The Myth of Social Action

A powerful critique of sociological theory, especially prevailing 'social situationalism', first published in 1996.

Colin Campbell (Author)

9780521646369, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 9 July 1998

208 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.2 cm, 0.31 kg

'Campbell's argument that contemporary sociology is hobbled by 'situationalism' represents an extraordinarily original rethinking of the field as it has vome to be commonly accepted and understood. His theoretical broom sweeps the way clear for a new, fundamentally cultural understanding of even the most highly rationalized and individualized societies. The Myth of Social Action is a must read.' Jeffrey C. Alexander, University of California, Los Angeles

The Myth of Social Action, first published in 1996, is a powerful critique of the sociology of the time and a call to reject the prevailing orthodoxy. Arguing that sociological theory had lost its way, Colin Campbell mounts a case for a new 'dynamic interpretivism' a perspective on human conduct which is more inkeeping with the spirit of traditional Weberian action theory. Discussing and dismissing one by one the main arguments of those who reject individualistic action theory, he demonstrates that this has been wrongly rejected in favour of the interactional, social situationalist approach now dominating sociological thought.

1. Introduction
2. Action reported missing in action theory
3. Action and social action
4. Action versus social action
5. The rise of social situationalism
6. The argument by denial
7. Accounts and actions
8. The argument by exclusion
9. The argument by incorporation
10. The 'learning everything from others' thesis
11. The communicative act paradigm
12. The linguistic turn for the worse
13. The myth of social action
14. The obstacle which is social situationalism
15. Bringing action back in.

Subject Areas: Social theory [JHBA]