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Showing papers on "Social theory published in 2010"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss seven social science ontologies (rational choice, evolution theory, structuralism, interpretivism, functionalism, conflict and power struggle, relationism), their assumptions on agency and causal mechanisms, and their views on socio-technical transitions and environmental sustainability.

1,355 citations


Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: The concept of community of practice was not born in the systems theory tradition as discussed by the authors, but it has its roots in attempts to develop accounts of the social nature of human learning inspired by anthropology and social theory.
Abstract: The concept of community of practice was not born in the systems theory tradition. It has its roots in attempts to develop accounts of the social nature of human learning inspired by anthropology and social theory (Lave, 1988; Bourdieu, 1977; Giddens, 1984; Foucault, 1980; Vygotsky, 1978). But the concept of community of practice is well aligned with the perspective of systems traditions. A community of practice itself can be viewed as a simple social system. And a complex social system can be viewed as constituted by interrelated communities of practice. In this essay I first explore the systemic nature of the concept at these two levels. Then I use this foundation to look at the applications of the concept, some of its main critiques, and its potential for developing a social discipline of learning.

1,082 citations


Book
01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: Wright's "Envisioning Real Utopias" as mentioned in this paper is a comprehensive assault on the quietism of contemporary social theory and aims to put the social back into socialism, laying the foundations for a set of concrete, emancipatory alternatives to the capitalist system.
Abstract: Rising inequality of income and power, along with the recent convulsions in the finance sector, have made the search for alternatives to unbridled capitalism more urgent than ever. Yet there has been a global retreat by the Left: on the assumption that liberal capitalism is the only game in town, political theorists tend to dismiss as utopian any attempt to rethink our social and economic relations. As Fredric Jameson first argued, it is now easier for us to imagine the end of the world than an alternative to capitalism. Erik Olin Wright's "Envisioning Real Utopias" is a comprehensive assault on the quietism of contemporary social theory. Building on a lifetime's work analyzing the class system in the developed world, as well as exploring the problem of the transition to a socialist alternative, Wright has now completed a systematic reconstruction of the core values and feasible goals for Left theorists and political actors. "Envisioning Real Utopias" aims to put the social back into socialism, laying the foundations for a set of concrete, emancipatory alternatives to the capitalist system. Characteristically rigorous and engaging, this will become a landmark of social thought for the twenty-first century.

925 citations


Book
14 Jun 2010
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that having voice is not enough: we need to know our voice matters, and that the answer goes much deeper than simply calling for'more voices', whether on the streets or in the media.
Abstract: For more than thirty years neoliberalism has declared that market functioning trumps all other social, political and economic values. In this book, Nick Couldry passionately argues for voice, the effective opportunity for people to speak and be heard on what affects their lives, as the only value that can truly challenge neoliberal politics. But having voice is not enough: we need to know our voice matters. Insisting that the answer goes much deeper than simply calling for 'more voices', whether on the streets or in the media, Couldry presents a dazzling range of analysis from the real world of Blair and Obama to the social theory of Judith Butler and Amartya Sen. Why Voice Matters breaks open the contradictions in neoliberal thought and shows how the mainstream media not only fails to provide the means for people to give an account of themselves, but also reinforces neoliberal values. Moving beyond the despair common to much of today's analysis, Couldry shows us a vision of a democracy based on social cooperation and offers the resources we need to build a new post-neoliberal politics.

659 citations


Book ChapterDOI
John Offer1
01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: In the process of elucidating Spencer's First Principles and the cosmic theory of evolution, it has proved helpful already to touch on his treatment of social life in that general context.
Abstract: In the process of elucidating Spencer’s First Principles and the cosmic theory of evolution, it has proved helpful already to touch on his treatment of social life in that general context. It is essential now, however, to address the theory as manifested in respect of ‘psychical’ and ‘social’ evolution, themselves intimately linked in his discussions.

638 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors call attention to the modern collective construction of expansive models of actors, the rapid diffusion and adoption of elaborated models of actor agency and rights, the decoupled character of actor identities and activities in the modern system, and the extraordinary mobilizing potential built into the elaborated model of individual and organizational actors in world society.
Abstract: Much modern social theory depicts society as made up of autonomous and purposive individual and organized actors. In reaction, the new institutional theories build arguments about the wider social conditions supporting stable systems of such agentic actors. Phenomenological versions, which are especially relevant to analyses of modern integrating but stateless world society, treat actor identities as themselves constructed in the wider and now global cultural context. These ideas call attention to the modern collective construction of expansive models of actors, the rapid diffusion and adoption of elaborated models of actor agency and rights, the consequently decoupled character of actor identities and activities in the modern system, and the extraordinary mobilizing potential built into the elaborated models of individual and organizational actors in world society and into the inconsistencies between these models and activity.

