not cultivate privileged relations with political authorities. By contrast, the "German" model involves hierarchical relations between a group's major firm and its smaller units. There is no moral community binding together the different groups, and therefore no mutual trust between them. Business groups maintain close relations, based on reciprocal favours, with authorities. The author compares the London and New York Stock Exchanges in the late nineteenth century, finding the former better approximates the "English" model, and shows this model's superior performance. "English" model countries such as Taiwan have been shown to be more competitive in market exchanges than countries such as South Korea, which approximate the "German" model. A new epilogue makes use of more recent information and confirms Segre's arguments.
This study presents and compares the drug policies in use in the United States, Sweden, and Italy to limit the use and abuse of substances such as marijuana, hashish, cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines. It also focuses on attempts to suppress the traffic in these drugs. A primary objective of Segre's work is theoretical: to evaluate and explain, by means of a comparative method applied to the study of individual cases, the respective level of success of these policies, measured according to conventional criteria. The aim of this comparison between Swedish drug policies (a positive case) and U.S. and Italian policies (negative cases) is to evaluate the effect of these policies on drug use. Segre comes to the general conclusion that there is a causal relationship between drug use and drug control. This is deduced from the association between Swedish policies and the limited diffusion of narcotics in Sweden on the one hand; and from the association between U.S. and Italian policies and the wide diffusion of these substances in the United States and in Italy, on the other hand. This study does not aim to give a complete explanation of the high or low use of narcotics. But what Segre does say is that the level of drug consumption could be a consequence of other causes, which are considered here not as independent variables but, on the contrary, as intervening variables. The literature in this field needs to dwell particularly on social and psychological causes. Examples are the influence of parents and peers, attitudes toward the use of drugs or abstention from them, the positive or negative images that persons have of themselves, and the possibility or, rather, the difficulty of establishing significant forms of interpersonal communication. This is a modest, serious contribution to the vexing issue of the causes of drug use in advanced societies.
This introduction dwells on Parsons' conceptual apparatus and offers a compendium of his research. His works are subdivided into three distinct periods, each characterized by specific concepts and theoretical developments. Parsons utilized his conceptual and theoretical frameworks to conduct several studies, which are presented in detail. Segre also evaluates the numerous receptions of Parsons' writings. Attention is devoted to the controversies and divergent interpretations his works have inspired. -- adapted from back cover.
This book offers a comprehensive overview of the major theoretical perspectives in contemporary sociology, covering schools of thought or intellectual movements within the discipline, as well as the work of individual scholars. The author provides not only a rigorous exposition of each theory, but also an examination of the scholarly reception of the approach in question, considering both critical responses and defences in order to reach a balanced evaluation. Chapters cover the following theorists and perspectives: ¢ Alexander ¢ Bourdieu ¢ Ethnomethodology ¢ Exchange Theory ¢ Foucault ¢ Giddens ¢ Goffman ¢ Habermas ¢ Luhmann ¢ Merton ¢ Network and Social Capital Theory ¢ Parsons ¢ Rational Choice Theory ¢ Schutz and Phenomenalism ¢ Structuralism ¢ Symbolic Interactionism An accessible and informative treatment of the central approaches in sociology over the course of the last century, this volume marks a significant contribution to sociological theory and constitutes an essential addition to library collections in the areas of the history of sociology and contemporary social theory.
Moral economy, as a set of rules which regulate market transactions, has been the object of much research and debate since the 1980s; it has also been the focus of classical sociological authors such as Weber, Simmel and Toennies. Weber in particular examined the rules of the moral economy in the financial markets, and this volume sheds light on his contribution to the subject. The book formulates two models of business relations - one oligopolistic model, the other based on free competition - which are derived from Weber and Simmel's writings and which represent alternative instances of the moral economy. Empirical case studies in the form of South Korea and Taiwan are included to exemplify the two models and to highlight the consequences of adopting one model over the other. The volume also examines the conduct of actors in some of the leading financial markets, with reference to Weber's writings on the 19th century London and Berlin Stock Exchanges.
This study presents and compares the drug policies in use in the United States, Sweden, and Italy to limit the use and abuse of substances such as marijuana, hashish, cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines. It also focuses on attempts to suppress the traffic in these drugs. A primary objective of Segre's work is theoretical: to evaluate and explain, by means of a comparative method applied to the study of individual cases, the respective level of success of these policies, measured according to conventional criteria. The aim of this comparison between Swedish drug policies (a positive case) and U.S. and Italian policies (negative cases) is to evaluate the effect of these policies on drug use. Segre comes to the general conclusion that there is a causal relationship between drug use and drug control. This is deduced from the association between Swedish policies and the limited diffusion of narcotics in Sweden on the one hand; and from the association between U.S. and Italian policies and the wide diffusion of these substances in the United States and in Italy, on the other hand. This study does not aim to give a complete explanation of the high or low use of narcotics. But what Segre does say is that the level of drug consumption could be a consequence of other causes, which are considered here not as independent variables but, on the contrary, as intervening variables. The literature in this field needs to dwell particularly on social and psychological causes. Examples are the influence of parents and peers, attitudes toward the use of drugs or abstention from them, the positive or negative images that persons have of themselves, and the possibility or, rather, the difficulty of establishing significant forms of interpersonal communication. This is a modest, serious contribution to the vexing issue of the causes of drug use in advanced societies.
