Description
This book argues that history and sociology share the same vital preoccupation: the desire to unravel the puzzle of human agency. How do large-scale social transformations occur, and what is the role of the individual in them? Phil Abrams devotes three chapters to the development of industrialism and scrutinizes, in that connection, the theories of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. Subsequent chapters consider Talcott Parsons and the debate on "convergence"; the formation of "states"; the idea of the "event" as a legitimate concern of history and sociology; individuals and sociological generations; deviancy and revolution; and a final chapter on the limits of historical sociology.
Reviews
Abrams is genial and persuasive in arguing that history must be sociological, and sociology historical, if they are to pursue their respective missions well. It is an important addition to the discourse across these tribal boundaries.
* American Historical Review *Book Information
ISBN 9780801492433
Author Philip Abrams
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Cornell University Press
Publisher Cornell University Press
Weight(grams) 907g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 25mm
