Conceptualising the Social World: Principles of Sociological Analysis
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 6/23/2011
EAN 9780521711364, ISBN10: 0521711363
Paperback, 342 pages, 22.8 x 15.2 x 2 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English
This comprehensive and authoritative statement of fundamental principles of sociological analysis integrates approaches that are often seen as mutually exclusive. John Scott argues that theorising in sociology and other social sciences is characterised by the application of eight key principles of sociological analysis: culture, nature, system, structure, action, space-time, mind and development. He considers the principal contributions to the study of each of these dimensions in their historical sequence in order to bring out the cumulative character of knowledge. Showing that the various principles can be combined in a single disciplinary framework, Scott argues that sociologists can work most productively within an intellectual division of labour that transcends artificial theoretical and disciplinary differences. Sociology provides the central ideas for conceptualising the social, but it must co-exist productively with other social science disciplines and disciplinary areas.
1. Diversity and continuity in social theory
2. Culture
the socialisation of meaning
3. Nature
conditions and constraints
4. Systemic processes
regulation and control
5. Space-time
forms and practices
6. Social structure
institutions and relations
7. Social action
interpersonal and collective
8. Subjects
socialised minds
9. Social development
differentiation and change
10. Conclusion.