The Political Durkheim: Sociology, Socialism, Legacies

This book explores Durkheim's political sociology, highlighting his libertarian socialism and its influence on his sociological critique and search for alternatives. It challenges the conservative interpretation of his legacy and explores his experiences of racialization as a Jew. It offers a fresh perspective on Durkheim and appeals to scholars and students in social theory and political sociology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book presents Durkheim as a significant political sociologist, inspired by and advocating socialism. Through a series of studies, it argues that Durkheim's normative vision, which can be called libertarian socialism, shaped his sociological critique and search for alternatives. With attention to the value of this political sociology as a means of understanding our contemporary world, the author asks us to look again at Durkheim. While Durkheim's legacy has often emphasized the supposed conservative elements and stability advocated in his thought, we can point to a different legacy, one of a radical sociology. In dialogue with the decolonial critique, this volume also asks, "Was Durkheim white?" and in doing so shows how, as a Jew, he experienced significant racialization in his lifetime. A new reading and a vital image of a 'political Durkheim' will appeal to scholars and students with interests in Durkheim, social theory, and political sociology.

This book presents Durkheim as a significant political sociologist, inspired by and advocating socialism. Through a series of studies, it argues that Durkheim's normative vision, which can be called libertarian socialism, shaped his sociological critique and search for alternatives. With attention to the value of this political sociology as a means of understanding our contemporary world, the author asks us to look again at Durkheim. While Durkheim's legacy has often emphasized the supposed conservative elements and stability advocated in his thought, we can point to a different legacy, one of a radical sociology. In dialogue with the decolonial critique, this volume also asks, "Was Durkheim white?" and in doing so shows how, as a Jew, he experienced significant racialization in his lifetime. A new reading and a vital image of a 'political Durkheim' will appeal to scholars and students with interests in Durkheim, social theory, and political sociology.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367894436