Sociologies of Moderation

In an age seemingly characterized by polarizing culture wars, political and religious extremism, and increasing economic and social inequities, just what is the definition of ′moderation′ these days? And what might a reasoned contemporary programme of moderation look like—intellectually, politically, and in practice? Despite its importance to public policy debates, the field of sociology has been surprisingly reticent in its coverage of the concept of moderation in recent years.  Sociologies of Moderation corrects this oversight through a series of original papers that probe the sociological origins, intellectual foundations, and contemporary relevance of moderation in 21st–century politics, religion, and society. Featuring contributions from top sociologists, social theorists, and emerging scholars working in the US, Great Britain, and beyond, the papers in this special supplement of The Sociological Review collectively argue for a sociological reappraisal of the intellectual foundations and contemporary salience of moderation. Drawing in part on the American pragmatist tradition, and backed by the latest cutting–edge empirical evidence, their findings suggest that moderation is better grasped as a disciplined engagement with deeply divided publics in a variety of socio–cultural contexts. Thought–provoking and timely,  Sociologies of Moderation  provides a wealth of enlightening insights into what the pursuit of moderation would look like in our increasingly immoderate world.

Preface and acknowledgements  Series editor’s introduction (Chris Shilling) 1. Sociologies of moderation (Alexander Thomas T. Smith and John Holmwood) 2. Plundering the commons: the growth imperative in neoliberal times (Robert J. Antonio) 3. Moderation impossible? On hype, honesty and trust in the context of modern academic life (Brigitte Nerlich) 4. Blurred visions: experts, evidence and the promotion of moderate drinking (Henry Yeomans) 5. Restoring social creativity to immoderate publics: the case of the financially incontinent citizen (Jeff Vass) 6. Feminist ‘radicality’ and ‘moderation’ in times of crises and change (Srila Roy) 7. Democracy begins at home: moderation and the promise of salvage ethnography (Alexander Thomas T. Smith) 8. Pride and prejudice: gay rights and religious moderation in Belfast (Jennifer Curtis) 9. The blogosphere and its enemies: the case of oophorectomy (Stephen Turner) 10. Rethinking moderation in a pragmatist frame (John Holmwood) 11. Epilogue: The moderation of rhetoric (Rt Revd Nicholas Baines) Notes on contributors Index

Alexander Smith  is Assistant Professor and Senior Leverhulme Research Fellow, Department of Sociology, at the University of Warwick in the UK; and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Sociology at Kansas University. John Holmwood  is Professor of Sociology, School of Sociology and Social Policy, at the University of Nottingham in the UK.