Current Sociological Theory

The course refers to the basic characteristics of social structures and the foundations of social transformation. By examining forms of social statics and social dynamics, reference is made to the genesis, function and evolution of institutions, while social transformation is analyzed as a result of the conflict between social groups and the inherent contradictions of the social system. The concept of causality in forms of social change is then examined, special reference is made to the conditions for the maintenance or change of social structures and the evolutionary and counter-evolutionary theories of social transformation are analyzed. In this context, the structural-functional theory and its relative inadequacy in identifying specific social changes are critically examined. The functional unity of the social system is analyzed as well as the theories of structuralism and neo-functionalism. The course emphasizes the confrontations between the structural-functional theory and the theory of conflicts regarding social transformation. At the same time, the normative conditions that lead to the evolution of social systems are examined, as well as the conditions and the possibility of predicting or controlling social change.