The Cambridge Companion to Durkheim

An authoritative and comprehensive collection of essays redefining the relevance of Durkheim to the human sciences in the twenty-first century.

Jeffrey C. Alexander (Edited by), Philip Smith (Edited by)

9780521806725, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 26 May 2005

442 pages, 6 tables
23.6 x 16 x 3 cm, 0.824 kg

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

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP], Anthropology [JHM], Social theory [JHBA]