Section News N ewsletter Fe atures •Award Competitions •Inter mediate Level Social For m ations •Call for Papers •Tow ard a Theory of Global Society? •Inter n ational T heory Consortium •Revisiting Scientific

THE ASA January 2002r THEORY SECTION NEWSLETTER Perspectives VOLUME 25, NUMBER 1r Section Officers Can There Be A Global Society? CHAIR Amitai Etzioni, The George Washington University Gary Alan Fine heory develops in many ways, including through quests for internal consistency, CHAIR-ELECT codification, and formalization. Another way it develops is in response to Linda D. Molm T challenging questions posed by public leaders, policy makers, and the community at large, in which these people at least implicitly look to macrosociology PAST CHAIR for guidance (Coleman, Etzioni and Porter 1970; Lehman 1977) . Douglas Heckathorn One such set of questions arises out of the recent increased interest in the development SECRETARY-TREASURER of a “global .” Many factors are said to have propelled such a development Murray Webster since 1990, such as the end of the Cold War, globalization, rapid communication technologies, the rise of English as a de facto lingua franca, thousands of new inter- COUNCIL national nongovernmental organizations, a handful of transnational social movements, Robert J. Antonio new supranational institutions (e.g., the proposed International Criminal Court and Jorge Arditi the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), and an increase in the Edward J. Lawler number and power of multinational corporations. Cecilia L. Ridgeway The same factors are said to diminish the capacities of national governments (especially Robin Stryker all that are not superpowers) to manage their societal affairs, as well as to be behind Robin Wagner-Pacifici See GLOBAL on page 2 SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY EDITOR Jonathan Turner What Has Happened to Scientific

PERSPECTIVES EDITORS Sociology?

J. David Knottnerus & Jonathan H. Turner, University of California-Riverside Jean Van Delinder hen I was in graduate school in the late 1960s, there was little debate about the prospects for scientific sociology. Most faculty and students were Submit news and commentary to: Wcommitted to the epistemology of science. Indeed, many students seemed concerned—in my view over-concerned—with the nature of scientific explanation. J. David Knottnerus and My fellow students had endless philosophical discussions about how to construct Jean Van Delinder sociological explanations. Obviously, others were having the same conversation because Department of Sociology by the mid 1970s, a host of “theory construction” texts had been produced. Most CLB 006 of these texts examined theoretical methods rather than substance, and as a result Oklahoma State University they were boring and not very useful, for a simple reason: Theories are insights into Stillwater, OK 74078-4062 how the world operates; and just how they are stated is less important than the (see inside for phone, fax, & e-mail) See SCIENTIFIC on page 4 Page 2 Perspectives

GLOBAL from page 1 society in the long run able to countervail sometimes referred to as “governance centrifugal forces that exist in all social without government,” (See, for instance, an increase in transnational problems, in- groupings, especially large and complex Rosenau and Czempiel 1992; Young cluding organized crime, trafficking in ones. 1999; Mathews 1997; Václav Havel 1999) human beings, and environmental chal- do not conceptualize a global society lenges. Hence the interest in finding new I will use the definition just outlined for without government, but (a) view the glo- (post-national) ways of dealing with the the rest of the discussion, although, of bal society as relying to a significant extent problems. course, the matter of what is the appro- on transnational nonstate actors (e.g., priate definition of society stands and the many thousands of NGOs and social The challenge for sociological (and com- answer one’s theory provides will affect movements) to regulate itself, and (b) pro- munitarian) theory, as I see it, starts with all the deliberations that follow and many ject that although national states and in- the question: Can there be a global society? others. tergovernmental international organiza- Before this question can be addressed, it tions will play a role, a considerable part is necessary to specify what a society is. Using, then, the three conditions as the of their current role will be absorbed by There is no agreed upon definition of so- criteria, whether or not a global society is smaller societal entities. Václav Havel ciety. Some argue that the very concept is beginning to develop (obviously it is not (1999) writes, “the state...can go in only a fiction (Bentham 1935), that all there is in place) is a matter for empirical study. two directions: downward or upward. are individuals and the transactions and Downward applies to the various organs contracts they make. Others hold that so- However, a corollary theoretical question and structures of civil society to which cieties are arenas in which classes clash, remains: must societies in general, and a the state should gradually transfer many and that the very term seeks to falsely im- global one in particular, be ensconced