Table of Contents
Preface vii
Chapter 1 On theory in sociology 1
What Is theory in Sociology? 1
Looking outward 15
Problems and Solutions 20
Awkward joins 31
Beyond Straightening 40
Chapter 2 Things and facts: who causes what constraints? 45
Culture as Constraint 45
Defining Constraint 52
Defining Causation 56
Causation and Comparison 62
Comparison, Processes, and Causes 65
Chapter 3 The Return of Realism 77
A Basket of Isms 77
Realism versus Social construction 86
Getting real in sociology 94
Concepts and reality 98
Supporting Claims 105
Talk and Scientific Inquiry* 110
Talking about Truth* 116
Conclusion 128
Chapter 4 Rationality and other lunacies 131
The Debate over rational choice theory 131
What is rationality? 136
Producing Paradox 138
From Irrational to Rational Uses of Rational Choice Theory 149
Conclusion 172
Chapter 5 What does the sociology of animals teach us? 175
Fear of animals 175
Where is Complexity and Intelligence? 182
Roles 191
Morality (Rules) 199
Having a World 206
Conclusion 215
Chapter 6 "The Gentleman is to let the lady enter the door first": or how the environment tells us what to do 217
Motives and tendencies 217
Who follows rules and when? 225
I can only open the door 231
Conclusion 243
Conclusion 245
On Luck 245
Bonus: The Newest Rules of Sociology 247
From Here on 254
References 255
Index 271
