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The Sociological Ambition: Elementary Forms of Social and Moral Life
by Philip A Mellor Professor Chris Shilling`The Sociological Ambition is a superb book... It is beautifully written, expertly edited and renders complex and original ideas entirely accessible... This is a modern classic' - Journal of Contemporary Religion `For all social scientists who are fed up with corporate-style textbooks, which appeal to the lowest common denominator The Sociological Ambition must come as a relief. Shilling and Mellor have written an account of their discipline but they have done so with a multi-purpose task in mind' - Irish Journal of Sociology In a comprehensive reassessment of the field, Chris Shilling and Philip A Mellor examine the various attempts that have been made to reconstruct sociology over the last century, arguing that classical and contemporary social theories must be studied in relation to the ambition that first shaped and established the discipline. The authors begin by situating sociology in its historical, philosophical and theological contexts; examining how the founders of the discipline developed competing analyses of the processes elementary to social and moral life through their unique contributions. The result is a landmark work in recent sociological study. Accomplished and erudite, this book will be required reading for students of sociology, social theory, religious studies and cultural studies.
The Sociological Ambition: Elementary Forms of Social and Moral Life
by Philip A Mellor Professor Chris Shilling`The Sociological Ambition is a superb book... It is beautifully written, expertly edited and renders complex and original ideas entirely accessible... This is a modern classic' - Journal of Contemporary Religion `For all social scientists who are fed up with corporate-style textbooks, which appeal to the lowest common denominator The Sociological Ambition must come as a relief. Shilling and Mellor have written an account of their discipline but they have done so with a multi-purpose task in mind' - Irish Journal of Sociology In a comprehensive reassessment of the field, Chris Shilling and Philip A Mellor examine the various attempts that have been made to reconstruct sociology over the last century, arguing that classical and contemporary social theories must be studied in relation to the ambition that first shaped and established the discipline. The authors begin by situating sociology in its historical, philosophical and theological contexts; examining how the founders of the discipline developed competing analyses of the processes elementary to social and moral life through their unique contributions. The result is a landmark work in recent sociological study. Accomplished and erudite, this book will be required reading for students of sociology, social theory, religious studies and cultural studies.
Sociology and the Environment: A Critical Introduction to Society, Nature and Knowledge
by Alan IrwinCan sociology help us to tackle environmental problems? What can sociology tell us about the nature of the environment and about the origins and consequences of environmental risks, hazards and change? In this important new book Alan Irwin maps out this emerging field of knowledge, teaching and research. He reviews the key sociological debates in the field and sets out a new framework for analysis and practice. Among the themes examined are constructivism and realism, sustainable development and theories of the risk society. Readers are also introduced to communities at risk, institutional regulation and the environmental consequences of technology. Particular topics for discussion include genetically modified organisms, nuclear power, pesticide safety and the local hazards of the chemical industry. Rather than maintaining a fixed boundary between nature and society, Irwin highlights the hybrid character of environmental issues and emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors within environmental policy. Combining theoretical discussion and case-studies with a sensitivity to the concerns of environmental policy and practice, Sociology and the Environment provides an excellent introduction to an expanding and immensely important field. It will be a valuable text for students and scholars in sociology, geography, environmental studies and related disciplines.
Sociology and the Environment: A Critical Introduction to Society, Nature and Knowledge
by Alan IrwinCan sociology help us to tackle environmental problems? What can sociology tell us about the nature of the environment and about the origins and consequences of environmental risks, hazards and change? In this important new book Alan Irwin maps out this emerging field of knowledge, teaching and research. He reviews the key sociological debates in the field and sets out a new framework for analysis and practice. Among the themes examined are constructivism and realism, sustainable development and theories of the risk society. Readers are also introduced to communities at risk, institutional regulation and the environmental consequences of technology. Particular topics for discussion include genetically modified organisms, nuclear power, pesticide safety and the local hazards of the chemical industry. Rather than maintaining a fixed boundary between nature and society, Irwin highlights the hybrid character of environmental issues and emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors within environmental policy. Combining theoretical discussion and case-studies with a sensitivity to the concerns of environmental policy and practice, Sociology and the Environment provides an excellent introduction to an expanding and immensely important field. It will be a valuable text for students and scholars in sociology, geography, environmental studies and related disciplines.
