
Niklas Luhmann
Christian Borch(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 25. March 2011
Book
Hardback
184 pages
978-0-415-49093-1 (ISBN)
Description
Niklas Luhmann offers an accessible introduction to one of the most important sociologists of our time. It presents the key concepts within Luhmann's multifaceted theory of modern society, and compares them with the work of other key social theorists such as Juergen Habermas, Michel Foucault, and Zygmunt Bauman.
The book pays particular attention to introducing and discussing Luhmann's original sociological systems theory. It presents a thorough investigation into the different phases of his oeuvre, through which both the shifting emphases as well as the continuities in his thinking are shown. The primary focus of this text is Luhmann's theory of modern society as being differentiated into a plethora of 'function systems' - such as politics, law, and economy - which operate according to their own distinct logics and which cannot interfere with one another. For Luhmann, this functional differentiation works as a bulwark against totalitarian rule, and as such is a key foundation of modern democracy. Furthermore, the book critically examines the implications of this functional differentiation for inclusion and exclusion dynamics, as well as for the understanding of power and politics.
This is a key text for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of areas including contemporary social theory, political sociology, and sociology.
The book pays particular attention to introducing and discussing Luhmann's original sociological systems theory. It presents a thorough investigation into the different phases of his oeuvre, through which both the shifting emphases as well as the continuities in his thinking are shown. The primary focus of this text is Luhmann's theory of modern society as being differentiated into a plethora of 'function systems' - such as politics, law, and economy - which operate according to their own distinct logics and which cannot interfere with one another. For Luhmann, this functional differentiation works as a bulwark against totalitarian rule, and as such is a key foundation of modern democracy. Furthermore, the book critically examines the implications of this functional differentiation for inclusion and exclusion dynamics, as well as for the understanding of power and politics.
This is a key text for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of areas including contemporary social theory, political sociology, and sociology.
Reviews / Votes
'...presents Luhmann's key concepts clearly and succinctly.'-Stephen Schecter in the Canadian Journal of Sociology, vol 36 no 4More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
6 s/w Abbildungen, 6 s/w Zeichnungen, 1 s/w Tabelle
1 Tables, black and white; 6 Line drawings, black and white; 6 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Weight
500 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-415-49093-1 (9780415490931)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions



Person
Christian Borch is an Associate Professor at the Department of Management, Politics and Philosophy, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark. His research interests include sociological systems theory, power, sociology of crowds and architecture.
Content
1. Introduction 2. Social Systems 3. Observing Systems 4. The Functional Differentiation of Modern Society 5. Consequences of Function Differentiation 6. Power and Politics 7. Conclusion