in of the tasks it now performs itself. Up- pose unity where none exists nor should a state? The idea that the state may wither ward applies to various regional, trans- exist. Still others maintain that society is a away is an old one, but has been put by national or global communities or organi- fruitful concept but view it as reflecting a Marx at the “end of history,” and is con- zations.” These theories also (c) point to pattern of distribution of powers (among sidered by many as utopian–that is, socio- the rise of global norms, some shared elites and followers) and assets. Finally, logically untenable. However, the idea has values, and world public opinion not only there are those who add the sharing of a received new currency recently with the as societal factors but also as leading to consensus on core values (this presumes rise of new technological developments. new global laws that are enforced by na- that a stable society must be ensconced in They have made possible the theoretical tional governments and to some extent a state). conception of a society (and within it, by new or developing international courts. communities and organizations, corpora- But all agree that a global state (or world I tried to show elsewhere, on the basis tions included) in which networks (of government) is neither possible nor de- of four case studies, that for a society to equals) replace hierarchies; information— sired. For instance, Lawrence Lessig be sustainable, three conditions must be power; and self-regulation—government (1999) states without hesitation that world met: it must have control of the means through the state (Meyer, Boli, Thomas, government is an “impossibility.” of violence that exceeds that of subunits; and Ramirez 1997). This conception has it must have a significant capacity to real- been held to apply particularly to cyber- The challenge for sociological theory is locate economic goods; and it must com- space (Barlow 1996), in which a growing whether one can conceptualize a stable mand loyalty in key, relevant matters that proportion of social transactions is pro- society not ensconced in a state. Histori- trumps commitment to subgroups or ex- jected to take place. cally, much has been made of the role of ternal ones (Etzioni 2001). I tried to show (domestic) civil society in protecting citi- that only if these conditions are met is a More moderate and widely held theories, zens from excessive intrusion by the state, and ensuring that the state will not weaken Perspectives is the newsletter of the Theory Section of the American Sociological communities, voluntary associations and Association. It is published quarterly in January, April, July, and October. The families by preempting their functions. In deadline for all submissions is the fifth day of the month before publication. short, civil society has been viewed largely We welcome news and commentary as well as announcements about confer- as a counterweight to a potentially over- ences, journal information, calls for papers, position openings, and any other powering state. information of interest to section members. Less has been made in recent work (unlike Send submissions to: J. David Knottnerus and Jean Van Delinder, Department of the work of earlier social philosophers) Sociology, CLB 006, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-4062; fax of the benefits that civil society derives (405) 744-5780; phone (405) 744-6106 (Knottnerus) or (405) 744-4613 (Van Delinder); e-mail [email protected] or [email protected] See GLOBAL on page 6 Perspectives Page 3

Looking in the Middle: Between the Micro and the Macro Levels of the Graduate Social Worlds Student Paper Award D. Paul Johnson, Texas Tech University Competition great deal of emphasis in sociological theory in recent years has involved efforts to integrate different levels of analysis, particularly the micro level of The ASA Section on the History of A face-to-face relations and the macro level of the overall society. In some ways Sociology invites you (or your stu- the difference parallels the distinction between agency and structure, although the two dents) to submit a scholarly paper for dichotomies are conceptually distinct. Even so, the concept of agency seems to focus its Graduate Student Paper Award. on micro-level social worlds. Similarly, analyses that focus on structure tend to move The deadline for receipt of the paper beyond local situations toward the larger social world, including the overall society – is February 15, 2002. or even beyond in a global perspective. Despite differences in starting points and primary focus, much important theoretical work is relevant to both levels (and in Students who will be enrolled (full or between), as well as to the analysis of “duality” in which both agency and structure are part-time) in a graduate sociology pro- involved with neither assumed to be primary in an ontological sense. But social gram as of February 15, 2002, may formations between the micro and macro levels sometimes seem neglected. submit one scholarly paper for con- sideration. The submission may be a The modest proposal I offer is that we need to devote more explicit attention to sociology seminar or term paper, an intermediate-level social formations located between face-to-face social relations and article submitted or accepted for pub- the overall society. This should help enhance the appeal of sociology and sociological lication in a sociology journal, or a theory to our students. The undergraduates we encounter typically are not tuned into single chapter from a sociology thesis the sophisticated and specialized discourse reflected in our efforts to link micro and or sociology dissertation. The submis- macro levels or agency and structure. In fact, the impression our students are likely to sion must focus on a theoretical issue get is that sociological theory consists mostly of texts in which different scholars or empirical problem central to the criticize, elaborate, fine-tune, or synthesize one another’s text-based ideas and History of Sociology. paradigms. Students readily pick up on the micro/macro distinction (and in my ex- perience most seem to prefer the micro-level focus) – but beyond this the relation Eligible students should send three between theorists’ texts and the real world they encounter seems rather elusive to many copies of a cover letter and three cop- of them. Even so, students today are sufficiently aware of the complexity of the social ies of their paper to the Committee world that they should be able to relate to the distinctions among the different types Chair: Connie D. Frey, Department of of real-life social formations they encounter in every-day life. Sociology, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0324. Although other specific meso-level social formations could no doubt be proposed as Additional Committee members in- equally important, I suggest the following as making good sense for linking micro and clude Ruth Chananie, Department of macro levels: markets, socioeconomic classes, organizations, communities. Why these Sociology, Middle Tennessee State four? For one thing, these social formations transcend face-to-face relations, such as University; and Kevin D. Vryan, De- primary groups and social networks. Although network structures extend beyond partment of Sociology, University of personal relationships, they consist fundamentally of the various social ties individuals Indiana-Bloomington. All members have with one another as individuals, either direct or indirect. Network structures can of the selection committee are them- be compared and contrasted, of course, as well as the various positions within them. selves graduate students and are not But networks boil down essentially to individual-level social contacts and relations, eligible for the award. which of course can vary along many different dimensions. (In his theory text published over a decade ago, (1988) included chapters on both networks and It is not necessary to be a member of organizations.) the History of Sociology Section to submit a paper for this award. If you Markets, socioeconomic classes, organizations, and communities can be related in have any questions, please contact varying ways to most commonly cited theoretical perspectives. If we start with the Connie Frey at 402-472-6038 or currently popular rational choice theory, for example, its utilitarian and individualistic [email protected]. See MIDDLE on page 5 Page 4 Perspectives

SCIENTIFIC from page 1 and have not been reproduced; and as a rectness makes it difficult to explore all substantive insight. True, formal theories result, there are very few integrative theo- of the domains of reality that are part of can be more readily tested, but I would ries in the discipline today. Some claim to sociology; and they impose a reign of ter- rather have a loosely-stated theory that says be integrative but these are typically chau- ror for anyone who does not think in “the something important than one that is ele- vinistic claims about the priority of some right way.” While I may share most of gantly packaged but not about a generic process, such as rational choice or sym- the ideological commitments of those social process. The problem with the bolic interaction. The cumulation of who have imposed this reign of terror, I theory construction movement of the knowledge requires pulling together di- cannot think of anything more pernicious 1970s is that it had a mechanical view of verse theoretical approaches; otherwise, than letting ideological commitments how to build theory, converting what is a theorists like their researcher counterparts determine what one can study and what creative process into something akin to simply go their own way and talk only to one can say. Moreover, along with PC the theoretical equivalent of the SSPS each other. has come a distortion in what sociologists manual. Moreover, the theory construc- study. While race, ethnicity, gender, class, tion movement implicitly privileged quan- A second trend has been the revival of and sexuality are very important social titative research, whereas a good many the anti-science movement, in a number forces about which we should theorize, of the really important theoretical insights of guises. One is critical theory which they are not the only processes operating into generic processes in sociology have simply argues that sociological theory in the social world. But today we seem come from qualitative research. Thus, an should be normative, critiquing what is to be somewhat obsessed with these