605 citations


Book ChapterDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that a general theory of migration is neither possible nor desirable, but that we can make significant progress by re-embedding migration research in a more general understanding of contemporary society, and linking it to broader theories of social change across a range of social scientific disciplines.
Abstract: This chapter examines some of the difficulties of theory formation in international migration studies and suggests adopting a social transformation perspective in response. The starting point is an examination of the dominant perception of ‘migration as a problem’. This is followed by a discussion of some key obstacles to theoretical advancement in migration studies. I argue that a general theory of migration is neither possible nor desirable, but that we can make significant progress by re-embedding migration research in a more general understanding of contemporary society, and linking it to broader theories of social change across a range of social scientific disciplines. A conceptual framework for migration studies should take social transformation as its central category, in order to facilitate understanding of the complexity, interconnectedness, variability, contexuality and multi-level mediations of migratory processes in the context of rapid global change. This would mean examining the links between social transformation and human mobility across a range of socio-spatial levels, while always seeking to understand how human agency can condition responses to structural factors. The argument is illustrated through the example of the changing dynamics of labour forces in highly developed countries.

598 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A case for academic research and writing that looks beyond the learning potential of technology and, instead, seeks to develop social scientific accounts of the often compromised and constrained realities of education technology use ‘on the ground’ is made.
Abstract: This paper makes a case for academic research and writing that looks beyond the learning potential of technology and, instead, seeks to develop social scientific accounts of the often compromised and constrained realities of education technology use ‘on the ground’. The paper discusses how this ‘critical’ approach differs from the ways that educational technology scholarship has tended to be pursued to date. These differences include viewing technology as being socially constructed and negotiated rather than imbued with pre-determined characteristics; developing objective and realistic accounts of technology use in situ; and producing ‘context rich’ analyses of the social conflicts and politics that underpin the use of technology in educational settings. The paper concludes by encouraging academic researchers and writers to show greater interest in the issues of democracy and social justice that surround educational technology.

451 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The capability approach constitutes a significant contribution to social theory but its potential is diminished by its insufficient treatment of the social construction of meaning as discussed by the authors, which enables people to make value judgements about what they will do and be, and also to evaluate how satisfied they are about what their are able to achieve.
Abstract: The capability approach constitutes a significant contribution to social theory but its potential is diminished by its insufficient treatment of the social construction of meaning. Social meanings enable people to make value judgements about what they will do and be, and also to evaluate how satisfied they are about what they are able to achieve. From this viewpoint, a person’s state of wellbeing must be understood as being socially and psychologically co-constituted in specific social and cultural contexts. In this light, the telos of ‘living well’ which is at the heart of Sen’s version of the capability approach is inadequate and must be modified to a telos of ‘living well together’ which includes consideration of the social structures and institutions which enable people to pursue individual freedoms in relation to others. The policy significance of the capability approach can be further strengthened by paying greater consideration to the political economy of policy decision-making processes and the wa...

265 citations


Book
25 Mar 2010
TL;DR: Social Constructionism: Sources and Stirrings in Theory and Practice as discussed by the authors offers an introduction to the different theorists and schools of thought that have contributed to the development of contemporary social constructionist ideas, charting a course through the ideas that underpin the discipline from the New Science of Vico in the 18th century, through to Marxist writers, ethnomethodologists and Wittgenstein.
Abstract: Social Constructionism: Sources and Stirrings in Theory and Practice offers an introduction to the different theorists and schools of thought that have contributed to the development of contemporary social constructionist ideas, charting a course through the ideas that underpin the discipline From the New Science of Vico in the 18th century, through to Marxist writers, ethnomethodologists and Wittgenstein, ideas as to how socio-cultural processes provide the resources that make us human are traced to the present day Despite constructionists often being criticised as 'relativists', 'activists' and 'anti-establishment' and for making no concrete contributions, their ideas are now being adopted by practically-oriented disciplines such as management consultancy, advertising, therapy, education and nursing Andy Lock and Tom Strong aim to provoke a wider grasp of an alternative history and tradition that has developed alongside the one emphasised in traditional histories of the social sciences

