Showing papers in "Sociology in 1982"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the social theory of Pierre Bourdieu and criticise the effect of his work on certain works in the English cultural studies genre, including Halsey's recent empirical critique.
Abstract: This paper is an attempt to critically examine the social theory of Pierre Bourdieu. His theoretical model is rooted in the attempt to dialectically transcend the opposition between objectivism and subjectivism. However, since his scheme remains essentially deterministic and circular - objective structures produce culture, which determines practice, which reproduces those objective structures-this project necessarily fails. The effect of Bourdieu's work on certain works in the English cultural studies genre is briefly discussed and Halsey's recent empirical critique of Bourdieu is itself criticized.
229 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the Braverman model has also created impediments to further analysis, and argue that, in part, they result from a particular reading of Marx which neglects crucial Marxian categories.
Abstract: Braverman and his followers have been useful and influential in reviving a sociology of work. However as well as stimulating debate, the Braverman model has also created impediments to further analysis. This paper discusses some of these limitations and argues that, in part, they result from a particular reading of Marx which neglects crucial Marxian categories. In part, they result from weaknesses and ambiguities in Marxian theory. The second part of the paper focuses on the concept of control, and makes a plea for a revival of interest in the pre-Braverman sociology of the workplace. It is suggested that such work conjoined with that of recent theorists provides a more adequate basis for a theory of capitalist labour processes.
199 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the extent to which characteristics of the organic model of organization are correlated with innovation rates in a sample of 110 American factories and found that the more organic rather than mechanical the socio-technical structure of the organization, the higher the innovation rate.
Abstract: This paper investigates the extent to which characteristics of the organic model of organization are correlated with innovation rates in a sample of 110 American factories. The more organic rather than mechanical the socio-technical structure of the organization, the higher the innovation rate. However, the organic design rules work best in a small-scale, high technology niche. This result transcends Burns and Stalker by suggesting that there is more than one best way to organize for innovation. Some of the problems of organizing for innovation in large-scale, high technology environments are explored at the conclusion of the paper.
167 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors demonstrate the interrelationship of patriarchy and professionalization, with particular reference to the semi-professions and the way they may be transformed in their professionalization with increasing control by men.
Abstract: This article is an attempt to demonstrate the interrelationship of patriarchy and professionalization, with particular reference to the semi-professions The introductory and second sections review the state of the sociology of professions and the neglect of a number of issues concerned with gender The third section sets out a theoretical framework drawing on and clarifying patriarchy, reproduction, capitalism and their relationships The next section considers professionalization as essentially a patriarchal process through which reproduction and emotionality are controlled by men The fifth section focuses on the semi-professions and the way they may be transformed in their professionalization with increasing control by men The concluding section considers a number of general theoretical issues
110 citations
TL;DR: The authors criticizes the ways in which ''power, ''interests'' and related notions are used in the analysis of social relations, and two broad approaches to power analysis are considered.
Abstract: This paper criticizes the ways in which `power', `interests', and related notions are used in the analysis of social relations. Two broad approaches to power analysis are considered. The first invo...
109 citations
TL;DR: There is an asymmetry in the procedures used by natural scientists to account for ''correct belief'' and for ''error'' as mentioned in this paper, where correct belief is treated as the normal state of affairs, as deriving unproblematically from experimental evidence, and as requiring no special explanation.
Abstract: There is an asymmetry in the procedures used by natural scientists to account for `correct belief' and for `error'. Correct belief is treated as the normal state of affairs, as deriving unproblematically from experimental evidence, and as requiring no special explanation. Errors are seen as something to be explained away, as due to the intrusion of non-scientific influences. An elaborate repertoire of interpretative resources is employed in accounting for error. Asymmetrical accounting for error and for correct belief is a social device which reinforces the traditional conception of scientific rationality and which makes the community of scientists appear as the kind of community we, and they, recognize as scientific.These conclusions are based on a detailed analysis of interviews with researchers in an area of biochemistry.
93 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors outline three connected trends over the past fifteen years in British social research: the establishment of a national data archive, the development of continuous and regular multi-purpose social surveys in government, and the emergence of secondary analysis as a distinctive new trend in social research.
Abstract: This article outlines three connected trends over the past fifteen years in British social research: the establishment of a national data archive; the development of continuous and regular multi-purpose social surveys in government; and the emergence of secondary analysis as a distinctive new trend in social research. The combination of these three trends has led to an increase in academic research based on the secondary analysis of government surveys, most of it complementary to the uses made of these data inside government. Most recently collaborative research involving both research sectors has begun to emerge. These developments have helped to break down the boundaries between sociology and other social science disciplines, and also provide an avenue for a fruitful dialogue between professional social scientists in government and academic social scientists.