top- unhealthy divide was created: scientific oppressive and articulating more liber- ics. A certain amount of correction is theory and quantitative research, on the ating alternatives. While I agree with the necessary in light of how gender and sex- one side, and non- (or anti-) scientific ideological intent of such theorizing, I find uality were ignored for a good part of theory and qualitative research on the most of it impotent. The liberating alter- sociology’s history, but surely, we can other. Not everyone, of course, adheres natives are generally utopian, and while study other forces as well. to this divide but it persists nonetheless, they may make theorists feel good about and it is very destructive to creative scien- themselves, they rarely would do much A fourth trend is the continued worship tific theorizing. good for people in the real world. For, of the masters. Sociologists still stand in once theory is driven by ideology instead their founders’ shadows rather than on Over the last thirty years, however, even of test-hardened science, the ideology their shoulders. Like any religious sect, more profound divisions have emerged more than reality drives proclamations. many read and re-read the sacred texts in sociology. One trend has been hyper- Another strand of anti-science is post- and engage the appropriate rituals. Many differentiation of the field in general, and modernism which, like critical theory, is have become disciples of St. Marx, St. theory in particular. Theoretical programs driven by an anti-science epistemology. Weber, St. Durkheim, and St. Mead; and are increasingly about particular processes; As a result, we have many pronounce- while it is important to have knowledge and while such focus is useful, theoretical ments on the postmodern condition with- of the history of one’s discipline, the fact sociology has lost in grand theories. Grand out any real tests to see if these are em- that history of ideas constitutes a good theorists, such as Talcott Parons, have died pirically true. To even suggest that these part of what is call sociological theory pronouncements be tested invites derision and that this activity is conducted with such Social Action Systems: Foundation of imposing the criteria of a failed episte- reverence is not healthy for a science. Con- and Synthesis in Sociological mology. As a result, postmodernists take tinual re-reading of the masters does not Theory us into a never-never land of pronounce- increase the reach of our theories; rather, By Thomas J. Fararo ments that may or may not be true, but it confines theoretical inquiry to categories Praeger Publishers, September 2001 we are not permitted to find out since and ideas of the past, some of which will that would be privileging texts that test be part of our theories today but many The book employs a relational process theories. of which should be left behind. What we mode of thought to interpret and as- do in sociology is like physics teaching sess the content and logic of general A third trend that has infected both re- the life and times of Newton in a theory theory in sociology from the standpoint search and theorizing is political correct- course, or of biologists re-reading over the author calls “the spirit of unifica- ness. Today, some topics cannot be ad- and over again Darwin’s On the Origin of tion.” A description and table of con- dressed without stigma (e.g., the effects Species as their theory text. Surely, like tents appears at the publisher’s web site of biological processes on gender); and physics and biology, we should take what at the URL: others must be addressed with certain is useful and move on; we should extract http://info.greenwood.com/books/ clear ideological sympathies (for all who the key insights and build on them, leaving 0275973/027597362x.html are defined as oppressed). Political cor- See SCIENTIFIC on page 7 Perspectives Page 5

MIDDLE from page 3 emphasis is most clearly manifested in Social Theory Conference 2002 market transactions. This includes mar- kets for material goods as well as for non- The International Social Theory Consortium is a association of programmes and material (symbolic or emotional) rewards individual scholars with interests in Social Theory across the social sciences and as well. Once personal relationships are humanities. The group includes many of the 50 programmes worldwide devoted developed, however, pure market dy- to teaching and research in social theory, but welcomes everyone with an interest namics give way to the micro-level dy- in social, political, and cultural theory. Its third annual meeting will take place at the namics of personal relationships. Specifi- Inter-University Centre in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on 1-4 July 2002. The meeting cally, individuals’ self-interests may be will be sponsored by the Centre for Social and Political Thought at the University modified to varying degrees by identifica- of Warwick, UK. Paper and session topics on all areas relating to social theory are tion with the needs and interests of others. invited. We especially welcome proposals that capitalize on the Central-Eastern While rational choice theorists would em- European setting of the conference. All submissions must include at least a 200- phasize the