Introduction on C. Wright Mills In the mid-20th century, American sociology was dominated by structural functionalism, an approach most famously associated with Talcott Parsons and Robert K. Merton. Functionalism emphasized the stability of society, viewing it as a system of interrelated parts working together to maintain order and equilibrium. However, as the world entered an … Read more
Introduction Globalization is often described as a modern phenomenon, closely linked with the spread of capitalism, digital technologies, multinational corporations, and transnational cultural flows. However, sociologist Ronald Robertson, one of the pioneering theorists of globalization, insists that globalization is not merely a recent development, but rather an age-old process with deep historical roots. His work … Read more
Introduction The study of power, authority, and inequality lies at the heart of sociology, as societies are structured around the distribution of resources and decision-making capacities. Among the most significant contributions to the sociology of power is C. Wright Mills’s theory of the Power Elite, developed in his landmark book The Power Elite (1956). Mills, … Read more
Introduction on Power and the State The analysis of power and the state has long been central to sociology, with Karl Marx standing as one of the most influential thinkers in shaping modern discourse on these themes. Marx’s understanding of power and the state cannot be separated from his broader theoretical framework of historical materialism, … Read more
Introduction In the history of sociological thought, Vilfredo Pareto occupies a distinctive place as both an economist and sociologist whose theories of social stratification and political dynamics continue to influence scholarship. Among his key contributions is the theory of the circulation of elites, which explores how ruling groups in society are continuously replaced, restructured, and … Read more
Introduction on Power and Authority In the study of sociology, few thinkers have had as enduring an influence as Max Weber. As one of the founding figures of modern social science, Weber sought to understand the dynamics of society through the lens of social action, culture, economy, and politics. Among his many theoretical contributions, his … Read more
Introduction on Islam and Secularism in Central Asian Societies Central Asia, comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, represents one of the most fascinating laboratories for studying the coexistence of religion and secularism. The region, situated at the crossroads of Islamic civilization, Soviet socialism, and post-Soviet nation-building, reflects complex social dynamics where Islam and secularism … Read more
Introduction The emergence of modern culture has long been a subject of deep inquiry within sociology, and few thinkers have articulated its complexities as clearly as Georg Simmel. A founding figure in classical sociology, Simmel examined how modernity reshaped individual life, social interaction, and cultural expression. For Simmel, modern culture was not simply a collection … Read more
Introduction Georg Simmel (1858–1918), a founding figure in sociology, is often celebrated for his unique approach that fused philosophy, sociology, and cultural analysis. Unlike many of his contemporaries such as Karl Marx, Émile Durkheim, or Max Weber, Simmel focused less on grand social structures and more on everyday interactions and patterns of association. His sociology … Read more
Introduction on Forms of Interaction Georg Simmel, one of the founding figures of sociology, is often regarded as a pioneer of micro-sociological analysis. Unlike Karl Marx, Max Weber, or Emile Durkheim, who primarily emphasized large social structures, Simmel devoted his intellectual energy to understanding the everyday patterns of interaction and their impact on human individuality. … Read more