Late Modernity in Crisis

Andreas Reckwitz and Hartmut Rosa provide social theories that analyze modernity as a social formation and aim to diagnose the crises of the present. This book examines the value and limits of their theories and demonstrates the importance of bold social theory for understanding modern societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

In the face of entrenched social upheaval and numerous crises, we require social theory that possesses the capacity to examine the broader landscape, analyze the intricate developmental characteristics of modern societies, their structural frameworks, and dynamics, and suggest potential solutions to the challenges we confront. Over the past few decades, two German sociologists, Andreas Reckwitz and Hartmut Rosa, have dedicated themselves to developing comprehensive social theories that align with this vision. While their theories may diverge in certain aspects, they share a common belief that the study of modernity as a social formation should remain central to sociology, and that the theory of society should ultimately serve as a tool for diagnosing the crises of our time.

In this insightful book, Andreas Reckwitz and Hartmut Rosa collaborate to explore the significance and boundaries of a theory of society in the contemporary era. They offer lucid and concise explanations of their respective theories of society, elucidate their key concepts, such as singularization in Reckwitz's perspective and acceleration and "resonance" in Rosa's approach. Furthermore, they extend the implications of their theories to shed light on the diverse crises we currently face. The outcome is a remarkable work that serves as both an excellent introduction to the profound insights of two of the most influential sociologists of our time and a compelling testament to the value of the bold social theory that they advocate.

Through their collaborative efforts, Reckwitz and Rosa provide a comprehensive exploration of the theoretical landscape, offering valuable insights into the complexities of modern societies. Their theories, while distinct, share a common thread: the recognition of modernity as a social formation that demands attention and analysis. They advocate for a theory of society that is capable of diagnosing the crises we face, providing a framework for understanding and addressing these challenges.

In the book, Reckwitz and Rosa present their theories with clarity and precision, making them accessible to a wide audience. They offer insightful explanations of their key concepts, drawing upon various social, cultural, and economic factors that shape our societies. By examining the implications of their theories, they shed light on the complex web of factors that contribute to the crises we face, including economic inequality, social injustice, and environmental degradation.

Furthermore, the book highlights the importance of a bold social theory in navigating the complexities of modern societies. Reckwitz and Rosa argue that traditional sociological approaches, which often focus on individual behavior and small-scale social groups, are insufficient to understand the broader dynamics of modern societies. They advocate for a more holistic approach that takes into account the structural conditions and dynamics of societies, recognizing the interconnectedness of different social systems.

One of the key concepts explored in the book is singularization, which refers to the increasing differentiation and specialization of social structures and institutions. Reckwitz argues that this process has led to a fragmentation of social life, with individuals and groups becoming increasingly isolated and disconnected. He suggests that the theory of society should be able to address the challenges posed by singularization, such as the rise of social inequality, the decline of social cohesion, and the loss of collective identity.

Rosa, on the other hand, emphasizes the concept of acceleration and "resonance" in the analysis of modern societies. He argues that the pace of social change has accelerated significantly in recent decades, driven by technological advancements, global interconnectedness, and economic globalization. Rosa suggests that the theory of society should be able to account for the dynamics of acceleration, including the emergence of new social movements, the breakdown of traditional institutions, and the emergence of new forms of power and authority.

Through their collaborative work, Reckwitz and Rosa provide a valuable contribution to the field of sociology. Their book offers a comprehensive exploration of the value and limitations of a theory of society in the contemporary era. It provides a clear and concise account of their own theories, elucidating their key concepts and drawing out the implications for understanding the multiple crises we face today. By advocating for a bold social theory that recognizes the interconnectedness of different social systems, they offer a framework for addressing the challenges we confront and building a more resilient and inclusive society.

In conclusion, this book by Andreas Reckwitz and Hartmut Rosa is a must-read for anyone interested in social theory and the challenges we face in the contemporary world. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the value and boundaries of a theory of society, offering valuable insights into the complexities of modern societies. Through their collaborative work, Reckwitz and Rosa provide a framework for addressing the challenges we confront and building a more resilient and inclusive society. Their theories, while distinct, share a common belief in the importance of studying modernity as a social formation and the role of the theory of society in diagnosing and addressing the crises we face. This book is a testament to the power of social theory and the potential for positive change in our world.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509556298