Critical Social Theory

Introduction A New Nexus of Social Change? From the Critique of Objectification to the Reconceptualization of Alienation System Integration and Social Disintegration The End of Immanent Critique? Positive Liberty and Social Justice Social Freedom and Social Autonomy Conclusion

Australian-based sociologist, Craig Browne reconceptualises Critical Theory in order to better understand how diverse social actors attempt to develop autonomous solutions to the contradictions produced by capitalism. The search for a more just social order is thus intrinsically connected to explaining and critiquing the oppressive workings of capitalist societies. Browne's analysis of capitalist modernisation uses Critical Theory to do just that, combining elements from Marx's labour theory of value, Weber's idea of rationalisation as a process of institutionalisation, Habermas's theory of communicative action and Honneth's concept of social freedom. -- Dr Stefan Berger