The Cambridge Companion to Durkheim

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

Overview

Long recognized 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 significance of his work as well as evaluating his ideas in relation to current issues and debates. Leading authorities in the field have contributed to this landmark volume that redefines the relevance of Durkheim to the human sciences in the twenty-first century.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521806725
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/26/2005
Pages:	442
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.29(h) x 1.18(d)

About the Author

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

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.

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher