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Sociological theory: Looking forward

  • Symposium: The Future Of Sociological Theory
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Abstract

A brief model of the rise, salience, criticism, and relative decline of theoretical perspectives in sociology is sketched, citing the dominance of sociological positivism in the early part of the twentieth century as an example. Classical evolutionary theory and structural-functionalism are also mentioned as illustrations. Viewing the contemporary theoretical scene, the author sees a kind of peaceful pluralism as a visible motif, and some modest signs of integrative or synthetic theoretical activity on the horizon.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley, 94720, Berkeley, CA

    Neil J. Smelser (University Professor of Sociology)

Authors
  1. Neil J. Smelser
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Additional information

He is the author of many books and articles on sociological theory, economic sociology, collective behavior and social movements, and the sociology of education. Most recently he edited theHandbook of Sociology (1988).

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Smelser, N.J. Sociological theory: Looking forward. Am Soc 21, 275–282 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02692427

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02692427

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