Book
15 Sep 2010
TL;DR: Smith as mentioned in this paper constructs a theory of personhood that forges a middle path between the extremes of positivist science and relativism, finding much current thinking on personhood to be confusing or misleading, finding inspiration in critical realism and personalism.
Abstract: What is a person? This fundamental question is a perennial concern of philosophers and theologians. But, Christian Smith argues, it also lies at the center of the social scientist's quest to interpret and explain social life. In this ambitious book, Smith presents a new model for social theory that does justice to the best of our humanistic visions of people, life, and society. Finding much current thinking on personhood to be confusing or misleading, Smith finds inspiration in critical realism and personalism. Drawing on these ideas, he constructs a theory of personhood that forges a middle path between the extremes of positivist science and relativism. Smith then builds on the work of Pierre Bourdieu, Anthony Giddens, and William Sewell to demonstrate the importance of personhood to our understanding of social structures. From there he broadens his scope to consider how we can know what is good in personal and social life and what sociology can tell us about human rights and dignity. Innovative, critical, and constructive, "What Is a Person?" offers an inspiring vision of a social science committed to pursuing causal explanations, interpretive understanding, and general knowledge in the service of truth and the moral good.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the Actor-Network Theory (ANT) literature offers the potential to develop a political critique of the ANT approach in management and organization studies (MOS), and they argue that ANT and After can offer insights relevant to the development of a critical perspective on MOS.
Abstract: In recent years the approach to social theory known as Actor-Network Theory (ANT) has been adopted within a range of social science fields. Despite its popularity, ANT is considered a controversial approach in that it appears to promote a sociological perspective that lacks substantive political critique. This is argued to be particularly true in ANT’s ‘translations’ in management and organization studies (MOS). In this article, we argue that the ‘ANT and After’ literature offers the potential to develop such a political critique. In particular we suggest it presents the opportunity to develop an approach that de-naturalizes organization(s), has the ability to deliver critical performativity, and at the same time offer a reflexive approach to management and organizational knowledge. Using organizational examples, we argue that ANT and After can offer insights relevant to the development of a critical perspective on MOS, notably through its advocacy of a ‘political ontology’ of organizing.

Book
11 Jan 2010
TL;DR: Social capital is dead: Long Live Whatever Come Next as discussed by the authors... is a collection of articles about the history of social capital from Rational Choice to McDonald's. But it is not the most relevant to our work.
Abstract: 1 Introduction 2 From Rational Choice to McDonaldisation 3 The Short History of Social Capital 4 The BBI Syndrome 5 Social Capital versus Social History 6 Social Capital is Dead: Long Live Whatever Comes Next 7 Management Studies Goes to McDonald's 8 Degradation without Limit 9 W(h)ither Social Capital? Notes Bibliography Index

Reference EntryDOI
30 Jun 2010
TL;DR: In this paper, a typology of social justice concerns and obstacles to achieving social justice is presented, with a focus on the role of social psychology in social justice, from Theory to Practice: What Can Social Psychology Contribute to Social Justice?
Abstract: 1 Lewinian Tradition in Social Psychology 2 A Typology of Social Justice Concerns 3 Obstacles to Attaining Social Justice 4 From Theory to Practice: What Can Social Psychology Contribute to Social Justice?

Book
21 Jul 2010
TL;DR: Visuality and Visibility Visibility and Social Theory Media Visibilities New Media and Networked Visibilities Visibility, and the Public Urban Visibilities Surveillant Visibility VISibility and Democracy Conclusions
Abstract: Visuality and Visibility Visibility and Social Theory Media Visibilities New Media and Networked Visibilities Visibility and the Public Urban Visibilities Surveillant Visibility Visibility and Democracy Conclusions

