Contemporary society has shifted from classical modern style to contemporary trends. This reflection provides a brief critical analysis of Garner’s “Social Theory, a Reader, Vol II: From Modern to Contemporary Theory”, Espeland’s “Rankings and Reactivity: How Public-Measures Recreate Social Worlds.”, and Hassan’s “The Knowledge Deficit: Liquid Words as Neo-Liberal Technologies”.
Garner and Hancock provide insight into the components of time and space, which play a significant role in shaping people’s social behaviours (Social Theory, Volume II, n.d.). It also affects the social structure of contemporary society. Time and space are considered dimensions of life that are essential components of shaping sociological structures and conduct. As we all know, time changes constantly, which affects the circumstances of the social space. All these changes contribute to the formation of sociological theories in contemporary society. Therefore, it is safe to say that time and space are essential elements of contemporary theory. I agree with Garner and Hancock’s views of time and space.
Espeland and Sauder shed light on the social behaviours and the significance of public measures in their respective article (Espeland & Sauder, 2007). The authors do not provide a social theory of reactivity but a framework to facilitate people’s understanding of the reactions of people towards different types of restrictions. They clear the misconception of their objective. I also thought that this was a social theory of reactivity based on people reacting to public measures. However, the author cleared the misconception very well.
Hassan reflects upon the unique dynamic of “neoliberal globalization”(Hassan, 2012) in conveying knowledge through words. After reading his article, I came across a new perspective on written words. The profound use of the “liquid words” metaphor is the crux of the whole article. However, I found it difficult to read the article because of its unnecessary complex language in terms of conveying the ideas to its readers. To sum up the analysis, I would say that all the above readings have contributed to broadening my knowledge in the fields of contemporary sociology.
References
Espeland, W. N., & Sauder, M. (2007). Rankings and Reactivity: How Public Measures Recreate Social Worlds. American Journal of Sociology, 113(1), 1–40. https://doi.org/10.1086/517897
Hassan, R. (2012). The knowledge deficit: Liquid words as neo-liberal technologies. International Journal of Media & Cultural Politics, 8(2–3), 175–191. https://doi.org/10.1386/macp.8.2-3.175_1
Social Theory, Volume II: From Modern to Contemporary Theory, Third Edition (Paperback). (n.d.). Walmart.Com. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://www.walmart.com/ip/Social-Theory-Volume-II-From-Modern-to-Contemporary-Theory-Third-Edition-Paperback-9781442607385/38184884
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