Sociologies Of Moderation

Sociological Review Monograph Featured onTHINKING ALLOWED (Radio 4) on 29th January and 5th February 2014 Contributions from the most recent Sociological Review Monograph, SOCIOLOGIES OF MODERATION (edited by Alex Smith and John Holmwood), featured on Radio 4's Thinking Allowed on 29 January and 5 February 2014. While 'moderation' was once a potent social idea and ideal grounded in compelling cultural, intellectual and religious traditions, it has in recent decades fallen out of fashion as political forms engage with mass consumerism, neoliberal economics and religious fundamentalisms. Against this background, and in an age characterised by excess and extremism, SOCIOLOGIES OF MODERATION offers a sociological reappraisal of the intellectual foundations and contemporary salience of moderation. The importance and timeliness of its arguments will be discussed on Laurie Taylor's programme. ****************************************** Sociologies of Moderation presents a series of original papers that explore the origins, intellectual foundations, and relevance of moderation in 21st-century politics, religion, and society. Reappraises an old idea—‘moderation’—in order to salvage and recast it for the challenges of 21st-century politics, religion, and society Represents an important and innovative concept for contemporary times Brings together leading sociologists and social theorists from Britain and America as well as emerging scholars conducting original empirical research in the US, the UK, and beyond Makes a timely contribution to contemporary debates regarding the future of democracy, expertise, and the role of the media

In an age seemingly characterized by polarizing culture wars, political and religious extremism, and increasing economic and social inequities, just what is the definition of 'moderation' these day? And what might a reasoned contemporary programme of moderation look like - intellectually, politically, and in practice? Despite its importance to public policy debates, the field of sociology has been surprisingly reticent in its coverage of the concept of moderation in recent years. Sociologies of Moderation corrects this oversight through a series of original papers that probe the sociological origins, intellectual foundations, and contemporary relevance of mderation in 21st-century politics, religion, and society. Featuring contributions from top sociologists, social theorists, and emerging scholars working in the US, Great Britain, and beyond, the papers in this special supplement of The Sociological Review collectively argue for a sociological reappraisal of the intellectual foundations and contemporary salience of moderation. Drawing in part on the American pragmatist tradition, and backed by the latest cutting-edge empirical evidence, their findings suggest that moderation is better grasped as a disciplined engagement with deeply divided publics in a variety of socio-cultural contexts. Throught-provoking and timely, Sociologies of Moderation provides a wealth of enlightening insights into what the pursuit of moderation would look like in our increasingly immoderate world.

Critical Sociology is a thoroughly revised, updated, and sophisticated introduction to the sociological perspective as a critical lens on society. Much has happened since the first edition: the Great Recession, the Obama presidency, the burgeoning role of social media, and recent global social movements such the Tea Party, Occupy Wall Street, and the Arab Spring. In this second edition, Buechler discusses the changing relationship between social movements and democracy. The book contains chapters on how to think sociologically; an overview of scientific, humanistic, and critical schools of sociology; and a detailed exposition of the critical tradition.

This accessible handbook is the first of its kind to examine the sociological approach to the study of the military. The contents are compiled from the work of researchers at universities around the world, as well as military officers devoted to the sector of study. Beginning with a review of studies prior to contemporary research, the book provides a comprehensive survey of the topic. The scope of coverage extends to civic-military relations, including issues surrounding democratic control of the armed forces; military culture; professional training; conditions and problems of minorities in the armed forces; an examination of structural change within the military over the years including new duties and functions following the Cold War.

This volume provides an overview of mental health research conducted by sociologists. It discusses dominant themes such as stress, the community and mental life, family structure, social relations and recovery. The unique contribution of sociology to the study of mental health has a long history stretching from the very foundations of modern sociology. Yet it was only twenty years ago that the Section on Sociology of Mental Health of the American Sociological Association was formed largely in response to a burgeoning rise in the sum and significance of research in the field. Today the section is a large and vibrant one with its own journal, Society and Mental Health. This book explores several of the themes that have occurred during that period, providing both perspectives of the past and prospects for the future. The volume is timely, following closely the 20th anniversary of the section’s formation. Its coverage of key issues and its advancement of the scholarly debates on these issues will prove valuable to students and senior scholars alike.

This book describes ways in which society shapes the mental health of its members, and shapes the lives of those identified as mentally ill. Experts in the sociology of mental health discuss in depth the interface between society and the inward experiences of its members.

Beyond hegemonic thoughts, the Post-Western sociology enables a new dialogue between East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) and Europe on common and local knowledge to consider theoretical continuities and discontinuities, to develop transnational methodological spaces, and co-produce creolized concepts. With this new paradigm in social sciences we introduce the multiplication of epistemic autonomies vis-à-vis Western hegemony and new theoretical assemblages between East-Asia and European sociologies. From this ecology of knowledge this groundbreaking contribution is to coproduce a post-Western space in a cross-pollination process where “Western” and “non-Western” knowledge do interact, articulated through cosmovisions, as well as to coproduce transnational fieldwork practices.

Clinical sociology is a multidisciplinary field that seeks to improve life situations for individuals and groups. This book showcases the art and science of clinical sociology from around the world. It is the first book to present basic clinical sociology diagrams and models in addition to detailed histories of clinical sociology in the United States, Quebec, France, and Japan. A range of interventions are discussed in light of a region’s economic, social, political, and disciplinary history. The book presents illustrative case studies from leaders in the field, and it serves the need of graduate-level courses from around the world.