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper will attempt to sketch the theoretical background to networking drawing on work in sociology, psychology, and business studies and looking at 4 main theoretical frameworks: constructivism, social capital theory, Durkheimian network theory, and the concept of New Social Movements.
Abstract: In recent years, networking and collaboration have become increasingly popular in education. However, there is at present a lack of attention to the theoretical basis of networking, which could illuminate when and when not to network and under what conditions networks are likely to be successful. In this paper, we will attempt to sketch the theoretical background to networking drawing on work in sociology, psychology, and business studies and looking at 4 main theoretical frameworks: constructivism, social capital theory, Durkheimian network theory, and the concept of New Social Movements. We will also explore differences between networks on a number of factors such as goals, activities, density, spread, and power relations.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a concise survey of the intellectual itinerary of the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu in the French intellectual field and discuss the limitations of this historicising project in the extension of the metaphor of the market to virtually all fields of human activities and in a concept of capital which fails to grasp a social relation specific to the historical development of capitalism.
Abstract: This paper is divided into two sections. The first section presents a concise survey of the intellectual itinerary of the French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu in the French intellectual field. Then, after a short presentation of Bourdieu’s The Social Structures of the Economy , I proceed to a broader discussion of his economic sociology. After a presentation of Bourdieu’s key conceptual contributions, I question some aspects of Bourdieusian sociology with regard to its ambition of historicising the ‘economic field’. I identify the limitations of this historicising project in the extension of the metaphor of the market to virtually all fields of human activities and in a concept of capital which fails to grasp a social relation specific to the historical development of capitalism.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Social theorists have been dealing with issues of environment and climate change for quite some years, but on which topics have they focused and with whom have they been talking? Many of the articl...
Abstract: Social theorists have been dealing with issues of environment and climate change for quite some years, but on which topics have they focused and with whom have they been talking? Many of the articl...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Harvard community has made this article openly available to the public, and the public is invited to share how this access benefits you.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Foucault's concept of governmentality goes beyond the narrow limits of state power to look at how these societies employ more subtle methods of power exercised through a network of institutions.
Abstract: Foucault’s concept of governmentality goes beyond the narrow limits of state power to look at how these societies employ more subtle methods of power exercised through a network of institutions, pr...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Differentiation is about how to distinguish and analyse the components that make up any social whole: are all the components essentially the same, or are they distinguishable by status or function? as mentioned in this paper argues that this approach provides a framing for IR theory that is more general and integrative than narrower theories derived from economics or political science.
Abstract: This article sets out an analytical framework of differentiation derived from sociology and anthropology and argues that it can and should be applied to international relations (IR) theory. Differentiation is about how to distinguish and analyse the components that make up any social whole: are all the components essentially the same, or are they distinguishable by status or function? We argue that this approach provides a framing for IR theory that is more general and integrative than narrower theories derived from economics or political science. We show why this set of ideas has so far not been given much consideration within IR, and how and why the one encounter between IR and sociology that might have changed this - Waltz's transposition of anarchy and functional differentiation from Durkheim - failed to do so. We set out in some detail how differentiation theory bears on the subject matter of IR arguing that this set of ideas offers new ways of looking not only at the understanding of structure in IR, but also at structural change and world history. We argue that differentiation holds out to IR a major possibility for theoretical development. What is handed on from anthropology and sociology is mainly designed for smaller and simpler subject matters than that of IR. In adapting differentiation theory to its more complex, layered subject matter, IR can develop it into something new and more powerful for social theory as a whole.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors argue that the lack of convergence on climate grew almost inevitably from our starkly unequal world, which has created and perpetuated highly divergent ways of thinking (worldviews and causal beliefs) and promoted particularistic notions of fairness.
Abstract: This article seeks to answer why North—South climate negotiations have gone on for decades without producing any substantial results. To address this question, we revisit and seek to integrate insights from several disparate theories, including structuralism (new and old), world systems theory, rational choice institutionalism, and social constructivism. We argue that the lack of convergence on climate grew almost inevitably from our starkly unequal world, which has created and perpetuated highly divergent ways of thinking (worldviews and causal beliefs) and promoted particularistic notions of fairness (principled beliefs). We attempt to integrate structural insights about global inequality with the micro-motives of rational choice institutionalism. The structuralist insight that ‘unchecked inequality undermines cooperation’ suggests climate negotiations must be broadened to include a range of seemingly unrelated development issues such as trade, investment, debt, and intellectual property rights agreemen...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce a new amenities-focused database to measure and analyze scenes and their dimensions for each of 40,000 US zip codes and illustrate the framework by applying it to one distinct type of scene, bohemia, and analyze its position in broader social system.
Abstract: This article builds on an important but underdeveloped social science concept—the "scene" as a cluster of urban amenities—to contribute to social science theory and subspecialties such as urban and rural, class, race and gender studies Scenes grow more important in less industrial, more expressively-oriented and contingent societies where traditional constraints fall and self-motivated action around consumption, leisure and amenities is a more important feature of social cohesiveness and interaction Scenes contextualize the individual through amenities and consumption-based expressions of shared sensibilities as to what is right, beautiful and genuine This framework adds to concepts such as neighborhood and workplace by specifying 15 dimensions of the urban scenescape Like neighborhood and workplace, scenes reduce anomie, but because of their focus on consumption and the use of specific amenities, they are more consistent with today's ethos of contingency, moving beyond traditional ideas of the fundamental power of social, family and occupational background We introduce a new amenities-focused database to measure and analyze scenes and their dimensions for each of 40,000 US zip codes We illustrate the framework by applying it to one distinct type of scene, bohemia, and analyze its position in the broader social system

