Worlds of Difference (SAGE Studies in International Sociology) - Softcover

This book explores new avenues in the comparative sociology of contemporary societies. "Worlds of difference" aims to overcome the barren opposition between an ill-defined neo-modernization approach and the theory of multiple modernities, which is ridden with conceptual difficulties. Its detailed analyses of cases and aspects of contemporary modernity open new ways of understanding similarities and differences, convergence and persistent diversity in the current world. (Peter Wagner)

How can differences be understood in social theory through comparisons, and how should social theory relate to regional studies to do so?

This question has been prevalent within the sociological field for over a century, but is becoming increasingly important in a globalised age in which cultural borders are constantly challenged and rapidly changing. In this collection, Arjomand and Reis illuminate the importance of exploring spatial, cultural and intellectual differences beyond generalizations, attempting to understand diversity in itself as it takes shape across the world. With contributions from internationally renowned scholars, and a focussed emphasis upon sociological key themes such as modernization, citizenship, human rights, inequality and domination, this title provides a rich and convincing discussion that will add significant value to the ongoing debate about alternative modernities, diversity and change within the social sciences.

 Worlds of Difference constitutes an important and timely collection that will be of great inspiration for students and scholars alike.