Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Figures
- 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
- Notes
- References
- Index
10 - Conclusion
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2012
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Figures
- 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
- Notes
- References
- Index
Summary
My argument in this book has been that the diversity in forms of social theorising is a sign of intellectual strength rather than disciplinary failure, and that it can be nurtured and pursued through a cooperative division of labour rather than a contentious struggle for theoretical exclusivity. The diverse principles of sociological analysis highlight distinct and equally significant mechanisms through which descriptions and explanations of social phenomena can be constructed, and any attempt to limit sociological attention to just one of these principles can only ever produce a limited and very partial account. Such accounts are, of course, useful and important and are the principal ways in which specialised theories and disciplinary concerns can be pursued. Indeed, some of the most important theoretical advances in sociological understanding have been achieved through such specialisation. To limit ourselves to such one-sided views, however, would be to impoverish the discipline. Analyses based on different principles can complement each other by highlighting important social processes that have been neglected or marginalised and by suggesting a larger context within which specialised accounts can be placed. A social science that excludes certain principles of analysis is unlikely to prosper in the long term. A social science that is inclusive and cooperative is richer and is likely to prove more productive and to garner wider respect for its work.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Conceptualising the Social WorldPrinciples of Sociological Analysis, pp. 267 - 274Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2011