Sociology as an Art Form
by Robert Nisbet""One of our most original social thinkers,"" according to the New York Times, Robert Nisbet offers a new approach to sociology. He shows that sociology is indeed an art form, one that has a strong kinship with literature, painting, Romantic history, and philosophy in the nineteenth century, the age in which sociology came into full stature. Sociology as an Art Form is an introduction for the initiated and the uninitiated in so-ciology.Nisbet explains the degree to which sociology draws from the same creative impulses, themes and styles (rooted in history), and actual modes of representa-tion found in the arts. He shows how the founding sociologists such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Simmel constructed portraits (of the bourgeois, the worker, and the intellectual) and landscapes (of the masses, the poor, the factory system), all reflecting and contribut-ing to identical portraits and landscapes found in the literature and art of the period. In addition to marking the similarities between sociologists' and artists' efforts to depict motion or movement, Nisbet emphasizes the relation of sociology to the fin de siecle in art and literature, with examples such as alienation, anomie, and degeneration. He creates an elegant, brilliantly reasoned appraisal of sociology's contribution to modern culture.This book will be of interest to sociologists, artists, and anyone interested in how the fields relate to one another.
Sociology as an Art Form
by Robert Nisbet""One of our most original social thinkers,"" according to the New York Times, Robert Nisbet offers a new approach to sociology. He shows that sociology is indeed an art form, one that has a strong kinship with literature, painting, Romantic history, and philosophy in the nineteenth century, the age in which sociology came into full stature. Sociology as an Art Form is an introduction for the initiated and the uninitiated in so-ciology.Nisbet explains the degree to which sociology draws from the same creative impulses, themes and styles (rooted in history), and actual modes of representa-tion found in the arts. He shows how the founding sociologists such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Simmel constructed portraits (of the bourgeois, the worker, and the intellectual) and landscapes (of the masses, the poor, the factory system), all reflecting and contribut-ing to identical portraits and landscapes found in the literature and art of the period. In addition to marking the similarities between sociologists' and artists' efforts to depict motion or movement, Nisbet emphasizes the relation of sociology to the fin de siecle in art and literature, with examples such as alienation, anomie, and degeneration. He creates an elegant, brilliantly reasoned appraisal of sociology's contribution to modern culture.This book will be of interest to sociologists, artists, and anyone interested in how the fields relate to one another.
Sociology of Education Today
by J. DemaineIt is almost twenty years since Macmillan published Jack Demaine's Contemporary Theories in the Sociology of Education . This completely new book brings together important recent work of the most prominent sociologists working in the field of education today, and reaffirms the reputation of sociology of education as an international discipline at the forefront of original research and analysis. The book examines a wide range of empirical issues and different theoretical perspectives.
Sociology of Law (Law And Society Ser.)
by Norman K. Denzin Georges GurvitchGeorges Gurvitch occupies an interesting position in the development of the sociology of law. In the period immediately preceding its quantitative expansion, he produced an explicitly conceived systematic theoretical intervention. What is particularly significant about Gurvitch's Sociology of Law at first appears as a contradiction. His work has had very little lasting impact on developments within the field of the sociology of law. At best, his existence is occasionally footnoted, but he engendered no great controversy or debate, nor does he have any active contemporary "disciples." Despite this lack of attention, Gurvitch work provides a concentrated expression of the theoretical problems that beset the field. The core of Gurvitch's sociology of law is at root a continuation of the efforts, apparent in the work of Max Weber, to resolve or integrate the dualism which is so markedly affecting law. It is the apparent dualism between law as a positive institution resting upon a framework of social power, while at the same time being a system of values or norms having some compelling internal strength and validity. Gurvitch's Sociology of Law shines as a beacon in the ongoing quest for a transformative vision of law. The new introduction by Alan Hunt discusses Gurvitch's place in the history of the sociology of law and the context in which his works should be placed. It also features a brief biography of the sociologist as well as a discussion of the central features of Gurvitch's sociology. This book will be of interest to students of sociology and law.
Sociology of Law: Towards A Sociology Of Law As Governance (Law And Society Ser.)
by Norman K. Denzin Georges GurvitchGeorges Gurvitch occupies an interesting position in the development of the sociology of law. In the period immediately preceding its quantitative expansion, he produced an explicitly conceived systematic theoretical intervention. What is particularly significant about Gurvitch's Sociology of Law at first appears as a contradiction. His work has had very little lasting impact on developments within the field of the sociology of law. At best, his existence is occasionally footnoted, but he engendered no great controversy or debate, nor does he have any active contemporary "disciples." Despite this lack of attention, Gurvitch work provides a concentrated expression of the theoretical problems that beset the field. The core of Gurvitch's sociology of law is at root a continuation of the efforts, apparent in the work of Max Weber, to resolve or integrate the dualism which is so markedly affecting law. It is the apparent dualism between law as a positive institution resting upon a framework of social power, while at the same time being a system of values or norms having some compelling internal strength and validity. Gurvitch's Sociology of Law shines as a beacon in the ongoing quest for a transformative vision of law. The new introduction by Alan Hunt discusses Gurvitch's place in the history of the sociology of law and the context in which his works should be placed. It also features a brief biography of the sociologist as well as a discussion of the central features of Gurvitch's sociology. This book will be of interest to students of sociology and law.
