Description
Book SynopsisIn this book, one of the world s leading social theorists presents a critical, alarmed, but also nuanced understanding of the post-traditional world we inhabit today. Jeffrey Alexander writes about modernity as historical time and social condition, but also as ideology and utopia.
Trade Review"Jeffery Alexander’s The dark side of modernity (2013) is an eclectic collection of essays written over 25 years and spanning from discussions on a few key theorists – including Weber, Simmel, Eisenstadt, and Parsons – to engagements with some of the central themes of modernity... its greatest contribution is that it allows us to reconsider some of the founding debates of our discipline."
Information, Communication & Society
"Alexander greatly contributes to social theory by demonstrating the two sides of the coin of modernity in his explanation to diverse approaches and various thinkers in the field."
Review of Social Studies
"This book offers a highly engaging and insightful overview of modernity"
Political Studies Review
"No major figure in American social theory has reached so far beyond regional traditions to reinvent the language by which we interpret culture, politics, and the dilemmas of modernity. The Dark Side of Modernity collects superb essays representative of Jeff Alexander's special gift for clear expression, unflinching criticism, and creative thinking."
Charles Lemert, Center for Comparative Research, Sociology, Yale University
"Modernity has had its critics from the beginning, but social science in general and sociology in particular have mainly supported the idea that it is a 'good thing.' Few were willing to look squarely at the dark side of modernity, Weber being a partial exception. Jeffrey Alexander has looked unflinchingly at the dark side, not holding it to be the only truth about modernity, but an inescapable aspect of it. His new book is indispensable for anyone who wants to look at modernity whole."
Robert Bellah, University of California, Berkeley and coauthor of Habits of the Heart
Table of ContentsCONTENTS
Preface and Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Social Theory between Progress and Apocalypse
Chapter 2: Autonomy and Domination: Weber’s Cage
Chapter 3: Barbarism and Modernity: Eisenstadt’s Regret
Chapter 4: Integration and Justice: Parsons’ Utopia
Chapter 5: Despising Others: Simmel’s Stranger
Chapter 6: Meaning Evil
Chapter 7: De-civilizing the Civil Sphere
Chapter 8: Psychotherapy as Central Institution
Chapter 9: The Frictions of Modernity and their Possible Repair
Notes
Bibliography
