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The Cambridge Companion to Durkheim

The Cambridge Companion to Durkheim

The Cambridge Companion to Durkheim

Editors:
Jeffrey C. Alexander, Yale University, Connecticut
Philip Smith, Yale University, Connecticut
Jeffrey C. Alexander, Philip Smith, Marcel Fournier, Philippe Besnard, Robert Alun Jones, Randall Collins, Karen E. Fields, Robert N. Bellah, Chris Shilling, Roger Friedland, Alexander Riley, Edward Tiryakian, David B. Grusky, Gabriela Galescu, Zygmunt Baumann, Mark Cladis
Published:
June 2005
Availability:
Available
Format:
Paperback
ISBN:
9780521001519

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    Long recognised as a foundational figure in the development of social scientific thought, Emile Durkheim's work has been the subject of intense debate over the years. This authoritative and comprehensive collection of essays re-examines the impact of Durkheim's thought, considering the historical contexts of his work as well as evaluating his ideas in relation to current issues and controversies. Eminent authorities in the field have contributed to this up-to-date overview, giving the reader - both students and academics - a chance to engage directly with leading figures in the field about contemporary trends, ideas and dilemmas. This volume reflects the cross-disciplinary application of Durkheim's theories and will interest scholars of anthropology, political science, cultural studies and philosophy, as well as sociology. This is a landmark volume that redefines the relevance of Durkheim to the human sciences in the twenty-first century.

    • Comprehensive account of Durkheim's work and influence
    • Brings together traditional Durkheim studies and more contemporary approaches
    • Outstanding list of contributors including leading social theorists and Durkheim scholars

    Reviews & endorsements

    "This book is a collection of essays on Emile Durkheim edited by Jeffrey Alexander and Philip Smith and is one of the few anthologies to appear on Durkheim in many years. Its main aim is to examine the impact of Durkheim's writings by reconsidering the historical context of his work in the light of the recent resurgence of interest in Durkheim world wide." --Ken Morrison, Canadian Journal of Sociology Onlince

    “A welcome addition to an understanding of Durkheim's accomplishments and appreciation of his influence.” --Choice

    Product details

    • Published: June 2005
    • Format: Hardback
    • ISBN: 9780521806725
    • Length: 442 pages
    • Dimensions: 236 × 160 × 30 mm
    • Weight: 0.824kg
    • Contains: 6 tables
    • Availability: Available

    Table of Contents

    • 1. Introduction: The New Durkheim Jeffrey C. Alexander and Philip Smith
    • Part I. Life, Context and Ideas:
    • 2. Durkheim, life and context: something new about Durkheim? Marcel Fournier
    • 3. Durkheim's squares: types of social pathology and types of suicide Philippe Besnard
    • 4. Practices and presuppositions: some questions about Durkheim and 'Les Formes Elementaires de la vie religieuse' Robert Alun Jones
    • 5. The Durkheimian movement in France and world sociology Randall Collins
    • 6. The inner development of Durkheim's sociological theory: from early writings to maturity Jeffrey C. Alexander
    • 7. What difference does translation make: 'Les Formes Elementaires de la vie religieuse' in French and English Karen E. Fields
    • Part II. Symbols, Rituals and Bodies. 8. Durkheim and ritual Robert N. Bellah
    • 9. Embodiment, emotions and the foundations of social order: Durkheim's enduring contribution Chris Shilling
    • 10. Drag Kings at the Totem Ball: the erotics of collective representation in Emile Durkheim Roger Friedland
    • 11. 'Renegade Durkheimianism' and the transgressive left sacred Alexander Riley
    • Part III. Solidarity, Difference and Morality:
    • 12. Durkheim, solidarity and September 11 Edward A. Tiryakian
    • 13. Foundations of class analysis: a Durkheimian perspective David B. Grusky with Gabriela Galescu
    • 14. Durkheim's society revisited Zygmunt Baumann
    • 15. Beyond solidarity? Durkheim and twenty-first century democracy in a global age Mark Cladis
    • Appendix 1. Works by Durkheim and selected further reading.

    Contributors

    Jeffrey C. Alexander, Philip Smith, Marcel Fournier, Philippe Besnard, Robert Alun Jones, Randall Collins, Karen E. Fields, Robert N. Bellah, Chris Shilling, Roger Friedland, Alexander Riley, Edward Tiryakian, David B. Grusky, Gabriela Galescu, Zygmunt Baumann, Mark Cladis

    Editors

    Jeffrey C. Alexander , Yale University, Connecticut

    Jeffrey C. Alexander is Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology, Yale University and Co-Director of the Center for Cultural Sociology. He has published extensively in the areas of sociological theory and cultural sociology.

    Philip Smith , Yale University, Connecticut

    Philip Smith is Assistant Professor of Sociology and Associate Director of the Center for Cultural Sociology, University of Yale.