The Sociology of Religion: Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives
by Malcolm B. HamiltonThis clear introduction to the sociology of religion combines a discussion of key theorists with a modern emphasis on the diversity of religious beliefs and practices. Malcolm Hamilton's expanded second edition brings the discussion fully up-to-date, and extends its material on secularization and religious sects, giving a broad comparative view. Drawing on the insights of history, anthropology and sociology, he surveys classic and contemporary theory to give a full picture of the variety and scope of theoretical perspectives.
The Sociology of Religion: Theoretical and Comparative Perspectives
by Malcolm B. HamiltonThis clear introduction to the sociology of religion combines a discussion of key theorists with a modern emphasis on the diversity of religious beliefs and practices. Malcolm Hamilton's expanded second edition brings the discussion fully up-to-date, and extends its material on secularization and religious sects, giving a broad comparative view. Drawing on the insights of history, anthropology and sociology, he surveys classic and contemporary theory to give a full picture of the variety and scope of theoretical perspectives.
Software Process Technology: 8th European Workshop, EWSPT 2001 Witten, Germany, June 19-21, 2001 Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #2077)
by Vincenzo AmbriolaThis book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 8th European Workshop on Software Process Technology, EWSPT 2001, held in Witten, Germany, in June 2001.The 18 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 31 submissions. Among the areas addressed are process evolution, experiences, mobility and distribution, UML process patterns, and process improvement.
Solidarity in Health and Social Care in Europe (Philosophy and Medicine #69)
by R. Ter MeulenOF 'SOLIDARITY' IN UK SOCIAL WELFARE Here then, perhaps, is a British version of solidarity in social welfare, but early there are strong tensions between the powerfully liberal individualistic strands of the British understanding of the functions of the state and the socialistic or communitarian tendency of a commitment to universal welfare provision. In the search for the roots of this understanding of welfare we shall survey, fitst, the historical background to these tensions in some early British political philosophers, starting with Hobbes and ending with Mill. We then consider the philosophical and social influences on the Beveridge Report itself, and we will trace the emergence of the philosophy of the welfare state in the era following the Second World War. Finally we consider the contemporary debate, as it relates to the 'Third Way' thinking of New Labour. 2. A mSTORICAL SKETCH In the previous section we observed that the philosophy underlying the Beveridge Report could be described as 'liberal collectivism'. What are the historical antecedents of this strange amalgam of individualism and collectivism? Within the short scope of this chapter, any account of the philosophical history must be little more than a sketch, but we can perhaps understand most debates in British socio-political thought as a continuing dialogue with the well known claim of Thomas Hobbes in Leviathan that all political institutions are founded on egoistic motives.
Sortals and the Subject-predicate Distinction (2001)
by Michael DurrantThis title was first published in 2001. The problem of the subject-predicate distinction has featured centrally in much of modern philosophy of language and philosophical logic, and the distinction is taken as basic or fundamental in modern philosophical logic. Michael Durrant seeks to demonstrate that the distinction should not be taken as basic or fundamental and argues that the reason for it being held to be fundamental is a failure to acknowledge the category and role of the sortal. A sortal is a symbol which furnishes us with a principle for distinguishing and counting particulars (objects) and whick does so in its own right relying on no antecedent principle or method of so distinguishing or counting. This book explores sortals and their relationship to the subject-predicate distinction; arguing that the nature of sortal symbols has been misconstrued in much modern writing in the philosophy of logic by failing to distinguish sortals from names and predicates.
Sortals and the Subject-predicate Distinction (2001)
by Michael DurrantThis title was first published in 2001. The problem of the subject-predicate distinction has featured centrally in much of modern philosophy of language and philosophical logic, and the distinction is taken as basic or fundamental in modern philosophical logic. Michael Durrant seeks to demonstrate that the distinction should not be taken as basic or fundamental and argues that the reason for it being held to be fundamental is a failure to acknowledge the category and role of the sortal. A sortal is a symbol which furnishes us with a principle for distinguishing and counting particulars (objects) and whick does so in its own right relying on no antecedent principle or method of so distinguishing or counting. This book explores sortals and their relationship to the subject-predicate distinction; arguing that the nature of sortal symbols has been misconstrued in much modern writing in the philosophy of logic by failing to distinguish sortals from names and predicates.
