With particular attention to his work on modernization and modernity as construed by a sociologist of knowledge, this book offers a sympathetic exposition and evaluation of Peter Berger’s work as one of the world’s most accomplished and influential sociologists.In the context of an examination of Berger’s ongoing work on the social construction of reality, styles of consciousness, the role of science-based technology, pluralism, and other pertinent topics, the author also considers Berger’s unique and thoughtful approach to research and theorizing. Berger’s method of ‘sociological tourism’, which departs sharply from the current emphasis in the social sciences on ever more complex and ostensibly rigorous statistical procedures, provides a refreshing move away from the increasingly esoteric and sometimes alienating methodological self-consciousness that characterizes contemporary sociology. With this distinctive approach, this book will appeal to scholars and students of sociology who share Berger’s interest. The importance of modernization and modernity on a world scale is undeniable, and a deeper understanding of their nature and consequences, will also benefit members of the intelligent laity who are not sociological specialists but are open to new ideas that are clearly explained.
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1. Background: Berger’s prose, presentation, and purpose 2. Institutions: Berger’s conceptual foundation 3. The sociological tourist 4. Ever the Weberian 5. Sociological insights into the exemplary, the everyday, and the execrable 6. Socially constructing modernization, modernity, and our social world 7. Production through science-based technology 8. Modes of production and cognitive styles 9. Provisionally taking stock: "modes of production and cognitive styles" 10. Modes of production and cognitive styles amplified 11. Reality as a social creation 12. Pluralism 13. Pluralism and capitalism 14. What has been done? 15. Styles of consciousness and pluralism 16. Reservations about pluralism 17. The complexity of modern consciousness 18. The continuing influence of Weber 19. Modernization augmented 20. Modernity and its discontents: a suitably ironic closing
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Peter Berger is one of the most gifted but understated public intellectuals working today. Bickel presents a unique evaluation of the development of Berger's ideas from 'Invitation to Sociology', his contribution to the sociology of knowledge, relationship between faith and development, and recent work on global political and economic inequality.Shaun Best, University of Winchester, UK
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781138085206
Publisert
2017-08-30
Utgiver
Vendor
Routledge
Vekt
453 gr
Høyde
234 mm
Bredde
156 mm
Aldersnivå
U, 05
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
212

Forfatter

Biographical note

Robert Bickel is Professor Emeritus of Advanced Educational Studies at Marshall University, USA, and author of Multilevel Analysis for Applied Research and Classical Social Theory in Use.