Original scientific paper

SOCIOLOGY IN A NEW SOCIAL CONTEXT

Ivan Cifrić ; Faculty of Philosophy, Zagreb

Abstract

The author starts with the thesis that social change is a challenge
to social research. Two levels of social change are pointed out:
planetary changes and changes in countries in transition. The modern
society identity problem initiates the problem of the identity
of sociology, i.e. a professional discourse about sociology itself
and its selfreflexiveness. On a planetary level, the challenges presented
are developmental disproportions: North-South relations,
confrontations of different civilisations (cultures), a manifestation
of environmental crises of planetary proportions as a new pecu-
Iiarity of modern society, etc. The question is raised whether sociology
can understand modern society. Changes of transition
represent a new social context of developmental issues, especially
those of modernization - social (changes of ownership structures,
institutions, democracy in general) and technological (shutdown
of unprofitable plants, unemployment, environmental risks
and environmental pollution, etc.). Discussions about sociology
have become topical even in societies in transition. Sociology cannot
ignore these changes. Their understanding presupposes
modernizing sociology itself. Therefore it is necessary to question
theoretical paradigms in sociology and its practical role. Sociology
should become a practical science, which means that politics
should accept the results of sociology.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

32424

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/32424

Publication date:

1.3.1995.

Article data in other languages: croatian german

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