Sourcebook of Labor Markets: Evolving Structures and Processes (Springer Studies in Work and Industry)
by Ivar Berg Arne L. KallebergA distinguished roster of contributors considers the state of the art of the field at the turn of the 21st century and charts an ambitious agenda for the future. Following what the editors describe as an `evolutionist' approach to the study of labor markets, the chapters address issues of continuity and discontinuity in a wide range of topics including: markets and institutional structures; employment relations and work structures; patterns of stratification in the United States; and public policies, opportunity structures, and economic outcomes.
South Africa's Brittle Peace: The Problem of Post-Settlement Violence (Ethnic and Intercommunity Conflict)
by P. ToitSouth Africa has succeeded in establishing a democracy, but has yet to eliminate public violence from society. This book takes up the issue of post-settlement violence and ways of consolidating the newly found democratic peace. The role of negotiated institutions such as the new police force, economic factors relevant to the anticipated 'peace dividend', external factors such as arms smuggling networks, popular responses to rising threats to physical safety, and symbolic factors in enhancing the capacity of the state to deal with this issue are examined.
Soziale Netzwerke und Internet-Spielewelten: Eine empirische Analyse der Transformation virtueller in realweltliche Gemeinschaften am Beispiel von MUDs (Multi User Dimensions)
by Gerit GötzenbruckerDie Teilnahme an Spiel- und Konversationsgemeinschaften im Internet - sog. multi user dimensions (MUDs) - führt nicht nur zur Konstituierung virtueller Gruppen, sie beeinflußt auch Struktur und Umfang realweltlicher sozialer Netzwerke. Im virtuellen Raum bilden sich spezifische Übereinkünfte sozialen Handelns, Rollenstrukturen und Vertrauensvorschüsse aus, welche als Indikatoren für virtuelle Gemeinschaftsbildung gelten können. Im realen Leben führt diese virtuelle Praxis zur Ausweitung der egozentrierten sozialen Netzwerke. Ergebnisse einer real life-Befragung von 40 SpielerInnen sowie die detaillierte Analyse dreier MUD-Environments (Silberland, Ultima Online, Palazzo) zeigen überdies, daß MUDs jeweils spezifische Spielertypen mit unterschiedlichen Lebensstilen anziehen.
Sozialräumliche Altenarbeit und Gerontologie: Am Beispiel älterer Frauen auf dem Land (Forschung Soziologie #122)
by Petra EngelWährend Geschlechts- und Schichtspezifika als Bedingungsfaktoren des Alterns unumstritten Anerkennung finden, gilt dies nicht für sozialräumliche Voraussetzungen. In diesem Buch wird am Beispiel älterer Frauen auf dem Land gezeigt, welch hohe Bedeutung sozialräumliche Alternsunterschiede für die Praxis Sozialer Arbeit und die Theorie Sozialer Gerontologie haben. Als Beleg dienen sozialhistorische Hintergründe, empirische Landforschungen und kritische Theoriereflektionen. Letztere weisen Desiderata der Sozialen (und ökologischen) Gerontologie ebenso aus wie sozialräumliche Ansätze, interdisziplinär verknüpft mit Konzepten angrenzender Wissenschaften. Die Arbeit ist Basis künftiger ländlicher Altenarbeit wie auch empirischer und theoretischer Weiterentwicklung sozialräumlicher Gerontologie und Alternsforschung.
Sozialstaat in Europa: Geschichte · Entwicklung Perspektiven
by Katrin Kraus Thomas GeisenIm Spannungsfeld von Traditionen, EU-Einigungsprozessen und globalen Entwicklungen haben die Debatten um den "Umbau des Sozialstaates" ein neues Stadium erreicht. Eine Politik der Individualisierung und Privatisierung hat sich mittlerweile zum sozialpolitischen Leitmotiv entwickelt und lässt den auf solidarischen Prinzipien beruhenden Sozialstaat alter Prägung vielfach als Auslaufmodell erscheinen. Im vorliegenden Sammelband werden in Fallstudien Geschichte, Entwicklung und Perspektiven der Sozialstaatsmodelle von EU-Mitgliedsstaaten (Großbritannien, Deutschland, Frankreich, Niederlanden, Italien, Schweden), EU-Beitrittskandidaten (Polen, Türkei) und einem europäischen nicht EU-Staat (Schweiz) dargestellt. Darüber hinaus werden die Einflüsse der EU auf nationale Reformprojekte sowie der aktuelle Stand der Bemühung um eine Harmonisierung der Sozialpolitik auf EU-Ebene analysiert. Ziel der Beiträge ist es, die Dynamiken, Brüche und Traditionen innerhalb der Sozialpolitiken der einzelnen Länder herauszuarbeiten und sie vor dem Hintergrund der europäischen Integrationspolitik zu diskutieren.
