Rethinking Modernity: Postcolonialism and the Sociological Imagination

The second edition of this influential book addresses how the experiences and claims of non-European ‘others’ have been rendered invisible to the standard narratives and analytical frameworks of sociological understandings of modernity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 257 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The second edition of this influential book delves into the invisibility of non-European 'others' within the standard narratives and analytical frameworks of sociological understandings of modernity. By challenging the dominant Euro-centred accounts of modernity's emergence and development, Bhambra presents an argument for 'connected histories' in the reconstruction of historical sociology at a global level. This updated version of the original, published in 2007, includes a new preface that explores key themes further developed by Bhambra in the intervening years. Specifically, it examines how the rethinking of modernity empowers us to reconstruct sociology and advocates for a reparatory sociology committed to repairing the social sciences and securing global justice.

The book's central premise is that the experiences and claims of non-European 'others' have been marginalized and overlooked by mainstream sociological discourse. Bhambra argues that this omission has resulted in a narrow and incomplete understanding of the complex and diverse processes that have shaped modern societies. To address this issue, the book proposes a reconceptualization of modernity that incorporates the perspectives and experiences of non-European 'others'.

Through a series of case studies and comparative analyses, Bhambra demonstrates how the dominant narratives of modernity have obscured the contributions and struggles of non-European societies. He highlights the ways in which these societies have been shaped by colonialism, imperialism, and globalization, and how they have responded to these forces in unique and innovative ways. The book also explores the ways in which non-European 'others' have challenged and subverted the dominant narratives of modernity, through movements such as decolonization, feminist movements, and environmental activism.

In addition to its critical analysis of the invisibility of non-European 'others' in sociological discourse, the book offers a vision for a more inclusive and equitable future. Bhambra advocates for a global sociology that recognizes the interconnectedness of all societies and that seeks to address the social, economic, and political inequalities that perpetuate marginalization and oppression. He calls for a reparatory sociology that is committed to repairing the damage caused by historical and contemporary forms of injustice and that works towards the creation of a more just and sustainable world.

The second edition of this influential book is a valuable contribution to the field of historical sociology and beyond. It challenges readers to think critically about the ways in which dominant narratives of modernity have shaped our understanding of the world and offers a path towards a more inclusive and equitable future. By incorporating the perspectives and experiences of non-European 'others' into our understanding of modernity, we can create a more comprehensive and accurate account of the complex and diverse processes that have shaped our world.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031215391
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2023