ongoing assessment of bene- word abstract and relevant contact points, including e-mail addresses. Full papers fits of various kinds that individuals re- are desirable but not necessary. There will be a conference fee of 75 US dollars, ceive from all their social relations, the which includes consortium membership. The fee may be waived under excep- formation of socioemotional bonds may tional circumstances. There may also be travel funds for needy scholars. The dead- lead individuals to be sufficiently attuned line for papers and proposals is 1 February 2002. We expect to issue registration to others that they transcend their own forms shortly after that date. For more information about the Social Theory self-interests somewhat and experience Consortium, see http://www.socialtheory.org. For more information about the the pleasures and pains of others as their Inter-University Centre, see http://www.hr/iuc. Send submissions (preferably own. Of course, people may move in and by e-mail) to Ms Frances Jones, Research Secretary, Dept of Sociology, Univer- out of the market for various social and sity of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK. E-mail: [email protected]. emotional rewards, as illustrated, for ex- Fax: +44 2476-523-497. Please clearly state ‘Social Theory Consortium’ in your ample, by the experience of divorce and subject header. remarriage. the growing inequality of pure market employees or members) may begin with Socioeconomic classes may be seen as systems. Conflict and critical theory per- market-type transactions, but once indi- emerging from market transactions in spectives clearly are relevant for analyzing viduals are recruited they are thereby “out which there is inequality in resources that socioeconomic classes and their mobili- of the market,” at least for the time being. individuals bring to their exchange trans- zation. Moreover, personal relationships and actions. In the case of social relationships, network ties of various kinds are devel- we know from the long-established per- The rational choice perspective can also oped in organizational settings. Organiza- spective of exchange theory that imbal- be applied to the formation of formal tions are also sites with the potential for ance resulting from differences in re- organizations (though other perspectives the emergence of a sense of community, sources gives rise to differentiation of may also be used as well). The relevance either within the organization as a whole status and power (Blau 1964). This would of rational choice theory reflects the fact or among certain segments (perhaps apply whether the resources are material, that organizations are deliberately estab- those at the same hierarchical level). cultural, social, or emotional. In markets lished to accomplish goals, either indi- for material goods and economic re- vidual or collective, that individuals can- Although organizations can be analyzed sources, the tendency for inequality to in- not accomplish (or accomplish as effec- in terms of the individualistic interests of crease through market dynamics is per- tively) on their own. However, because those involved, they may also be seen as haps most obvious (see Frank and Cook they are established for collective action, social “systems” (especially since they (1995) for a popular treatment of this dy- their dynamics differ from markets. Or- were designed that way). Thus their in- namic). These dynamics are suggested by ganizational hierarchies of power and ternal processes and external relations Marx’s notion of the narrow “cash authority are deliberately established, as may be analyzed according to the basic nexus” linking capitalist employers and opposed to emerging from individualis- logic of functionalism in terms of whether workers in the labor market in the ab- tic market transactions (though as “cor- or how they contribute to the mainte- sence of community or other types of porate actors” they too are involved in nance or growth of the system, or social bonds. Without the moderating market transactions) (this notion of whether they undermine it. In addition, effects of community ties, some form of “corporate actors” is from Coleman’s organizations are arenas within which collective action through social organiza- (1990) systematic rational choice perspec- various individual and group conflicts tion appears to be necessary to counteract tive). Recruitment of their personnel (as See MIDDLE on page 8 Page 6 Perspectives

GLOBAL from page 2 from the state. This is true, in part, because Second International Social Theory it is obvious that society benefits from Consortium Conference, University the state, for instance by curbing inter- group and interpersonal violence. It also of Sussex, UK, July 2001: A reflects the fact that there are relatively few empirical studies that examine the rela- Participant’s Report tionship between a community’s ability to rely on its norms and informal controls, Austin Harrington, University of Leeds, UK and the availability of laws and public authorities to back up these communal The conference at Sussex was a most enjoyable and illuminating experience. I norms and controls. In addition, histori- think it was the best social science conference I have so far attended. For the first cally (especially in view