Activism in Sociological Theory: How Weber, Durkheim, and Schutz Foster Activist-Oriented Thought and Action

• In Event: 088 - Section on Sociological Practice and Public Sociology Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 04. Practicing Theorists

Abstract

Social scientists identify Karl Marx as an activist of the most obvious kind who makes his commitment to changing the status quo clear throughout his work. This essay will describe how we can also view Emile Durkheim, Max Weber and Alfred Schutz, all social science theorists not normally associated with activism, as “activist-oriented” in both their theoretical works and their personal lives. Here, the term “activist-oriented” describes ways their theories can be used to promote activist action or thought. These theorists all committed to looking past the self and attempting to understand the other in society. Although they were committed to this sympathetic understanding of others for different reasons, all can be viewed as “activist-oriented”.

Author

• Sara Strickhouser, University of Central Florida