The Myth of Social Action [Paperback]

A powerful critique of sociological theory, especially prevailing 'social situationalism', first published in 1996.This is a powerful critique of contemporary sociology and a call to reject the prevailing orthodoxy. Arguing that current sociological theory has lost its way, Colin Campbell mounts a case for a new 'dynamic interpretivism', closer in spirit to traditional, Weberian action theory. 'A brilliant theoretical argument, highly original, with terrific implications. The myth of social action is a very strong critique, sweeping the way clean for a new cultural analysis.' Jeffrey C. Alexander, University of California, Los AngelesThis is a powerful critique of contemporary sociology and a call to reject the prevailing orthodoxy. Arguing that current sociological theory has lost its way, Colin Campbell mounts a case for a new 'dynamic interpretivism', closer in spirit to traditional, Weberian action theory. 'A brilliant theoretical argument, highly original, with terrific implications. The myth of social action is a very strong critique, sweeping the way clean for a new cultural analysis.' Jeffrey C. Alexander, University of California, Los AngelesThis is a powerful critique of contemporary sociology and a call to reject the prevailing orthodoxy. Arguing that current sociological theory has lost its way, Colin Campbell mounts a case for a new dynamic interpretivism, closer in spirit to traditional, Weberian action theory.1. Introduction; 2. Action reported missing in action theory; 3. Action and social action; 4. Action versus social action; 5. The rise of social situationalism; 6. The argument by denial; 7. Accounts and actions; 8. The argument by exclusion; 9. The argument by incorporation; 10. The 'learning everything from others' thesis; 11. The communicative act paradigm; 12. The linguistic turn for the worse; 13. The myth of social action; 14. The obstacle which is social situationalism; 15. Bringing action back in. ...will both inform and challenge asl³+