31 citations
TL;DR: This paper argues that much of the interactional `work' discernable in the encounter is concerned less with the management of conflict than with accomplishing the production of orderly and topically relevant sequences of talk in a situation in which one co-participant has only limited competence in relating talk to a body of specialist knowledge.
Abstract: Medical sociologists who suggest that some form of interactional control can be seen to operate in medical consultations frequently relate `control' to the doctor's use of strategies which resist challenges to his professional authority and prevent patients from increasing their influence on decisions affecting treatment and disposal. This paper argues that much of the interactional `work' discernable in the encounter is concerned less with the management of conflict than with accomplishing the production of orderly and topically relevant sequences of talk in a situation in which one co-participant has only limited competence in relating talk to a body of specialist knowledge.
29 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined Max Weber's "The Religion of India" and placed it in the wider context of his work, showing how Weber's study of India formed part of the comparative analysis of world civilizations which was the natural result of his interest in the causal antecedents of the rise of industrial capitalism in the West.
Abstract: This paper examines Max Weber's `The Religion of India' and places it in the wider context of his work. It tries to show in detail how Weber's study of India formed part of the comparative analysis of world civilizations which was the natural result of his interest in the causal antecedents of the rise of industrial capitalism in the West. With this background correctly understood, it is possible to appreciate why Weber approached Indian religion in the way that he did, and to avoid some common mistakes. Weber is summarized on the most important aspects of Indian religion and a brief attempt is made to state how valid his remarks still are.
27 citations
TL;DR: The status of industrial relations courses is still far from clear as discussed by the authors, and concern has been expressed about its lack of theoretical development an antonomical development an abstractions of the subject.
Abstract: Recent years have seen a proliferation of industrial relations courses yet the status of the subject is still far from clear. Concern has been expressed about its lack of theoretical development an...
27 citations
TL;DR: The traditional trade union opposition to piecework has been based on the claim that piecework stimulates unsafe working practices and contributes to industrial accidents as discussed by the authors, and despite this widespread commo...
Abstract: Traditional trade union opposition to piecework has been based on the claim that piecework stimulates unsafe working practices and contributes to industrial accidents. Despite this widespread commo...
TL;DR: Parkin's development of the social closure notion in class analysis provides an implicit critique of Giddens' account of mobility closure in class structuration as discussed by the authors, and the model of class contained in Parkins's elaboration of the concept of social closure posits a direct relation between class formation and social power relations.
Abstract: Sociological traditions engender not theoretical uniformity but diversity. This is clearly evident in neo-Weberian statements of class formation and relations. Frank Parkin's development of the social closure notion in class analysis provides an implicit critique of Giddens' account of mobility closure in class structuration. The model of class contained in Parkins's elaboration of the concept of social closure posits a direct relation between class formation and social power relations, provides an account of exploitation in class relations, explains intra-class divisions through the concepts used in understanding inter-class divisions, and contains a unified statement of communal and class divisions. In each of these endeavours to contribute to our understanding of class relations, Parkin's formulations are found wanting.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors take up the attempt by Ditton, in Controlology, to develop a theory of crime in terms of the actions of controllers, and suggest that Ditton's account gives insufficient attention to the constraints on controllers and in particular to the ability of subordinate groups to counter the exercise of control.
Abstract: Several approaches within the sociology of deviance stress the role of agents of control in the definition of behaviour as socially significant forms of rule-breaking. Yet studies of the operation of social control are rare. The paper takes up the attempt by Ditton, in Controlology , to develop a theory of crime in terms of the actions of controllers. It is suggested that Ditton's account gives insufficient attention to the constraints on controllers and in particular to the ability of subordinate groups to counter the exercise of control. Using case study material from several factories, relating to the control strategies of management and to one instance of an attempt to impose managerial definitions of discipline, a different account is developed. This stresses that the form taken by industrial discipline will depend on more general patterns of control over the labour process, with discipline being the product of distinct managerial interests and of workers' counter- strategies. It is suggested that this provides the basis for a realist, as distinct from an idealist or interactionist, interpretation of discipline and control. In the course of his review of Recent British Sociology Eldridge (1980: 109-22) examines the sociology of deviance largely in terms of the 'new criminology' (I. Taylor et al. , 1973) and of the critical reaction which it has provoked (Downes and Rock, 1979). He is sceptical about the claims of the critics, and finds the recent work of Ditton (1979a) 4 an altogether more challenging and constructive response to the new criminology' (Eldridge 1980: 120). This paper attempts to develop some aspects of Ditton's work by considering social control in an industrial setting. Before considering Ditton's distinctive contribution and our own research material we will briefly indicate the importance of control and the relevance of a
TL;DR: This article examined the adequacy of the answers offererd by Snow et al. to the following questions: 'Why are some people rather than others recruited into a particular social movement organization?'; '. how is it that people come to participate in one rather than another' competing and functionally equivalent movement in the same market?; and 'Why do some movement organizations attract a larger following and grow at a more rapid rate than others?' (p. 787).
