Introduction Reflexive modernisation is an influential sociological concept that interrogates the ways in which late‑modern societies become increasingly self‑conscious and self‑confrontational. As industrial modernity gives way to risk‑laden forms of social organisation, citizens, experts, and institutions are compelled to reflect…
Deconstructionism is a critical framework that emerged within the broader intellectual tradition of postmodernism. Originating in the works of French philosopher Jacques Derrida, deconstructionism challenges the structures and assumptions embedded within language, culture, and social systems. By focusing on the…
In sociological theory and research, the term second-order constructs holds significant importance in understanding the interplay between concepts, theory, and the real-world phenomena that they seek to explain. This article will explore what second-order constructs are, their relevance in sociological…
Social constructionism is a theoretical framework within sociology that seeks to understand how social realities are created, maintained, and transformed. It challenges the notion that knowledge and meaning are inherent or objective truths, arguing instead that they are products of…
The “looking-glass self” is a seminal concept in the field of sociology, developed by Charles Horton Cooley in his work “Human Nature and the Social Order” (1902). This theory suggests that our self-concept is shaped by how we believe others…
The concept of elective affinity, originally derived from chemistry by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and later incorporated into sociological theory by Max Weber, represents a profound analytical tool for understanding the complex interplay between ideas, social structures, and individual actions. This essay outlines and explains the term 'elective affinity,' exploring its origins, theoretical underpinnings, and applications in sociological research.
Elective affinity (German: Wahlverwandtschaften) was first used by Goethe in his 1809 novel "Die Wahlverwandtschaften" (translated as "Elective Affinities"). In the novel, Goethe used the term to describe the magnetic attraction between individuals that leads to particular relationships and social configurations. Max Weber, a foundational figure in sociology, appropriated this concept to describe the non-causal but meaningful relationships between certain social and cultural phenomena.
Weber’s use of elective affinity centers on the idea that certain social structures and cultural values resonate with each other, fostering conditions where particular ideas or actions are more likely to thrive. This resonance is not deterministic but rather indicates a predisposition or natural inclination for alignment, akin to the chemical affinities Goethe described.
In Weber's framework, elective affinity is pivotal in understanding the relationship between religious beliefs and economic behavior, particularly in his seminal work, "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" (1905). Weber argued that Protestant ethics, especially Calvinism, had an elective affinity with the spirit of capitalism. This relationship was not one of direct causation but of mutual reinforcement and compatibility.
Critical Theory is a foundational pillar of sociology and the broader social sciences, offering a profound lens through which to analyze society, culture, and power structures. Rooted in the traditions of the Frankfurt School, Critical Theory seeks to challenge and…
Learn about Pierre Bourdieu's concept of habitus and the role of agency in shaping social behavior and the reproduction of social structures. Explore the interplay between habitus and agency and how it influences individual actions and social outcomes. Gain valuable insights into sociology and understanding social inequalities in society.
Learn about structuration theory in sociology, which explores the relationship between individuals and society. Discover how social structures shape and are shaped by individuals, and how the duality of structure influences human behavior.
Introduction to Symbolic Interactionism and George Herbert Mead Symbolic Interactionism is one of the foundational frameworks within sociology, focusing on the subjective aspects of social life rather than the larger, objective structures that impact society. This approach examines how individuals…
