Description
Book SynopsisFirst published in 1998. Society-A Complex Adaptive System aims to re-establish a firm scientific foundation for contemporary sociology, incorporating current extensions to a systems approach, such as complex adaptive systems and aspects of contemporary dynamic systems theory. The essays brought together to form this volume address general problem areas in basic theory and methodology. The work then develops to focus on the more empirically relevant core of social theory-socio-cultural regulation and control-with concern for adaptive structure changing and structure conserving aspects. In addition, the book is focused on dynamic processes rather than static structural or functional concepts.
Table of ContentsONE Introduction I GENERAL THEORY TWO Toward a Fundamental Societal Theory THREE Basic Problems in Sociological Methodology FOUR The Nature and Evolution of Systems: An Overview FIVE On Sociocultural Evolution SIX A Systems Approach to the Study of Social Change SEVEN Society as a Complex Adaptive System EIGHT A Systems Approach to Epistemology NINE Mind, Mead, and Mental Behaviorism II SOCIAL CONTROL: POWER AND STRATIFICATION TEN Towards a Systems Methodology of Social Control Processes ELEVEN Meaning and Control in Social Systems TWELVE Social Control: Deviance, Power, and Authority THIRTEEN Social Stratification and Social Differentiation FOURTEEN Science, Policy, and Values -A Systems View