Abstract: In a recent paper Snow et al. , (1980) address themselves to the following questions: 'Why are some people rather than others recruited into a particular social movement organization?'; ' . how is it that people come to participate in one rather than another' competing and functionally equivalent movement in the same market?; and 'Why do some movement organizations attract a larger following and grow at a more rapid rate than others?' (p. 787). In this brief note we propose to examine the adequacy of the answers offererd by Snow et al. to these questions. Snow et al. present data from prior studies; testimonies of recruits to Nichiren Shoshu, and a handful of Hare Krishna devotees; and questionnaire responses of university students either participant in or sympathetic towards a range of social movements within the local area. Snow et al. arrive at a number of conclusions from their analysis. In summary it can be stated as follows:
TL;DR: The demands presented by Trade Unions for Industrial Democracy remain, despite the lack of success in their realization, an important departure from the traditional bargaining objectives they have pursued in the past as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The demands presented by Trade Unions for Industrial Democracy remain, despite the lack of success in their realization, an important departure from the traditional bargaining objectives they have ...
TL;DR: In this paper, it is shown that Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is predicated on a more or less explicit version of the behavioural theory of sociocultural evolution.
Abstract: Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is probably the most famous, controversial, and frequently misinterpreted work produced by a social scientist in this century. By demonstrating that this seminal work is predicated on a more or less explicit version of the behavioural theory of sociocultural evolution, this article should accomplish two major goals. First, it should shed new light on the Weber thesis itself and on the kinds of data required to test it. Second, it should clarify the principal propositions of the behavioural theory of evolution and give some indication of their paradigmatic utility.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore some of the main strands in the development of the sociology of leisure, which emerged as a satellite to the sociologies of work and was dominated by post-Second World War and post-industrialism.
Abstract: The paper explores some of the main strands in the development of the sociology of leisure. The nineteenth century founding fathers, with their synoptic theoretical approaches, found space for leisure, although not labelled as such, as an integral part of their work. Veblen introduced the concept of leisure into sociology, but was himself committed to values of efficiency from which standpoint he criticized the drone-like character of the leisure class. His views were more consonant with industrial sociology which emerged as a strong well-funded sub-discipline dedicated to humanize the labour process while also maximizing productivity. It was from among industrial sociologists seeking a fuller explanation of work-place behaviour by looking beyond the factory that a sociology of leisure was developed. It emerged as a satellite to the sociology of work. The sociology of leisure was dominated, in the post-Second World War period, on the one hand by post-industrialism, and on the other hand by data collection...
TL;DR: In his "reply" to our paper "Biasing the news" as mentioned in this paper, Murdock pointed out that there is a sense in which he must be right, though it is not one which enables him to rebut our arguments.
Abstract: In his 'reply' to our paper 'Biasing the News'1 Murdock accuses us of 'misrepresenting media studies'2 and there is a sense in which he must be right, though it is not alas one which enables him to rebut our arguments. A substantial part of our paper was given over to the reanalysis of some of Murdock 's data.3 This is not the part of the paper which attracts interest, and all the oral and written comments we have received have avoided reference to it, though it is the part which interests us and which motivated the production of the paper. Oddly enough, Murdock gives only a brief section of his counter-argument to discussion of this part, though it is the one which directly concerns his work. The remainder of our paper involved general critical comments on (sociological) 'media studies' using one or two cases as occasions for a wholesale attack. Media studies is a big and burgeoning field. We do not need Murdock to tell us that, or to give us reading lists in it. The fact that there is an awful lot of it about (and that a lot of it is awful) gives reason and edge to our objections. However, given that we are briefly characterizing and criticizing a large field, we are bound to be in a position where some studies can be found which will, in one way or another, be exempt from one or other of our strictures. That a study is not subject to one criticism does not entail that it also avoids the others, and we cannot find studies which do avoid the difficulties we point out, some of which Murdock concedes we do correctly identify. It is no good, then, listing a large number of studies. The thing Murdock needs to do is to single out those which are exemplary, canonical, which are not fairly easily accessible to serious methodological criticism. We complain, for example, that 'form' has been neglected in media studies, Murdock accepts our point, but suggests that recent studies may meet our objection, but the one to which he refers is one that we have just had occasion to review, and which we argue does no better with its data than the studies we criticize in the initial paper.4 Murdock likens us to Tom Jones' tutor, Thwackum, but conducts himself in the fashion of Jones' other teacher, Square, who held virtue to be a matter of theory only, and was well versed in eclectic reliance upon the writing of the 'antients'. The reference to Thwackum is no doubt meant to be chastening, as is the citation of media literature. How insolent we are to question all this established knowledge in so many books. The citations lay down the criteria for club membership; media studies are about the things these books are about, for they are the relevant authorities. We disagree. And insist that the criteria are arbitrary. We are not impressed by bulk. There are a lot of media studies, that does not stand disputing, but it is worth asking whether they add up to anything? They are (despite divergences and disagreements amongst various kinds of approach to the media) very repetitive, being mainly designed to give some empirical application to more or less dilute versions of the theory of ideology. They seek over and over again to make much of the fact that the media are socially produced, so much that we think we shall likely weep if we have to read again that 'Everyday life is not organized a priori as discrete public events which can be simply mirrored by newsworkers. It does not differentiate itself into newsworthy events for reporting and publication'5 and that 'importance and interest are not endemic properties of occurrences,
TL;DR: In this paper, a realist analysis of the concept of power is presented, which distinguishes the possession of power from its exercise, and introduces the notion of power over and power to.
