The Structure of Social Theory

Front Cover
Psychology Press, 2004 - 268 pages
Drawing on the work of Gadamer, the book demonstrates that a sociology which focuses on social relations does not imply a return to idealism, nor a retreat into individualism, nor a rejection of critique. Rather, a hermeneutic sociology which prioritises human social relations is the only coherent paradigm which is available today. The author argues that sociologists studying the dramatic social transformations which are currently occuring should focus on social relations between humans; they should not attempt to understand contemporary changes in terms of structure and agency.
 

Contents

The Relevance of Parsons
20
Structure Habitus Discourse
39
The Reality of Realism
68
Hegel and the Concept of Geist
89
From Praxis to Historical Materialism
107
Status Groups and the Protestant Ethic
122
Society and Ritual
140
PART III
163
Hermeneutics and Individualism
192
Hermeneutics and Critique
209
Beyond Structure and Agency
227
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About the author (2004)

Anthony King is Professor in Sociology at Exeter University.

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