The Sociology of Power

The Sociology of Power is a 1977 book that provides a comprehensive comparative study of domination by placing empirical research in political and industrial sociology in a theoretical framework derived from Marxism and social exchange theory. Roderick Martin argues that conventional definitions of 'political sociology' are no longer relevant and that a more general definition is needed based on the analytical concepts of sociological theory. The book examines the distribution of power under different systems of labor exploitation, including slavery, feudalism, and capitalism, and shows the extent and importance of this dispersal by discussing power relations within industrial and political organizations. Martin offers a persuasive redefinition of the sociology of politics, making it a must-read for scholars and researchers of sociology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1977, The Sociology of Power presents a comprehensive comparative study in the sociology of domination, placing empirical research in political and industrial sociology within a theoretical framework derived from Marxism and social exchange theory. Roderick Martin argues that conventional definitions of 'political sociology' are no longer relevant, having been replaced by a revival of interest in wider problems that require new theoretical positions. He advocates for a more general definition based on the analytical concepts of sociological theory.

The book is organized into three initial general chapters that situate the study within the social action tradition and delve into detailed discussions of definition and measurement. The major part of the book examines the distribution of power under different systems of labor exploitation, including slavery, feudalism, and, most prominently, capitalism. Professor Martin posits that power is most concentrated in slavery, most dispersed in capitalism, and demonstrates the extent and importance of this dispersal through a detailed analysis of power relations within industrial and political organizations, including trade unions and a critique of contemporary elitist theories.

By reorienting political sociology around the concept of power and analyzing the conventionally distinct fields of industrial and political sociology within a common theoretical framework, Roderick Martin offers a persuasive redefinition of the sociology of politics. This book is a must-read for scholars and researchers in the field of sociology.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032639048