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss conceptual tools which might allow an elaborated sociological analysis of the relationship between information and communication technology on the one hand, and social inequalities on the other.
Abstract: This paper discusses conceptual tools which might allow an elaborated sociological analysis of the relationship between information and communication technology on the one hand, and social inequalities on the other The authors seek to go beyond the familiar idea of the ‘digital divide’ to develop a focus on digital social inequality, through discussing three bodies of literature which are normally not discussed together The paper thus addresses issues in feminist theory; the sociological field analysis of Pierre Bourdieu; and the Actor Network Theory This paper shows that there are unexpected commonalities in these three perspectives which allow the possibility of effective cross-fertilization All seek to avoid positing the existence of reified social groups which are held separate from technological forces, and all stress the role of fluid forms of relationality, from which social inequalities can emerge as forms of stabilization, accumulation and convertibility

BookDOI
01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: The uphill climb of sociobiology: towards a new synthesis is introduced, and a review of methods and approaches is reviewed.
Abstract: List of contributors -- Introduction: The uphill climb of sociobiology: towards a new synthesis / Tamas Szekely, Allen J. Moore, and Jan Komdeur -- Profile: Undiminished passion / Tim Birkhead -- Pt. I. Foundations -- 1. Nature-nurture interactions / Marla B. Sokolowski and Joel D. Levine -- Profile: Social evolution, sexual intrigue and serendipity / Andrew Cockburn -- 2. The quantitative genetics of social behaviour / Bronwyn H. Bleakley, Jason B. Wolf, and Allen J. Moore -- Profile: Mating systems: integrating sexual conflict and ecology / Nicholas B. Davies -- 3. Social behaviour and bird song from a neural and endocrine perspective / Elizabeth Adkins-Regan, Timothy J. DeVoogd and Jordan M. Moore -- Profile: In love with Ropalidia marginata: 34 years, and still going strong / Raghavendra Gadagkar -- 4. Evolutionary game theory / John M. McNamara and Franz J. Weissing -- Profile: The huddler's dilemma: a cold shoulder or a warm inner glow / David Haig -- 5. Recent advances in comparative methods / Robert P. Freckleton and Mark Pagel -- Profile: Multi-component signals in ant communication / Bert Holldobler -- 6. Social evolution theory: a review of methods and approaches / Tom Wenseleers, Andy Gardner, and Kevin R. Foster -- Profile: What's wrong with this picture? / Sarah B. Hrdy -- Pt. II. Themes -- 7. Aggression: towards an integration of gene, brain and behaviour / Robert Huber and Edward A. Kravitz -- Profile: From behavioural observations, to genes, to evolution / Laurent Keller -- 8. Social influences on communication signals: from honesty to exploitation / Mark E. Hauber and Marlene Zuk -- Profile: Reputation can make the world go round - or why we are sometimes social / Manfred Milinski -- 9. Important topics in group living / Jens Krause and Graeme Ruxton -- Profile: A haphazard career / Ronald Noe -- 10. Sexual behaviour: conflict, cooperation and coevolution / Tommaso Pizzari and Russell Bonduriansky -- Profile: In celebration of questions, past, present and future / Geoff A. Parker -- 11. Pair bonds and parental behaviour / Lisa McGraw, Tamas Szekely, and Larry J. Young -- Profile: Mating systems and genetic variation / Marion Petrie -- 12. Adaptations and constraints in the evolution of delayed dispersal: implications for cooperation / Jan Komdeur and Jan Ekman -- Profile: Selections from a life in social selection / David C. Queller -- 13. Social behaviour in microorganisms / Kevin R. Foster -- Profile: The de novo evolution of cooperation: an unlikely event / Paul B. Rainey -- 14. Social environments, social tactics and their fitness consequences in complex mammalian societies / Marion L. East and Heribert Hofer -- Profile: Evolutionary genetics and social behaviour: changed perspectives on sexual coevolution / Michael G. Ritchie -- 15. Social behaviour in humans / Ruth Mace -- Profile: Genes and social behaviour: from gene to genome to 1000 genomes / Gene E. Robinson -- Pt. III. Implications -- 16. Personality and individual social specialization / Denis Reale and Niels J. Dingemanse -- Profile: Behavioural ecology, why do I love thee? Let me count the reasons / Paul W. Sherman -- 17. Molecular and genetic influences on the neural substrate of social cognition in humans / Louise Gallagher and David Skuse -- Profile: Anonymous (and other) social experience and the evolution of cooperation by reciprocity / Michael Taborsky -- 18. Population density, social behaviour and sex allocation / Suzanne H. Alonzo and Ben C. Sheldon -- Profile: Social theory based on natural selection / Robert Trivers -- 19. Social behaviour and speciation / Gerald S. Wilkinson and Leanna M. Birge -- Profile: Look to the ants / Edward O. Wilson -- 20. Social behaviour in conservation / Daniel T. Blumstein -- Profile: The handicap principle and social behaviour / Amotz Zahavi -- 21. Prospects for research in social behaviour: systems biology meets behaviour / Allen J. Moore, Tamas Szekely and Jan Komdeur -- Species index -- Subject index

