The Dynamics of Social Systems: (Sage Studies in International Sociology)

What are the fundamental elements of social systems, and how do these relate to social conflict and social change? These questions are central to all social theories from a marxist to the postmodern. The Dynamics of Social Systems reappraises the contribution of one key tradition - that of functionalism - to the analysis of social change. It also demonstrates the potential for applying neofunctionalist social theory to central issues of modern sociology, focusing in particular on race, gender and politics. Going beyond purely theoretical grounds, the book explores critical liberal arguments for redressing inequalities of gender and race within contemporary societies. It also addresses central issues in the politics of contemporary citizenship.

Table of Contents:
Introduction - Paul Colomy PART ONE: DYNAMIC SYSTEMS AND SOCIAL CHANGE Neofunctionalism and the Theory of the Social System - Bernard Barber The Dynamics of Societal Communication - Richard Munch Against Modernity - Frank J Lechner Antimodernism in Global Perspective Incomplete Differentiation - Samuel J Surace New Forms Transocietal Cultural Exchange within the World Economics and Political System - Duane Champagne PART TWO: THE PROBLEM OF SOCIETAL INTEGRATION The New Racism in United States Society - Mark Gould Liberalism and Gender Equality - Miriam M Johnson Problems of Social Integration Political Rhetoric and the Contemporary Public - Leon Mayhew Citizenship, Social Change and the Neofunctionalist Paradigm - Bryan S Turner Neocorporatism, Social Integration, and the Limits of Comparative Political Sociology - David Sciulli and Sally Bould

About the Author :
Paul Colomy is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Denver. His publications address issues in sociological theory, social change and social psychology. His current work examines the structure and dynamics of social scientific traditions.

Review :
`This volume is chocked full of first rate, ambitious essays, some reporting original research, others developing theoretical models, still others engaging in contentious intellectual debate. At a time when `Parsons scholarship′ has become a minor industry, these essays demonstrate that the research program of neofunctionalism does not lag behind. The range of the topics is dazzling; the theoretical thread integrates the articles is apparent and impressive; the insistent search for theoretical improvisation is exciting and stimulating.′ - Professor Jeffrey C Alexander, University of California, Los Angeles