Theory Beyond Structure and Agency: Introducing the Metric/Nonmetric Distinction

By Jean-Sébastien Guy

Book Overview

Chapter 1. Introduction

1.1. From structure and agency to metric and nonmetric

1.2. Preliminary lessons from the sociology of globalization

1.3. A little help from philosophy

1.4. Plan of the book: toward a three layers model

Chapter 2. Structure and Agency: Problem and Solution

2.1. The problem of structure and agency (phase A)

2.2. Forced perspective and depthless perception (phase B)

2.3. Breaking the illusion: a threefold operationalization (phase C)

2.3.1. First operationalization: the micro/macro distinction

2.3.2. Second operationalization: the individual/society distinction

2.3.3. Third operationalization: the structure/agency distinction

2.4. Conclusion

Chapter 3. DeLanda and the Metric/Nonmetric Distinction

3.1. The concept of multiplicity (phase A)

3.2. The concept of assemblage (phase A, continued)

3.3. DeLanda against DeLanda (phase B)

3.4. Metric and nonmetric: an overview (phase C)

3.4.1. First dichotomy

3.4.2. Second dichotomy

3.4.3. Third dichotomy

3.4.4. Fourth dichotomy

3.5. Conclusion

Chapter 4. Metric and Nonmetric in Weber and Durkheim

4.1 The relation actor/action (phase A)

4.2. The relation between types of action (phase B)

4.3. Metric and nonmetric in Weber (phase C)

4.3.1. The dichotomy between patrimonialism and bureaucracy

4.3.2. The different types of rationality

4.3.3. The separation of value-spheres

4.3.4. Charisma and its routinization

4.3.5. Additional remarks on the separation of value-spheres

4.4. The theory of Homo duplex (phase A)

4.5. The critique of Homo duplex (phase B)

4.6. Metric and nonmetric in Durkheim (phase C)

4.7. Conclusion

Chapter 5. Forms and Medium in Luhmann's Systems Theory

5.1. Communication as operation of social systems (phases A)

5.2. Beyond conversation (phase B)

5.3. The crowd as medium of communication (phase C)

5.4. Modernity as functional differentiation (phase A)

5.5. Beyond inclusion and exclusion (phase B)

5.5. Metric and nonmetric in Luhmann (phase C)

5.6. Conclusion

Chapter 6. Bourdieu, Giddens and Foucault Through the Metric/Nonmetric Distinction

6.1. Pierre Bourdieu

6.2. Anthony Giddens

6.3. Michel Foucault

6.4. Conclusion

Chapter 7. Applying the Metric/Nonmetric Distinction

7.1. Weber on capitalism

7.2. The history of capitalism: nonmetric aspects

7.3. The history of capitalism: metric aspects

7.4. From history to social change

7.5. Conclusion

Chapter 8. General Conclusion

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3030189856
• ISBN13: 9783030189853
• Release Date: September 2020
• Publisher: Palgrave MacMillan
• Length: 277 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.8" x 8.3"