In his previous books Alain Touraine analysed the great changes that have transformed our personal and collective lives; in this new book he shows that we need to transform our ways of thinking about these changes.
Alain Touraine Book order
August 3, 1925 – June 9, 2023
Alain Touraine was a French sociologist renowned for his "sociology of action," which posits that society shapes its future through structural mechanisms and its own social struggles. His extensive work focused on social movements globally, particularly labor movements and the emergence of Poland's Solidarity, where he pioneered the "sociological intervention" method. Touraine's concept of historicity describes a society's capacity to act upon itself, exploring themes of post-industrialism and social change. His writings have resonated deeply throughout continental Europe and Latin America.
- 2009
- 2001
Beyond Neoliberalism
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
In "Beyond Neoliberalism," Alain Touraine critiques both neoliberalism and certain leftist thinkers for underestimating the power of social actors in shaping political decisions. He argues that globalization hasn't diminished our capacity for political action, emphasizing the rights and demands of marginalized groups. This book offers a fresh perspective on contemporary political discourse.
- 1997
What Is Democracy?
- 234 pages
- 9 hours of reading
The author explores the contemporary social and cultural implications of democracy, seeking to reconstruct the political landscape and revive democratic values. He addresses two main threats to democracy: the inherent risks it faces and the misuse of its name. Through this examination, the book aims to foster a deeper understanding and commitment to democratic principles in today's society.
- 1995
For over two hundred years, the notion of modernity has dominated Western social thought. Yet as we approach the end of the millenium, we find the concept under seige: constantly being challenged, rejected or refined. In " Critique of Modernity, Alain Touraine, one of our leading social thinkers, offers an outstanding analysis and reinterpretation of the modern for the twenty-first century.
