Sociological Theory for Digital Society: The Codes that Bind Us Together

The digital revolution has challenged sociological theory and requires adaptation to new social realities. Ori Schwarz's book explores how digitalization poses challenges to different strands of sociological theory and offers paths to adapt them. It questions how symbolic interactionism, new digitally mediated forms of human association, social capital, power structures, and labor depart from work in a digital society.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

The digital revolution has brought about significant changes in various aspects of social life, challenging the foundations of sociological theory. In his timely book, Ori Schwarz delves into the main challenges posed by digitalization and explores ways for sociological theory to adapt to the new social realities.

One of the central questions addressed by Schwarz is how symbolic interactionism would evolve in a world where interactions no longer occur within bounded situations and are instead documented as durable digital objects. He questions how we should understand new digitally mediated forms of human association that connect individuals but differ from traditional collectives. Additionally, he explores why these forms are not simply classified as social networks.

Schwarz also examines the transformation of social capital when it takes on a digital form, and how it reshapes power structures. He questions what happens to our understanding of power when faced with the emergence of new algorithmic forms of power. Furthermore, he explores the implications of labor departing from work in the digital age.

By posing and addressing these intriguing questions, Schwarz provides critical tools for students and scholars of social theory and digital society to engage with them. The book serves as a blueprint for future sociological theory in our digital society, offering insights into the evolving nature of social interactions and the challenges and opportunities they present.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509542970