of past totalitari- time I felt I was speaking to an audience and listening to papers by people who anism and authoritarianism) more atten- all knew exactly what we were talking about, rahter than, as so often for social tion has been paid to protecting society theorists, trying to fit in on the edge of some wider, or rather more likely nar- from the state than to the state’s nurturing rower, agenda. I’m sure many of us had very similar feelings and really appreci- of civil society. ated the chance to exchange ideas in a setting unconstrained by the traditional exclusionary disciplinary boundaries. I felt the conference achieved excatly what If one grants that some kind of global the Consortium has set out to do, namely to overcome the awful feeling of state will be needed if the global society marginality many of us experience as isolated figures working in departments is to stabilize, the following questions arise: dominated by policy-led empirical research. All the papers and discussions were Will it have to be an encompassing one, of an excellent standard, at once pluralistic in approach and focused. We heard akin to national states, or could it be papers ranging from debates over multiple modernities and globalization and limited, for instance, to security and to the state to realism and the future of ‘society’, ethics, values and technology, narrow economic matters such as trade, feminist readings of classical sociology, social space and resistance, eroticism, the but not deal with reallocation of wealth media, post-colonial politics and many other interlocking themes. The extraordi- and welfare? Could such a narrow global nary sense at the end was that all these diverse analyses did indeed come together government be legitimated? And could in a single disciplinary vision that felt empowered to articulate a definite agenda such a government be legitimated without for future social-scientific thinking and to demand the institutional attention it being subject to some kind of a world deserves. I’ve no doubt that the Consortium will rapidly go on the expand in parliament? These theoretical issues are numbers and broaden its reach of participation, both in terms of academic and now, in effect, put to the test on a small student involvement and critical perspectives. scale in the European Union, which so far has formed largely an economic bloc. The question arises whether or not it must Bentham, Jeremy. 1935. An Introduction to Lessig, Lawrence. 1999. Code and Other move toward a full-fledged state (often the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Laws of Cyberspace. New York: Basic referred to as a united states of Europe, New York: Doubleday, Doran. Books. a federation) to be sustainable. If the re- Coleman, James S., Amitai Etzioni and Mathews, Jessica. 1997. “Power Shift.” sponse is in the affirmative, to what extent John Porter, 1970. Macrosociology: Re- Foreign Affairs 76 January/February: 50- could member nations and entities within search and Theory. Boston: Allyn and 66. them maintain a measure of autonomy Bacon. Meyer, John W., John Boli, George M. (an issue flagged as a question of “subsidi- Etzioni, Amitai. 1968. The Active Society: Thomas, and Francisco O. Ramirez. arity”) from the Union government? I do A Theory of Societal and Political Processes. 1997. “World Society and the Nation- not presume that whatever we learn from New York: Free Press. State.” American Journal of Sociology 103 the EU experience will necessarily apply ______. forthcoming 2001. Political Uni- July: 144-81. to other regions, let alone the world, but fication Revisited. Lanham, MD: Lexing- Rosenau, James N. and Ernst-Otto it serves to highlight the challenging issues ton Books. Czempiel, eds. 1992. Governance without sociological theory might help to illu- Havel, Václav. 1999. “Beyond the Nation- Government: Order and Change in World minate (Etzioni 1968). State,” Responsive Community 9 Summer: Politics. Cambridge: Cambridge Uni- 26-33. versity Press. References Lehman, Edward W. 1977. Political Society: Young, Oran R. 1999. Governance in World Barlow, John Perry. 1996. “A Declaration A Macrosociology of Politics. New York: Affairs. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University of the Independence of Cyberspace.” Press. Press. Humanist 56 May/June: 18. Perspectives Page 7

SCIENTIFIC from page 4 ways that arrest theorizing at all levels of principles, using illustrations and exercises the rest of the classics to historians of the reality. I find these debates rather sterile to make them understandable to discipline. Our founders should be foot- and not productive because they are couch- students. Gone would be boxes, car- notes, and their ideas so incorporated into ed at such a general, philosophical level. It toons, and empty reviews of theoretical our explanatory principles that the life and would be much more healthy to see perspectives. If my dream were pursued, times of these founders are irrelevant in theorists developing models and principles sociology would be a much smaller dis- theory circles. about agency and structure as well as cipline, but it would be a natural science micro, meso, and macro processes; and that would enjoy more respect and, I A fifth trend is the continued teaching of then, we would have