Action and Its Environments

Download or read book Action and Its Environments written by Jeffrey C. Alexander and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 1988 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jeffrey Alexander, known for his work in sociological theory, breaks new ground in Action and Its Environments. The book aims to bring action theory and structure theory back together by focussing on three central questions. First, how can the normative and material properties of social structures be interlinked? Second, can the conventional, creative and strategic dimensions of individual action be related to social structures? Third, what are conditions and limits of modern social and cultural differentiation?In answering these questions Alexander portrays the complex relationship between social movements, public opinion formation, social solidarity, and social change. A new model of the structure and dynamics of cultural systems is presented as well.