This book provides a compact and up-to-date presentation of Jürgen Habermas’ oeuvre, with particular reference to his theory of communicative action. It formulates the concepts of communicative rationality and validity claims, indicates the conditions of a perfect communicative rationality, and underscores Habermas’ distinction between understanding- and success-oriented actions. Moreover, this book considers Habermas’ critical reception of classical sociologists such as Weber and Durkheim; of the Lukacs and Frankfurt school; of Schutz, Mead, and Wittgenstein; and of important contemporary authors such as Foucault, Parsons, and Luhmann. Segre also explores Habermas’ themes of the rationalization of the life-world and its consequences on the social, cultural, and personality systems. He discusses Habermas’ well-known theses of colonization of the life-world, its impact on the public sphere and communicative action, and the legitimacy crisis that follows as a consequence. Finally, Introduction to Habermas provides an overview of the reception—both critical and appreciative—of Habermas’ work.
This book offers a comprehensive overview of the major theoretical perspectives in contemporary sociology, covering schools of thought or intellectual movements within the discipline, as well as the work of individual scholars. The author provides not only a rigorous exposition of each theory, but also an examination of the scholarly reception of the approach in question, considering both critical responses and defences in order to reach a balanced evaluation. Chapters cover the following theorists and perspectives: • Alexander • Bourdieu • Ethnomethodology • Exchange Theory • Foucault • Giddens • Goffman • Habermas • Luhmann • Merton • Network and Social Capital Theory • Parsons • Rational Choice Theory • Schutz and Phenomenalism • Structuralism • Symbolic Interactionism An accessible and informative treatment of the central approaches in sociology over the course of the last century, this volume marks a significant contribution to sociological theory and constitutes an essential addition to library collections in the areas of the history of sociology and contemporary social theory.
One of the main objectives of the Unidad Popular ('Popular Unity') Govern ment was to attain Chile's evolution towards more advanced forms of social organization within the framework of strictly respected democracy. This objective, which is deeply inherent in every human being and conse quently present under all conditions and in all parts of the world, is not weakened by temporary defeats or transient retreats. History proves this, and current events in many parts of the world fully confirm it. One of the areas in which this struggle for progress takes place most in tensively is economics. Here, clashes take place between the forces which work towards social progress, and those which oppose it and aim to maintain a sys tem of intolerable priveleges. The ideological and material resources available to the forces which attempt to restrain social progress are not small, and under given circumstances they overcome the forces by which the majority tries to realize a better future. This is expressed very clearly in the relationships which link the internal dynamics of social development with the great economic and political forces operating at the international level. Consequently, analysis of the social trans formation process in such countries as Chile, in the context of the political and economic reactions these processes unleach at the international level, is of key importance.
Fifty essays on the state of population health from a vanguard voice in the field Public health can rightly claim its share of victories: healthier cities, widespread sanitation, broader availability of nutrient-rich food, and reductions in violence and injury. But for all these gains, today we face a new set of challenges, ones complicated by political and professional shifts that threaten to fundamentally change the health of populations. Healthier is both an affirmation and an essential summary of the current challenges and opportunities for those working in and around the improvement of population health. The essays contained here champion an approach to health that is consequentialist and rooted in social justice -- an expansion of traditional, quantitatively motivated public health that will both inform and inspire any reader from student to seasoned practitioner. Galea's cogent, incisive arguments guarantee that his perspective, currently at the forefront of public health, will soon become conventional wisdom.
This work builds on the classical sociological contributions of Weber, Simmel, and Toennies, and makes the case for different and alternative ideal-typical models of business relations, which the author calls "English" and "German." The "English" model of business relations is characterized by free competition between firms. They abide by the ethical rules of fair business and the moral economy in market exchanges. Their relations are accordingly based on mutual trust. As a rule, they do not cultivate privileged relations with political authorities. By contrast, the "German" model involves hierarchical relations between a group's major firm and its smaller units. There is no moral community binding together the different groups, and therefore no mutual trust between them. Business groups maintain close relations, based on reciprocal favours, with authorities. The author compares the London and New York Stock Exchanges in the late nineteenth century, finding the former better approximates the "English" model, and shows this model's superior performance. "English" model countries such as Taiwan have been shown to be more competitive in market exchanges than countries such as South Korea, which approximate the "German" model. A new epilogue makes use of more recent information and confirms Segre's arguments.
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