Restoring the Classic in Sociology

Traditions, Texts and the Canon

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book Restoring the Classic in Sociology by Alan R. How, Palgrave Macmillan UK
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Alan R. How ISBN: 9781349583485
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK Publication: June 30, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Alan R. How
ISBN: 9781349583485
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication: June 30, 2016
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

This book demonstrates that classical sociology is essential to cutting-edge debates in the contemporary social sciences. It has become fashionable to play down the importance of the classic text in sociology and critique the ideas of Weber, Marx and Durkheim as ideologically outdated. The author mounts a strong challenge to this view, criticising such notions as de-traditionalization, structuration and postmodernism, emphasizing instead the relevance of habit, re-traditionalization, and social integration across time. Arguing that sociology has eliminated the importance of the past, history, and tradition in favour of the transience of the present, he revisits the Habermas-Gadamer debate to argue that tradition is the ground of the classic, and the classic something that must prove itself anew in subsequent situations. He uses the work of Durkheim, Simmel and Weber to illustrate this process. Making a distinction between ‘classic’ and ‘canon’ which parallels that between ‘agency’ and ‘structure’, he allows the reader to appreciate the separate value of both. This major contribution to the field is essential reading for scholars and students of sociology and social theory.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book demonstrates that classical sociology is essential to cutting-edge debates in the contemporary social sciences. It has become fashionable to play down the importance of the classic text in sociology and critique the ideas of Weber, Marx and Durkheim as ideologically outdated. The author mounts a strong challenge to this view, criticising such notions as de-traditionalization, structuration and postmodernism, emphasizing instead the relevance of habit, re-traditionalization, and social integration across time. Arguing that sociology has eliminated the importance of the past, history, and tradition in favour of the transience of the present, he revisits the Habermas-Gadamer debate to argue that tradition is the ground of the classic, and the classic something that must prove itself anew in subsequent situations. He uses the work of Durkheim, Simmel and Weber to illustrate this process. Making a distinction between ‘classic’ and ‘canon’ which parallels that between ‘agency’ and ‘structure’, he allows the reader to appreciate the separate value of both. This major contribution to the field is essential reading for scholars and students of sociology and social theory.

More books from Palgrave Macmillan UK

Cover of the book Social Movements in Egypt and Iran by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Improving Primary Mathematics Education, Teaching and Learning by Alan R. How
Cover of the book The Social Development of Leadership and Knowledge by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Corporate Governance Practices in India by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Eugenics and Nation in Early 20th Century Hungary by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Utopias and Dystopias in the Fiction of H. G. Wells and William Morris by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Higher Education for Sustainable Development by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Aid as Handmaiden for the Development of Institutions by Alan R. How
Cover of the book A Critical Theory of Creativity by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Assisted Suicide: The Liberal, Humanist Case Against Legalization by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Industrial and Organizational Psychology Help the Vulnerable by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Compromise and Resistance in Postcolonial Writing by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Financialization and Government Borrowing Capacity in Emerging Markets by Alan R. How
Cover of the book The Evolution of European Identities by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Terrorist's Creed by Alan R. How
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy