Contemporary sociological theory - Micro, macro and integrative

In this collaborative presentation, Dr. Simone Pulver provides a summary of contemporary sociological theory, organizing theorists and schools of thought in terms of their historical genesis and the level of analysis on which they focus. Several sociologists then present the key ideas of specific contemporary theorists. Dr. Dana Fisher discusses Giddens’ idea of structuration, which integrates structure and agency, and Habermas’ notions of deliberative democracy. Dr. Lori Peek summarizes symbolic interactionism, highlighting the focus on symbols and their interpretation based on individual and social experience. Dr. Andrew Jorgenson presents world systems theory from the Chase-Dunn perspective, and focuses on the trends in interstate relationships and structures. Finally, Dr. Kristal Jones discusses Polanyi and Bourdieu’s theories about the institution and maintenance of economic structures embedded in social systems.

[attaullah]

it's a good introduction to contemporary theories. thank you so much for this remarkable session.

[corinnaspickermann]

So Norbert Elias hasn't made it to the US, although he is the one who writes beautifully clear (in comparison)

[aravindshenbagam]

how governments are going to fulfill the needs to achieve the set goals. Governments can take a different line which is often the case?

[josephkkho]

Informative and very useful for learning.

[leonstenutz]

10:54 -- This is why i have, so far at least, chosen NOT to pursue a PhD or to work primarily in academia.

Excess emphasis on concepts and theory squeezes out reality.

While ever more theorists talk about reality, human actions are leading ever more species -- possibly including our own -- right up to, and for far too many species, already, over the cliff of extinction.

Sociology is far too important to remain theory-focused and -driven.

Sociologists, along with economists, historians, philosophers -- and really all other "social scientists", academics, and scientists, would do well to shut down all universities for at least a year in order to walk and travel deep into the world, without any books or papers, equipped only with an open heart and a deep desire and ability to observe and listen to the ever-more dramatic plight of humans, sentients, and life-systems everywhere.

[joaodecarvalho]

Do these people know about psychology, neuroscience, primatology and evolutionary biology? Judging by the way they talk, sociology appears to be in a state similar to psychoanalysis; somewhere between traditional philosophical thinking and modern science.

[vijay-]

Prejudice against Trump seems so misplaced in retrospect

[hegel]

Ah.. just a bunch of feminist rants...😂