Change and Disruption: Sociology of the Future

Change and Disruption: Sociology of the Future draws on classical and modern sociological theory to identify recent and emerging trends in the global system. The book probes the rise of authoritarian states, rifts in the relationship between humans and the rest of nature, the coming impact of artificial intelligence, and changes in work, cities, science, and the quality of life. These dynamics are explored through the animating question: will the positive potential of the modern world be realized or will the human condition spiral downward?

Garner and Hancock employ sociological theory to tackle big questions about the societies of the present and the societies of the future. They use three powerful tools for exploration. The first tool is historical analysis to reveal how our contemporary world was shaped during the early modern era, the rise of capitalism, colonialism, and industrialization, and the tumultuous 20th century. The second tool is quantitative analyses of our current global conditions that show contradictory pictures of both persistent inequalities and great advances in well-being. The third tool is contending sociological theories that conceptualize a plurality of social forces that shape five matters of concern: the state, the human-nature relationship; work, economy, and technology; population change, migration, and urbanization; and the emerging self.

Change and Disruption offers a spirited conversation among theorists and different sociological traditions. The authors take stock of the present moment, one where facts are fluid and contentious in a changing historical context. Garner and Hancock take up the project of Sociology as a quest for understanding our world and grappling with major new trajectories of change within and to that world. This book will be of interest to scholars and students in the social sciences.