Socio-cultural Systems:
Principles of Structure and Change
Frank W. Elwell
Macrosociology—the study
of large-scale social structures and the fundamental principles of social
organization—was the style of sociology practiced by the founders of the
discipline. Today, the social theories of Karl Marx, Max Weber, Émile Durkheim,
and Herbert Spencer (among others) are commonly studied as part of the history
of the field, but, although the macrosociological approach that these thinkers
advocated is still employed, it no longer dominates the discipline. Instead,
sociologists typically adopt a narrower focus, specializing in areas such as
social psychology, medicine, religion, or the study of social stratification.
Examining the bigger picture is a task often left to public intellectuals.
Sociocultural Systems aims to reinstate macrosciology as the heart of the
discipline by demonstrating that both classical and contemporary
macrosociologists stand upon common ground. Focusing on the broad issues that
concerned the founders, Elwell addresses questions such as: Historically, what
factors accounted for the origin, survival, and evolution of sociocultural
systems? Why were some societies more technologically advanced than others?
What is the origin of capitalism? What factors determine the allocation of
goods and services within and among societies? What effects do changes in
government and economic institutions have on communities? Elwell argues that,
as evolution does for biology, the macrosociological paradigm offers an
analytical strategy that can be used both to guide and prioritize research in
all of the myriad specialties within sociology and to lay forth an orderly body
of knowledge for students. Clearly articulating important sociological
principles, Sociocultural Systems provides a critical understanding of social
institutions and issues, while also furnishing a framework for possible
solutions to the perennial social crises that are part and parcel of the
development of human societies.
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Author(s)
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Frank W. Elwell
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Place of Publication
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Canada
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Publisher
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Athabasca University
Press
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Publication year
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2013
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ISBN
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9781927356210
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Total pages
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403
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Language
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English
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