The Sociological Inheritance of the 1960s: Historical Reflections on a Decade of Changing Thought

The 1960s were a time of pioneering changes in international politics, science, culture, and art, and The Sociological Inheritance of the 1960s explores the continuities and departures in the field of sociology over the past several decades. Jiří Šubrt provides an overview of society in the '60s, discussing new concepts, methodological approaches, controversies, and debates, and how sociology formed part of a wider landscape of creative explosion. The book inspires an enriched understanding of a legacy still relevant to current issues and concerns.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2023
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

The 1960s were a transformative decade that brought about significant advancements in international politics, science, culture, and art. When we apply this historical lens to the study of sociology, we can observe both the continuities and the departures that the field has experienced over the past several decades. In this essay, we will explore the sociological inheritance of the 1960s, focusing on the concepts, methodologies, controversies, and debates that emerged during this period.

Society in the 1960s was characterized by a sense of social change and upheaval. The decade saw the rise of new social movements, such as the civil rights movement and the women's liberation movement, which challenged traditional social structures and demanded equality and justice for marginalized groups. This period also witnessed the emergence of new technologies, such as the internet and social media, which have transformed the way we communicate and interact with each other.

In terms of sociological concepts, the 1960s saw the emergence of several important ideas. One of the most significant was the concept of "structuralism," which emphasized the importance of social structures and institutions in shaping individual behavior and social outcomes. Structuralism was influenced by the work of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and was used to analyze the social and economic inequalities that existed in society. Another important concept was "conflict theory," which argued that social conflicts are inevitable and that they are driven by power inequalities and social hierarchies. Conflict theory was influenced by the work of Karl Marx and Antonio Gramsci and was used to analyze social movements and political conflicts.

Methodologically, the 1960s saw the emergence of several new approaches to sociological research. One of the most significant was the "ethnographic" approach, which involved immersing oneself in a particular community or culture to observe and document the social practices and beliefs of its members. Ethnographic research was pioneered by anthropologists such as Margaret Mead and Clifford Geertz and was used to study a wide range of topics, including culture, religion, and social organization. Another important methodological approach was "participatory action research," which involved collaborating with community members to develop solutions to social problems. Participatory action research was pioneered by sociologists such as Paulo Freire and was used to promote social change and empowerment.

Despite the many advancements that were made in the 1960s, the decade was also marked by controversies and debates. One of the most significant was the debate over "decolonization," which involved the process of dismantling colonial empires and promoting self-determination for colonized peoples. The debate over decolonization was influenced by the work of anti-colonial activists such as Nelson Mandela and was used to analyze the social and economic consequences of colonialism. Another significant controversy was the debate over "feminism," which involved the struggle for gender equality and the recognition of women's rights. The debate over feminism was influenced by the work of feminist activists such as Betty Friedan and was used to analyze the social and economic consequences of gender inequality.

Sociology played a significant role in these debates and controversies. Sociologists used their research to analyze the social and economic structures that perpetuated social inequalities and to develop strategies for promoting social change. For example, sociologists used their research to analyze the social and economic consequences of colonialism and to develop strategies for promoting decolonization and self-determination for colonized peoples. Sociologists also used their research to analyze the social and economic consequences of gender inequality and to develop strategies for promoting gender equality and women's rights.

In conclusion, the 1960s were a transformative decade that brought about significant advancements in international politics, science, culture, and art. When we apply this historical lens to the study of sociology, we can observe both the continuities and the departures that the field has experienced over the past several decades. The sociological inheritance of the 1960s is rich and complex, and it provides us with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that we face today. By studying the sociological concepts, methodologies, controversies, and debates of the 1960s, we can better understand the social structures and institutions that shape our world and develop strategies for promoting social change and equality.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803828060