Soziologie kompakt: Eine Einführung (wv studium)
by Klaus FeldmannDieses Buch wendet sich an Studienanfänger und Studierende mit dem Nebenfach Soziologie. Es bietet eine umfassende und leicht verständliche Einführung in die Grundlagentheorien und zentralen Bereiche der Soziologie. Die ausgewählten Daten, Beispiele und empirischen Untersuchungen beziehen sich primär auf den deutschen Sprachraum. Zusätzlich wurden Vergleiche mit anderen europäischen Staaten, den USA und auch außereuropäischen Ländern einbezogen. Dadurch kann über das Buch Anschluss an die internationale soziologische Diskussion erreicht werden.
Soziologie von Anfang an: Eine Einführung in Themen, Ergebnisse und Literatur (Studienskripten zur Soziologie)
by Heiner MeulemannDiese Einführung will "Soziologie von Anfang an" darstellen. Die Soziologie befasst sich mit der Gesellschaft als einem Produkt sozialen Handelns. Sie beginnt mit dem Begriff des sozialen Handelns und zielt auf die Gesellschaft. Sie versucht, auf dem Weg vom sozialen Handeln zur Gesellschaft die Themen oder Grundbegriffe der Soziologie systematisch darzustellen: soziale Ordnung, soziale Differenzierung, soziale Integration, Sozialstruktur, soziale Ungleichheit, soziale Mobilität und sozialer Wandel. Zu diesen Themen werden weiterhin ausgewählte Ergebnisse der Soziologie dargestellt. Schließlich wird das Referat von Theorien und Ergebnissen durch Anweisungen zur eigenen Lektüre und zur weiterführenden Literatur ergänzt.
Soziologische Beratungsforschung: Perspektiven für Theorie und Praxis der Organisationsberatung
by Nina Degele Tanja Münch Hans J. Pongratz Nicole J. SaamMit einem breiten Spektrum empirisch und theoretisch fundierter Arbeiten gibt der Band einen Überblick über erste Ansätze einer soziologischen Beratungsforschung. Mit verschiedenartigen Analysekonzepten gibt das Buch vielfältige Anregungen zur Weiterentwicklung von Theorie und Praxis der Organisationsberatung. So lassen sich erste Konturen eines neuen und viel versprechenden Forschungsfeldes erkennen.
Soziologische Theorien: Eine Einführung für Amateure (Springers Kurzlehrbücher der Wirtschaftswissenschaften)
by Johann A. Schülein Karl-Michael BrunnerDieses Buch ist eine Einführung in soziologische Theorien, die sich vor allem an (Noch-)Nicht-Soziologen wendet: an Interessierte, Nebenfachstudenten, Dozenten. Thema des Buchs sind Probleme der Theorieentwicklung und des Umgangs mit Theorien, die bisherige Geschichte von Theorien und die wichtigsten Theorien der Gegenwart. Deren Grundgedanken und "Architektur" wird herausgearbeitet und mit praktischen Beispielen erläutert. Dabei wird vor allem auf die gute Verständlichkeit der Darstellung Wert gelegt. Auf die Diskussion innerwissenschaftlicher Legitimationen und Kontroversen wird weitgehend verzichtet. Die wichtigen Denkprinzipien, die die verschiedenen Theorien bieten, werden dadurch in ihren Möglichkeiten und Grenzen nachvollziehbar.
Spanish Society After Franco: Regime Transition and the Welfare State
by S. MangenSpanish Society After Franco investigates the origins of collective social welfare from the early nineteenth century, to set the context for an analysis of contemporary social policy from the perspective of economic and political trends since the transition of democracy in the mid-1970s. The review of policy evolution is complemented by an examination of the critical impact of social change, particularly the decline of the power of the church, regional devolution, the gender dimension and social exclusion.