Durkheim and the possible connections between social theory and colonialism

Dawson, M. (2022) Durkheim and the possible connections between social theory and colonialism. Journal of Classical Sociology, 22(4), pp. 416-422. (doi: 10.1177/1468795X221105713)

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Abstract

In this piece I explore how Bhambra and Holmwood’s Colonialism and Modern Social Theory implies three different questions that can be asked concerning the connections between colonialism and social theory. With reference to their discussion of Durkheim, I suggest the answers they offer to these possible questions return us to what Kurasawa termed the ‘constitutive paradox’ of Durkheim’s relation to colonialism, namely a mix of political acceptance while also questioning its ideological legitimacy. While exploring Durkheim’s comments on colonialism, race, the state and his own Jewishness, I emphasise the need for a careful historical sociology which reckons with the different possible connections between social theory and colonialism.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dawson, Professor Matt
Authors: Dawson, M.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:Journal of Classical Sociology
Publisher:SAGE Publications
ISSN:1468-795X
ISSN (Online):1741-2897
Published Online:20 June 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 The Author
First Published:First published in Journal of Classical Sociology 22(4): 416-422
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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