something to work might add, have more relevance to re- introductory sociology in the same old with as we sort through the larger meta- solving social problems facing the world way. Our introductory texts look much theoretical issues. The word, meta, means today. A theoretically mature sociology the same, not so much because we have to come after, and yet much meta-theory is, I believe, the best prospect for achiev- consensus over what is important but be- in sociology comes before we have any ing the ends of critical theory. Sadly, my cause each book tries to copy the market theory to meta-theorize about. vision is as utopian as any critical theo- leader. The books have changed very little rists, and perhaps as out of sync with from ’ 1948 text where the These, then, are some unhealthy trends in empirical reality as the pronouncements modern format first appeared. Sure, we theoretical sociology that present road- of some postmodernists. Still, I have have added materials; for political cor- blocks to scientific sociology. These road- hope that some of the trends in soci- rectness, we have added some new theo- blocks are not likely to go away, and this ology and theorizing can be arrested, if retical founders; and in light of the con- is, for me at least, a depressing fact of in- not reversed. Whatever the many flaws cern with previously neglected topics, such tellectual life in sociology. Yet, I can still of theorizing in the 1950s and 1960s, as gender, we have appropriately added dream that sociology will come to its there was at least the sense that sociology materials. But the books are not driven senses and begin to re-orient itself in sever- could do something important and that by theory. They are not organized around al new directions. First, we should recog- it could take its place at the table of generic properties and processes of the nize that the social world unfolds at dif- science. Today, there seems to be a smug social universe, but rather, they are appeals ferent levels: the micro, meso, and macro. cynicism about sociology’s prospects, to market forces. Color, cartoons, boxes, These are analytical distinctions, to be sure, coupled with a determination to make and all kinds of materials to make socio- but they actually reflect the way the social it a watered down humanities drowning logy interesting are now part of any text; world is constructed. Second, we should in its own discourse. what is missing is any effort to organize try to discover the generic forces that drive materials in light of theoretical principles. the formation of social and cultural struc- Oops! tures at each level of reality. Third, we True, there is almost always a discussion We made a mistake last issue. Please should then develop models and principles of theoretical perspectives—conflict, note that the correct email address for that explain their operative dynamics. And, functionalism, exchange, interactionism, James J. Chriss, Cleveland State Uni- fourth, these models and principles should and the like—but these are phrased so versity, is: be tested with the most appropriate meth- generally as to be vacuous. We now have [email protected] many interesting theories in sociology that odology (more often than not qualitative). In my dream world, introductory sociol- develop explicit explanatory principles, Our apologies, The Editors but one would be hard pressed to find ogy texts would be organized around these them in an introductory text. Indeed, it is difficult to find them in most theory texts. Call for Papers A sixth trend is the perpetuation of certain Sociological Practice: A Journal of Clinical and Applied Sociology. This is long-standing debates. One is, of course, a call for papers for a special issue, “Impact of Contemporary Theory on Socio- the prospect for scientific sociology. But logical Practice.” The issue will focus on contemporary theorists who have or other debates occupy too much of our should have significant impact on sociological practice assessing their influence or time. For example, agency versus structure potential influence on, for example, practitioner goals, values, client selection, and micro vs. macro issues consume a intervention strategies, theoretical orientations, methodologies, ethics, organiza- considerable amount of ener- tion or the status of sociology as a discipline. Deadline March 1, 2002. Submit gy. Agency vs. structure is often conflated papers to Bob Dotzler, SP Guest Editor, 1216 Lago Road, Chesapeake, VA with science vs. anti-science debate, and 23322-7147 USA. See “Instructions for Contributors” on the Sociological Prac- the micro-macro issue more often tries tice Association website: http://www/socpractice.org. For additional informa- to privilege the micro over the macro in tion, contact the guest editor at [email protected]. Page 8 Perspectives

