Simon Susen

Bio: Simon Susen is an academic researcher from City University London. The author has contributed to research in topics: Critical theory & Social theory. The author has an hindex of 22, co-authored 98 publications receiving 1561 citations. Previous affiliations of Simon Susen include Birkbeck, University of London & Newcastle University.

Introduction to the special issue On shmuel noah eisenstadt

Abstract: This article provides an introduction to "Bryan S. Turner and Simon Susen (eds.) (2011) Special Issue: Shmuel Noah Eisenstadt, Journal of Classical Sociology, 11(3), pp. 229-335".

The Place of Space in Social and Cultural Theory

Abstract: This chapter argues that ‘space’ – both as a symbolic imaginary and as an empirical reality, as a conceptual tool of critical enquiry and as a constitutive element of society – deserves to be taken seriously by social and cultural theorists. This is essentially due to the fact that all domains of human existence are, directly or indirectly, affected by the production, and constant reinvention, of space. Hence, in order to uncover the social determinacy of the spatial, we need to grasp the spatial determinacy of the social, and vice versa. As elucidated in the first section of this chapter, it is worth remembering that, although space can be regarded as a marginal category in classical sociology, Simmel’s work provides useful insights into the spatial constitution of everyday life. As demonstrated in the second section of this chapter, Lefebvre’s writings are based on the assumption that the construction of society is inconceivable without the production of space. As a species, we have learned to shape not only the cultural and economic arrangements of social life, but also the spatial circumstances of our existence. Thus, in order to comprehend how we are embedded in society, we need to understand how we are situated in spatial forms of reality. As emphasized in the third section of this chapter, however, it is vital to be aware of the explanatory limitations of Lefebvre’s approach, in order to avoid painting a simplistic picture of the spatial organization of human societies. Finally, as shown in the fourth section of this chapter, there have been considerable developments in recent sociological studies of space. It is argued that several contemporary social and cultural theorists – as diverse as Urry, Castells, Giddens, Beck, Soja, Massey, Sassen, Harvey and Thrift – share one central conviction: human actors, given that they are bodily entities, will always have a place in space.

15 Theses on Power

Abstract: This article seeks to contribute to a critical understanding of the multifaceted nature of power, emphasizing its capacity to shape the development of society by permeating constitutive aspects of human reality. To this end, the article proposes an outline of a multidimensional approach to power. It does so by identifying and examining several – arguably universal – features and functions of power. On the basis of 15 theses, it is argued that, within the social world, the power of power derives from the fact that it is (1) ubiquitous, (2) productive, (3) relational, (4) intangible, (5) habitual, (6) discursive, (7) corporeal, (8) polycentric, (9) performative, (10) normative, (11) spatial, (12) temporal, (13) disciplinary, (14) circular, and (15) transcendental. By way of conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive summary of the main insights gained and challenges arising from such a multidimensional approach to power.

Habits of the Heart: Individualism and Commitment in American Life

Abstract: Meanwhile, the authors' antidote to the American sicknessa quest for democratic community that draws on our diverse civic and religious traditionshas contributed to a vigorous scholarly and popular debate. Attention has been focused on forms of social organization, be it civil society, democratic communitarianism, or associative democracy, that can humanize the market and the administrative state. In their new Introduction the authors relate the argument of their book both to the current realities of American society and to the growing debate about the country's future. With this new edition one of the most influential books of recent times takes on a new immediacy.\

Can the Subaltern Speak

Abstract: In the present paper a research has been done on the essay ‘Can the Subaltern Speak’ by’ Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’. It has been explained into much simpler language about what the author conveys for better understanding and further references. Also the criticism has been done by various critiques from various sources which is helpful from examination point of view. The paper has been divided into various contexts with an introduction and the conclusions. Also the references has been written that depicts the sources of criticism.