The Sociology of Theodor Adorno

Theodor Adorno is a widely-studied figure, but most often with regard to his work on cultural theory, philosophy and aesthetics. The Sociology of Theodor Adorno provides the first thorough English-language account of Adornos sociological thinking. Matthias Benzer reads Adornos sociology through six major themes: the problem of conceptualising capitalist society; empirical research; theoretical analysis; social critique; the sociological text; and the question of the non-social. Benzer explains the methodological and theoretical ideas informing Adornos reflections on sociology and illustrates Adornos approach to examining social life, including astrology, sexual taboos and racial prejudice. Benzer clarifies Adornos sociology in relation to his work in other disciplines and the inspiration his sociology took from social thinkers such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Kracauer and Benjamin. The book raises critical questions about the viability of Adornos sociological mode of procedure and its potential contributions and challenges to current debates in social science.

Spis treści:
Introduction
1. Nothing under the sun
2. Sociological material
3. Sociological reflection
4. The socio-critical dimension
5. The sociological text
6. Sociology and the non-social
Conclusion.