MIDDLE from page 5 occur, both within and especially be- Shils-Coleman Memorial Award tween different hierarchical levels. In fact, consistent with the basic orientation of Competition critical theory, probably most formal organizations could be critically evaluated The ASA’s Theory Section invites submissions for the Shils-Coleman Memorial with an eye to increasing opportunities for Award. This is an annual prize for the best submitted social theory paper by a empowerment of their members, pro- current graduate student. The award consists of $500 in travel money for attend- viding greater equality, and expanding ing the annual meeting of the ASA. Eligible papers include a paper that has been opportunities for human fulfillment. published or accepted for publication, a paper presented or accepted for presen- tation at a professional meeting, or a paper suitable for publication or presenta- The contrast between organizations and tion. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2002. The recipient will be con- communities can be traced back to tacted by June 1, 2002, and a public presentation of the award will be made at Tönnies’ well-known distinction between the 2002 ASA annual meeting in August. Electronic submission as an attached file Gesellschaft and Gemeinschaft. Communities in a standard word-processing format is strongly encouraged. Please submit your may be analyzed as based on socioemo- paper to: [email protected]. However, paper submission is also acceptable. tional bonds, real or imagined. In contrast Please mail to: Michael Bell, Chair, Graduate Student Paper Committee, Depart- to the way organizations reflect rational ment of Sociology, 107 East Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA, 50011. choices oriented toward individual or Note that the recipient of the award will be asked to provide evidence of gradu- collective goals, communities emerge ate student status at the time of submission. from people’s sense of having emotional munity as ideal” (e.g., Putnam 2000). lated in various ways to these various bonds with “fellow members” because Whether or not a community is capable of meso-level social formations. of perceived similarities. These similarities collective action depends on whether or may involve shared values or interests, not it is organized. Neighborhood resi- Despite its micro-level emphasis the sym- common experiences, or overlapping dents, for example, may not necessarily bolic interactionist perspective can be “memories” grounded in traditions that have actual relationships with one another seen as a foundation for all these social differentiate them from outsiders. Be- or be organized for collective action – formations because of its emphasis on the cause the sense of belonging is based on even though they may idealize the concept fundamental importance of communica- people’s feelings, the community is a type of neighborliness and contrast their image tion and the way the self-concept is in- of social formation for which the soci- of cohesive communities of the past with volved in all aspects of social life. Students ology of emotions is particularly apt (e.g., their present lack of neighborliness. The should have no trouble appreciating the Scheff 1997). degree to which a community is stratified centrality of their own self-concepts in in terms of socioeconomic or other cri- their own social world and how their Communities may be based on residential teria varies greatly in different communi- identities are shaped or expressed in the location (as in everyday life notions of ties. In general, we would expect socio- context of these four meso-level social community), organizational involvement, emotional bonds to be stronger among formations. or on abstract categories (such as the aca- people who are roughly equal in status. demic community, for example, or the References business or art community). Although The competing theories that make up our Blau, Peter M. 1964. Exchange and Power in community identification is likely to be field can be compared and contrasted in Social Life. New York: Wiley. strengthened by actual social relationships terms of how they apply to the differ- Coleman, James S. 1990. Foundations of with fellow-members, the abstract sense ences in the dynamics of markets, socio- Social Theory. Cambridge, MA: Bel- of community transcends personal rela- economic classes, organizations, and knap Press of Harvard Univ. Press. tionships. Even when people don’t know communities. These intermediate level Collins, Randall. 1988. Theoretical Sociology. their neighbors, for example, they still social formations, described all too brief- San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace may identify with their residential com- ly above, are ones that our students surely Jovanovich. munity. Political leaders often seek to in- experience in everyday life – and to which Frank, Robert H. and Philip J. Cook. voke a sense of community as a rhetori- they can relate more easily than to the type 1995. The Winner-Take-All Society. New cal device to promote cohesion and enlist of discourse reflected in most theory York: Free Press. political support. Critical analyses of our texts. More importantly, our various Putnam, Robert D. 2000. Bowling Alone. society that appeal for a renewed sense of theories, including the social exchange and New York: Simon & Schuster. community, either locally or nationally, to rational choice perspectives, functional- Scheff, Thomas J. 1997. Emotions, the Social counteract the high level of individualism ism, conflict theory, critical theory, and the Bond, and Human Reality. Cambridge, in our society reflect the notion of “com- sociology of emotions can readily be re- UK: Cambridge University Press.