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The Decomposition of Sociology,Used
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Sociology, writes Irving Louis Horowitz, has changed from a central discipline of the social sciences to an ideological outpost of political extremism. As a result, the field is in crisis. Some departments have been shut down, others cut back, research programs have dried up, and the growth ofprofessional organizations and student enrollments have been either curbed or atrophied. In The Decomposition of Sociology, Professor Horowitz, for four decades a leading social scientist, offers a frank and full account of the maelstrom engulfing this field.Horowitz pulls no punches in this provocative volume. He charges that much contemporary sociological theory has degenerated into pure critique, strongly influenced by Marxist dogmatism. Such thinking has a strong element of antiAmerican and antiWestern bias, in which all questions have oneanswerthe evil of capitalismand all problems one solutionthe good of socialism. In criminology, for instance, he shows that high crime rates are seen as an expression of capitalist disintegration, and criminal behavior a covert expression of radical action. Indeed, in one area after another,Horowitz shows how this same formulaic thinking dominates the field, resulting in a crude reductionist view of contemporary social life. At a time when the world is moving closer to the free market and democratic norms, he concludes, such reductionist tendencies and ideological posturings areoutmoded.Horowitz offers an alternative. He urges a larger vision of the social sciences, one in which universities, granting agencies and research institutes provide an environment in which research may be untainted by partisan agencieswhere policy choices will not be hindered by the prevailing culturalclimate. He counsels sociologists to move away from blind advocacy, to meet the challenges of the twentyfirst century by incorporating the knowledge of other times and places, and to take into account the shrinking globein short, to develop and maintain a new set of universal standards in thisera of a world culture.Here then is an eloquent plea for a revolution in sociology, written by one of the field's foremost figures. It offers as well a cautionary tale about the potentially devastating effect of ideology on scholarly pursuits.
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- Q: How many pages does The Decomposition of Sociology have? A: This book has two hundred eighty-eight pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of sociology's current state and challenges.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The Decomposition of Sociology is a hardcover book. This type of binding offers durability and a premium feel.
- Q: What are the dimensions of The Decomposition of Sociology? A: The book measures six point four six inches in length, one point one inches in width, and nine point five inches in height. These dimensions make it a standard-sized hardcover.
- Q: Who is the author of The Decomposition of Sociology? A: The author is Irving Louis Horowitz. He is recognized as a leading social scientist with over four decades of experience.
- Q: What is the main topic of The Decomposition of Sociology? A: The book focuses on the ideological crisis within the field of sociology. It critiques contemporary sociological theories and promotes a broader vision for the discipline.
- Q: Is The Decomposition of Sociology suitable for college students? A: Yes, this book is suitable for college students studying sociology or related fields. It offers critical insights that can enrich their understanding of social sciences.
- Q: How should I handle The Decomposition of Sociology to keep it in good condition? A: To maintain the book's condition, store it upright in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: Can I read The Decomposition of Sociology without prior knowledge of sociology? A: Yes, you can read this book without prior knowledge of sociology. However, some concepts may be more challenging without a background in the subject.
- Q: How do I clean The Decomposition of Sociology if it gets dirty? A: To clean the book, gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions that could damage the material.
- Q: What age group is The Decomposition of Sociology appropriate for? A: This book is appropriate for ages sixteen and older. It tackles complex themes that may require maturity to fully understand.
- Q: Is The Decomposition of Sociology a good choice for someone interested in political ideology? A: Yes, this book is a good choice for those interested in political ideology. It critiques Marxist influences in sociology and discusses their implications.
- Q: What if The Decomposition of Sociology arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or replacement. Most sellers have policies in place for such situations.
- Q: Does The Decomposition of Sociology have academic references? A: Yes, the book contains academic references. It supports its arguments with scholarly citations, making it a valuable resource for research.
- Q: How does The Decomposition of Sociology compare to other sociology texts? A: This book stands out for its critical perspective on contemporary theories. It contrasts with more traditional sociology texts that may not address ideological biases.
- Q: Is The Decomposition of Sociology suitable for professionals in the field? A: Yes, professionals in sociology will find this book valuable. It presents a critical analysis that can inform their practice and research.
- Q: What is the publisher of The Decomposition of Sociology? A: The book is published by Oxford University Press, USA. This publisher is known for its high-quality academic publications.