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors report on the opportunities for transformational learning experienced by a group of pre-service teachers who were engaged in service learning as a pedagogical process with a focus on reflection.
Abstract: This paper reports on the opportunities for transformational learning experienced by a group of pre‐service teachers who were engaged in service‐learning as a pedagogical process with a focus on reflection. Critical social theory informed the design of the reflection process as it enabled a move away from knowledge transmission toward knowledge transformation. The structured reflection log was designed to illustrate the critical social theory expectations of quality learning that teach students to think critically: ideology critique and utopian critique. Butin’s lenses and a reflection framework informed by the work of Bain, Ballantyne, Mills and Lester were used in the design of the service‐learning reflection log. Reported data provide evidence of transformational learning and highlight how the students critique their world and imagine how they could contribute to a better world in their work as a beginning teacher.

Book
31 Mar 2010
TL;DR: Theories of Ageing Successful Ageing Third and Fourth Ages Triple Jeopardy and the Politics of Aging are discussed.
Abstract: Introduction Advocacy Age Integration Ageing Ageing in Place Ageism Ambivalence Assisted Living Bereavement Biographical Approaches Care Care Management Civic Engagement Cohort Convoy Theory Cultural Ideals Death and Dying Dementia Disability Elder Mistreatment/Abuse Environmental Gerontology Ethnicity Euthanasia Family Relations Filial Responsibility Frailty Gender Generations Gerontology Global Ageing Housing Independence Intergenerational Practice Life-Course Perspective Lifelong Learning Loneliness Long-Term Care Longevity Palliative Care Pensions Population Ageing Quality of Life Religion/Spirituality Retirement Social Exclusion Social Relations Social Support Social Theories of Ageing Successful Ageing Third and Fourth Ages Triple Jeopardy

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors highlights the necessity for the continuous theoretical development of the moral panic concept and illustrates how such development is essential to overcome some of the substantial problems with moral panic research: normativity, temporality and (un)intentionality.
Abstract: Chas Critcher has recently conceptualized moral panic as a heuristic device, or ‘ideal type’. While he argues that one still has to look beyond the heuristic, despite a few exceptional studies there has been little utilization of recent developments in social theory in order to look ‘beyond moral panic’. Explicating two current critical contributions — the first, drawing from the sociologies of governance and risk; the second, from the process/figurational sociology of Norbert Elias — this article highlights the necessity for the continuous theoretical development of the moral panic concept and illustrates how such development is essential to overcome some of the substantial problems with moral panic research: normativity, temporality and (un)intentionality.

Book
23 Aug 2010
TL;DR: This article explored a variety of political communication systems and people in UK politics based on over 100 interviews with politicians, political journalists, civil servants and others, as well as other data sources.
Abstract: This is a single-authored, research based book Based on over 100 interviews with politicians, political journalists, civil servants and others, as well as other data sources, it explores a variety of political communication systems and people in UK politics