Overview

With particular attention to his work on modernization and modernity as construed by a sociologist of knowledge, this book offers a sympathetic exposition and evaluation of Peter Berger’s work as one of the world’s most accomplished and influential sociologists. In the context of an examination of Berger’s ongoing work on the social construction of reality, styles of consciousness, the role of science-based technology, pluralism, and other pertinent topics, the author also considers Berger’s unique and thoughtful approach to research and theorizing. Berger’s method of ‘sociological tourism’, which departs sharply from the current emphasis in the social sciences on ever more complex and ostensibly rigorous statistical procedures, provides a refreshing move away from the increasingly esoteric and sometimes alienating methodological self-consciousness that characterizes contemporary sociology. With this distinctive approach, this book will appeal to scholars and students of sociology who share Berger’s interest. The importance of modernization and modernity on a world scale is undeniable, and a deeper understanding of their nature and consequences, will also benefit members of the intelligent laity who are not sociological specialists but are open to new ideas that are clearly explained.

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9781138085206

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Reviews

Peter Berger is one of the most gifted but understated public intellectuals working today. Bickel presents a unique evaluation of the development of Berger's ideas from 'Invitation to Sociology', his contribution to the sociology of knowledge, relationship between faith and development, and recent work on global political and economic inequality. Shaun Best, University of Winchester, UK

Peter Berger is one of the most gifted but understated public intellectuals working today. Bickel presents a unique evaluation of the development of Berger's ideas from 'Invitation to Sociology', his contribution to the sociology of knowledge, relationship between faith and development, and recent work on global political and economic inequality. Shaun Best, University of Winchester, UK

Peter Berger is one of the most gifted but understated public intellectuals working today. Bickel presents a unique evaluation of the development of Berger's ideas from 'Invitation to Sociology', his contribution to the sociology of knowledge, relationship between faith and development, and recent work on global political and economic inequality. Shaun Best, University of Winchester, UK

Author Information

Robert Bickel is Professor Emeritus of Advanced Educational Studies at Marshall University, USA, and author of Multilevel Analysis for Applied Research and Classical Social Theory in Use.

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