Social Theory and Postcommunism

Social Theory and Postcommunism is a unique, well–written, and accessible text that analyzes the implications of the fall of communism on social theory. Written by two leading social theorists, the book discusses the thesis that the fall of communism has decimated alternative conceptions of social organizations other than capitalism. By undertaking a thorough study of the implications of post–Communism for sociological theory, it reviews almost every key issue which currently occupies social theory: state/civil society, globalization, the future of “modernity,” and postsocialism. Outhwaite and Ray cover such issues while still referencing older traditions, such as the modernization theory. With clarity, insight, and authority, this book presents a new understanding of social theory for the student or scholar.

Preface. Introduction: Being Taken By Surprise. 1 Theory After the Fall. 2 Class: Marx and Weber. 3 Society, Solidarity and Anomie: Durkheim. 4 Three Types of Convergence. 5 Socialism, modernity and beyond. 6 Globalization and Convergence. 7 Civil Society East and West. 8 Modernity, memory and postcommunism. 9 Concluding Themes. Index

William Outhwaite is Professor of Sociology at the University of Sussex. His recent publications include The Sociology of Politics (co–edited with Luke Martell, 1998) and The Blackwell Dictionary of Modern Social Thought (Blackwell 2002). He also acts as Associate Editor of the European Journal of Social Theory. Larry Ray is Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent. He has recently published Theorizing Classical Sociology (1999) and Key Contemporary Social Theorists (co–edited with Anthony Elliott, Blackwell 2002). He has done extensive work and research on the crisis and transformation of postcommunist societies.

"[This] book is important. The theoretical challenges and chances for reinvigoration that postcommunism represents have undoubtedly been overlooked thus far. Outhwaite and Ray have provided a very suggestive redress." Australian Journal of Political Science "This book offers an insightful and refreshingly jargon–free examination of the major dilemmas faced by post–Communist polities in their search for constructing democratic communities ... Students of democracy, globali zation, civil society, nationalism and political ideologies will find this book extremely useful." Seer "No doubt ... the book deserves the attention that it is likely to attract." American Journal of Sociology "This book offers an insightful and refreshingly jargon–free examination of the major dilemmas faced by post–Communist polities in their search for constructing democratic communities. Students of democracy, globalization, civil society, nationalism and political ideologies will find this book extremely useful." Slavonic and East European Review "[Each chapter] offers a survey of a significant body of literature ... In their literature surveys, Outhwaite and Ray provide clear and engaging overviews. The chapters are written for readers well versed in both classical and contemporary sociology. Each is valuable on its own as an informed essay on a major theme in social theory... There is much to appreciate in what Outhwaite and Ray have to say in this book, including both their respect for the stubbornness of reality in contradicting our ideas and their moral concern for the economic and political injustice that persists in the face of that reality." Philosophy of the Social Sciences "A significant event in social theory′s ongoing return to earth after its prolonged fit of factless abstractionalism, made all the more valuable by the authors′ knowledge of, and respect for, the world′s particularity. A genuinely thoughtful and thought provoking book." Anthony Woodiwiss, City University