Social Theory And The Crisis Of State Socialism

Offers a comparative analysis of the democratic revolutions in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, and Russia, developing a theory of crisis management that accounts for the survival of the communist system over several decades and for its eventual failure. Analyzes the social structure of Soviet systems in relation to debates in sociological theory over legitimation, social integration, social movements, and modernity, and demonstrates how political conflicts are related to economic transformation. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The Socialist Industrial State (1976) examines the state-socialist system, taking as the central example the Soviet Union – where the goals and values of Marxism-Leninism and the particular institutions, the form of economy and polity, were first adopted and developed. It then considers the historical developments, differences in culture, the level of economic development and the political processes of different state-socialist countries around the globe.

Social Theory and Postcommunism undertakes a thorough studyof the implications of post-communism for sociological theory.Written by two leading social theorists, the book discusses thethesis that the fall of communism has decimated alternativeconceptions of social organizations other than capitalism. Analyzes the implications of the fall of communism on socialtheory Discusses alternative ideas of social organizations other thancapitalism, in the wake of the collapse of communism Covers state/civil society, globalization, the future of“modernity,” and post-socialism

It is frequently asserted that Marxism as an intellectual tradition is in a state of crisis. The many defeats and disappointments suffered by socialist movements in the West, and the absence of a working model of a fully achieved socialist society, have prompted much self-questioning. In recent times, various strands of 'post-Marxist' thought have developed which surrender the ideological initiative to the radical right. This philosophical reinterpretation of Marxism seeks to explain the nature and historical origins of the current crisis, and to point a way forward to rebirth. McCarney argues that there are neglected truths about Marxism which need urgently to be restated. Rejecting the dominant interpretation that theory is essentially a critique of capitalist society, he reaffirms the classical Marxist model, in which socialist theory, uncovering a rational order emergent within existing society, reveals to the agents of socialist change their historical role.McCarney's meticulous analysis systematically examines the relationship between theory, critique and social agency to be found in classical Marxism; in the work of such leading Marxists as Lukacs, Adorno and Althusser; and in the recent analytical realist accounts of Marxist theory. The book concludes that theoretical, as well as social or political, advance depends upon the fate of the new proletarian movements, and identifies the developments in philosophy and political economy which are needed to ensure that Marxism remains a living intellectual force in the contemporary world.

The revolutions in Eastern Europe and the recasting of socialism in Western Europe since 1989 have given rise to intense debate over the origins, character, and implications of the "crisis" of socialism. Is socialism in ideological, electoral, or organizational decline? Is the decline inevitable or can socialism be revitalized? This volume draws together historians and political scientists of Eastern and Western European politics to address these questions. The collection begins with an historical overview of socialism in Western Europe and moves toward the suggestion of a framework for a post-socialist discourse. Among the topics covered are: the birth and death of communism and a regime type in Eastern Europe; how different forms of national communism were smothered by Sovietization in the postwar period; the origins of revolutions in Eastern Europe; the potential for social democracy in Hungary; the role of the Left in a reunified German; and directions for the Left in general. Contributors. Geoff Eley, Konrad Jarausch, Herbert Kitschelt, Christiane Lemke, Andrei Markovits, Gary Marks, Wolfgang Merkel, Norman Naimark, Iván and Szonja Szelénya, Sharon Wolchik

Monograph on the political theory and social theory of communism, with particular reference to the USSR - covers the political ideology of Marxism-leninism and non marxist theories relating to industrial society, discusses the political system, political leadership and elites, social conflict, political opposition and inequalities in the social status of industrial workers, etc., and includes comparisons with other socialist countries. Bibliography pp. 212 to 221.

Recent developments have made obsolete the division of the globe into three worlds of capitalist, state socialist and underdeveloped countries. This book traces the interconnectedness of the 'disorganisation' of capitalism in the industrialised west, the transformation of former state socialist societies, and the divergent fortunes of third world countries. It argues that comparative sociology continues to have relevance in the age of globalisation and provides a framework within which these developments can be placed in their proper perspective.