The Dynamics of Social Systems
1st Edition
Published on 10. August 1992
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-0-8039-8760-9 (ISBN)
Description
What are the fundamental elements of social systems, and how do these relate to social conflict and social change? These questions are central to all social theories from a marxist to the postmodern. The Dynamics of Social Systems reappraises the contribution of one key tradition - that of functionalism - to the analysis of social change. It also demonstrates the potential for applying neofunctionalist social theory to central issues of modern sociology, focusing in particular on race, gender and politics.
Going beyond purely theoretical grounds, the book explores critical liberal arguments for redressing inequalities of gender and race within contemporary societies. It also addresses central issues in the politics of contemporary citizenship.
Going beyond purely theoretical grounds, the book explores critical liberal arguments for redressing inequalities of gender and race within contemporary societies. It also addresses central issues in the politics of contemporary citizenship.
Reviews / Votes
`This volume is chocked full of first rate, ambitious essays, some reporting original research, others developing theoretical models, still others engaging in contentious intellectual debate. At a time when `Parsons scholarship' has become a minor industry, these essays demonstrate that the research program of neofunctionalism does not lag behind. The range of the topics is dazzling; the theoretical thread integrates the articles is apparent and impressive; the insistent search for theoretical improvisation is exciting and stimulating.' - Professor Jeffrey C Alexander, University of California, Los AngelesMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 138 mm
Weight
313 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-8039-8760-9 (9780803987609)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Paul Colomy is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Denver. His publications address issues in sociological theory, social change and social psychology. His current work examines the structure and dynamics of social scientific traditions.
Content
Introduction - Paul Colomy
PART ONE: DYNAMIC SYSTEMS AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Neofunctionalism and the Theory of the Social System - Bernard Barber
The Dynamics of Societal Communication - Richard Munch
Against Modernity - Frank J Lechner
Antimodernism in Global Perspective
Incomplete Differentiation - Samuel J Surace
New Forms
Transocietal Cultural Exchange within the World Economics and Political System - Duane Champagne
PART TWO: THE PROBLEM OF SOCIETAL INTEGRATION
The New Racism in United States Society - Mark Gould
Liberalism and Gender Equality - Miriam M Johnson
Problems of Social Integration
Political Rhetoric and the Contemporary Public - Leon Mayhew
Citizenship, Social Change and the Neofunctionalist Paradigm - Bryan S Turner
Neocorporatism, Social Integration, and the Limits of Comparative Political Sociology - David Sciulli and Sally Bould
PART ONE: DYNAMIC SYSTEMS AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Neofunctionalism and the Theory of the Social System - Bernard Barber
The Dynamics of Societal Communication - Richard Munch
Against Modernity - Frank J Lechner
Antimodernism in Global Perspective
Incomplete Differentiation - Samuel J Surace
New Forms
Transocietal Cultural Exchange within the World Economics and Political System - Duane Champagne
PART TWO: THE PROBLEM OF SOCIETAL INTEGRATION
The New Racism in United States Society - Mark Gould
Liberalism and Gender Equality - Miriam M Johnson
Problems of Social Integration
Political Rhetoric and the Contemporary Public - Leon Mayhew
Citizenship, Social Change and the Neofunctionalist Paradigm - Bryan S Turner
Neocorporatism, Social Integration, and the Limits of Comparative Political Sociology - David Sciulli and Sally Bould