
The Dialectic of Control
Sketch for a Critical Theory of Society
Craig Browne(Author)
Bristol University Press
1st Edition
Will be published approx. on 1. November 2027
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-5292-3019-2 (ISBN)
Description
What drives social change - and how does control persist?
This book offers a bold and original framework for understanding how domination and autonomy constantly shift within our relationships, institutions and political systems. Drawing on both classical and contemporary theory, Browne traces how struggles against injustice generate change - while also giving rise to new forms of control.
From the workplace to the state, this book explores how power is negotiated, resisted and reasserted. Setting out an innovative agenda for critical social theory, it reveals how the push for greater autonomy drives both social conflict and institutional transformation.
This book offers a bold and original framework for understanding how domination and autonomy constantly shift within our relationships, institutions and political systems. Drawing on both classical and contemporary theory, Browne traces how struggles against injustice generate change - while also giving rise to new forms of control.
From the workplace to the state, this book explores how power is negotiated, resisted and reasserted. Setting out an innovative agenda for critical social theory, it reveals how the push for greater autonomy drives both social conflict and institutional transformation.
Reviews / Votes
'This work showcases Craig Browne's impressive mastery of critical social theory, offering a complex and thought-provoking contribution to the field. With this contribution, Browne firmly establishes himself as a leading voice in the discipline.' Benno Herzog, University of ValenciaMore details
Edition
First Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Bristol
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
Not illustrated
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-5292-3019-2 (9781529230192)
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

Book
approx. 07/2026
1st Edition
Bristol University Press
€121.50
Not yet published
Person
Craig Browne is Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Sydney.
Content
Part I: Sketch of a Synthetic Social Theory
1. Introduction
2. Outline of a New Critical Model
Part II: From Hegel's Dialectic to Critical Social Theory
3. Hegel's Philosophical Origination
4. Marx's Antinomian Project
5. The Struggle for Recognition and the Dialectic of Control
Part III: The Rationalization of Control
6. A Historical Ontology of Control
7. The Reorganization of Social Relations, Institutions and Subjectivity
Part IV: Modernity as a Constellation of Social Conflict
8. The Constituting of Modernity
9. Projects and Crises: Tensions, Antagonisms and Contradictions
Part V: Conclusion to a Sketch for a Critical Theory of Society
10. Conclusion
1. Introduction
2. Outline of a New Critical Model
Part II: From Hegel's Dialectic to Critical Social Theory
3. Hegel's Philosophical Origination
4. Marx's Antinomian Project
5. The Struggle for Recognition and the Dialectic of Control
Part III: The Rationalization of Control
6. A Historical Ontology of Control
7. The Reorganization of Social Relations, Institutions and Subjectivity
Part IV: Modernity as a Constellation of Social Conflict
8. The Constituting of Modernity
9. Projects and Crises: Tensions, Antagonisms and Contradictions
Part V: Conclusion to a Sketch for a Critical Theory of Society
10. Conclusion