Defining the Age: Daniel Bell, His Time and Ours

Daniel Bell was an acute observer of the structural forces transforming the United States and other advanced societies in the twentieth century. Paul Starr and Julian E. Zelizer's book, Defining the Age, brings together distinguished contributors to consider how well Bell's ideas captured their historical moment and provide profound insights into today's world. Essays demonstrate how Bell's writing has informed thinking about socialism, the roots of the radical right, the emerging postindustrial society, and the role of the university.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The sociologist Daniel Bell was an exceptionally perceptive observer of the structural forces that shaped the United States and other advanced societies during the twentieth century. The titles of his major books, such as "The End of Ideology" (1960), "The Coming of Post-Industrial Society" (1973), and "The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism" (1976), became highly influential frameworks for understanding the era they were published. In "Defining the Age," Paul Starr and Julian E. Zelizer assemble a distinguished group of contributors to assess the extent to which Bell's ideas captured the historical context of their time and remain relevant in our contemporary world. The book comprises a collection of wide-ranging essays that demonstrate how Bell's writing has influenced the understanding of various subjects, including the history of socialism, the origins of the radical right, the emergence of post-industrial society, and the role of the university. Additionally, the book delves into Bell's intellectual journey and his unique political stance, which he described as "a socialist in economics, a liberal in politics, and a conservative in culture." He resisted being pigeonholed, particularly as a neoconservative.

"Defining the Age" features essays from historians Jenny Andersson, David A. Bell, Michael Kazin, and Margaret OMara; sociologist Steven Brint; media scholar Fred Turner; and political theorists Jan-Werner Müller and Stefan Eich. While these contributors may have differing perspectives, they all agree on one fundamental point: Bell's ideas merit the thorough and nuanced examination they receive in this book.

Through their essays, the contributors to "Defining the Age" shed light on the enduring significance of Daniel Bell's thought and its ability to provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of contemporary society. Bell's writings have shaped the understanding of socialism, the radical right, post-industrialism, and the role of the university, and his ideas continue to resonate with scholars and policymakers alike. This book serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of a visionary sociologist who left an indelible mark on the field of social analysis.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231203661