A Theory of Catastrophe

Bryan S. Turner

Published by De Gruyter 2023

A Theory of Catastrophe

Bryan S. Turner

Volume 19 in the series De Gruyter Contemporary Social Sciences

https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110772364

Overview
Contents

About this book

Sociology has developed theories of social change in the fields of evolution, conflict and modernization, viewing modern society as essentially unstable and conflict driven. However, it has not seriously studied catastrophe. A Theory of Catastrophe develops a sociology of catastrophes, comparing natural, social and political causes and consequences, and the social theories that might offer explanations.

A catastrophe is a general and systematic breakdown of social and political institutions resulting, among other things, in what we could call a catastrophe consciousness.

The Greek ‘cata-strophe’ formed the conclusion to a dramatic sequence of strophes. The cata-strophe was the final act of a drama, namely its denouement. Catastrophic denouements are without hope: genocides, military occupations, plagues, famines and earthquakes. A Theory of Catastrophe analyzes Pompeii, the Black Death, colonial genocide in North America, WWI and the Spanish Flu, and Nazi Germany and finally this century: terrorism, new wars, climate change and pandemics.

As a study of sociological theory, Bryan Turner discusses Spengler’s Decline of the West, Marxism as a theory of catastrophic capitalism, messianic movements, Weber on modernity, and risk society. He concludes by comparing optimism and pessimism, and the idea of inter-generational justice.

Much needed critical contribution to the sociology of disaster
Offers a novel theory of catastrophe
Links scientific research outcomes to sociological theory

Author / Editor information

Professor Turner is one of the world’s leading sociologists and author of over 30 books. His research interests include globalisation and religion, religious conflict and the modern state, human rights and religion. He has received several honorary degrees recognising his contributions to Sociology.

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	I
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	V
Chapter 1 Introduction: Disasters, Crises, and Catastrophes Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
Chapter 2 Risk Society and Liquid Modernity Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	22
Chapter 3 Enlightenment and Catastrophe Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	39
Chapter 4 Plagues, Famines and Population Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	51
Chapter 5 Colonial Catastrophes and Genocide Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	67
Chapter 6 War: The Cascade of Catastrophes Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	81
Chapter 7 The Economics of Catastrophe Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	98
Chapter 8 Catastrophe and Utopian Hope Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	117
References Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	132
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	149
Erratum to: Chapter 7: The Economics of Catastrophe Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	154

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter
Audience: Scholars and students of Sociology and related areas.
Pages
- Front matter: 5
- Main content: 153
Keywords: Social Change; Disaster; Catastrophe

eBook

Published: May 8, 2023
ISBN: 9783110772364

Hardcover

Published: May 8, 2023
ISBN: 9783110772234