Theories of Social Order

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The course "Theories of Social Order" focuses on one of the most important problems in sociology: the problem of social order. The root of the problem of social order lies in the distinction between the interests of individuals and those of groups (and societies), which these individuals constitute. Whenever individual interest conflicts with group interest, social order is put at some kind of risk. A solution to the problem requires the reconciliation of individual and collective interest, but theorists have provided several distinct strategies for doing so. In this course, we will consider the five most prominent mechanisms to produce social order: individuals, hierarchies, markets, groups and networks. Classical and foundational texts by important sociologists like Marx, Weber, and Durkheim are combined with contemporary extensions and empirical applications that, in some form or another, apply the arguments made by these earlier scholars. The editorial introductions by Hechter & Horne provide the background for each of these texts and link them to the central problem: how to achieve social order. Throughout the course, the strengths and weaknesses of the various theories are discussed, and attempts are made to relate them to contemporary events whenever feasible. In this way, students will improve their understanding of the social world and will learn to apply the analytical tools to real-life phenomena.