Abstract: Ted BENTON has presented an important and original analysis of the concept of power. 1 While I agree with both his critique of Lukes' transcendental value position, and his intention to conceptualize the reality of power apart from its exercise, I will question whether Benton's formulation is sufficiently realist. As Benton notes, Lukes defines power in terms of its exercise: 'A exercises power over B when A affects B in a manner contrary to B's interest. ^ Benton proposes the following modifications of Lukes: (a) the replacement of reference to B's interest with B's OBJECTIVES; (b) the bringing into account of A's objectives as well a recognition that 'power over' entails 'power to'; (c) a realist account of power which distinguishes the possession of power from its exercise. Benton thus proposes the following analyses of the concept of power: 1) 'A has the power to achieve A's objective' means 'A has capabilities and resources such that if A utilizes these abilities and resources, A will achieve A's objective (p. 175).' This can be expanded to cover cases of 'power over:' 2) 'A has capabilities and resources, and B has capabilities and resources, such that if A mobilizes A's capabilities and resources in pursuit of A's objectives, and B mobilizes B's capabilities and resources in pursuit of B's objectives, then A still achieves A's objective (p. 176).'
TL;DR: This article argued that a careful use of the approach can be illuminating in so far as it relates perceived internal contradiction in a given work to the wider intellectual milieux, and examined the way in which an adherence to a ''scientific' methodology negates the ''romantic', politi...
Abstract: The article commences with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the `sociology of sociology' enterprise. It is argued that a careful use of the approach can be illuminating in so far as it relates perceived internal contradiction in a given work to the wider intellectual milieux. The first section deals with the way in which some writers have depicted the strains between individuals and their worlds. I then go on to examine the way in which George Brown and his co-workers have chosen to explain the relationship between the `social structure' and the aetiology of depression in women. There then follow two sections dealing with the ambivalent relationship between two strands in Brown's work - the impulse of `romanticism' and the constraint of `classicism'. This ambivalence it is argued, derives from his assumptions regarding the nature of man and scientific method. The paper concludes with an examination of the way in which an adherence to a `scientific' methodology negates the `romantic', politi...
TL;DR: In their article, ''Conservatism, Dogmatism and Authoritarianism in British Police Officers'' as discussed by the authors, Colman and Gorman interpret their own data in a selective and distorting fashion, so as to give a false...
Abstract: In their article, `Conservatism, Dogmatism and Authoritarianism in British Police Officers', Colman and Gorman interpret their own data in a selective and distorting fashion, so as to give a false ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors draw on empirical data to demonstrate that women's experience of employment tends to be varied, both as regards type and organization of employment, and this experience indicates both a commitment to participation in the labour force, and the importance which women place upon their family lives.
Abstract: The article draws on empirical data to demonstrate that, within the confines of traditionally `female' jobs, women's experience of employment tends to be varied, both as regards type and organization of employment. The flexible approach which this experience indicates is confirmed by further data collected during personal interviews. Explanations for the characteristics are considered, as are their likely effects. The respondents' employment behaviour is interpreted as demonstrating both a commitment to participation in the labour force, and the importance which women place upon their family lives.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the problem of persuasion from a structuralist perspective, and show that advertising is a highly competitive system of communication, which draws heavily on mechanisms of persuasion.
Abstract: The paper examines the problem of persuasion from a structuralist perspective. Since advertising is a highly competitive system of communication, which draws heavily on mechanisms of persuasion, it...