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the importance of the classic text in sociology and critique the ideas of Weber, Marx and Durkheim as ideologically outdated.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the importance of the classic text in sociology and critique the ideas of Weber, Marx and Durkheim as ideologically outdated.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 Reclaiming the Night-Time Economy by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Making Sense of Self-harm by Alan R. How
Cover of the book The Logistics and Politics of the British Campaigns in the Middle East, 1914-22 by Alan R. How
Cover of the book From Labouring to Learning by Alan R. How
Cover of the book The Mediterranean Dimension of the European Union's Internal Security by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Social Work and the City by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Authorial Stance in Research Articles by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Intellectual Disability by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Women and the Media in Asia by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Political Performance in Syria by Alan R. How
Cover of the book The Greening of the Automotive Industry by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Eurasian Regionalism by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Demystifying Talent Management by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Workplace Health and Safety by Alan R. How
Cover of the book Leadership and Uncertainty Management in Politics 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