Table 05. Holmes' Sociology for Optimists and the Future of Sociology

• In Event: 2283 - Informal Discussion Roundtable Session

Abstract

Mary Holmes' Sociology for Optimists reorients sociological thinking away from its current pessimism and invites sociologists to think about society in creative ways. Holmes identifies nine divergence points; at each of these, sociological thinking can take a new and positive direction. Critically reinterpreting the literature, each chapter proposes a humanistic and positive take on modern life. The topics are change, enjoyment, freedom, goodness, equality, relationships, nature, enchantment, and optimism. Each of these sees the subject matter of sociology differently from the usual chapters of an introductory textbook; each topic asks us to identify the human agency involved and to explore the possibility that the old fashioned notion of progress continues to be relevant to modern life. For example, “Enjoyment” critiques the Frankfurt School's objections to popular culture. And “Enchantment” invites us to think about how love and holiday celebrations give us visions of the future. Can sociologists take Holmes' claims further? Does a bigger picture of progress in modern life lie out there waiting to be discovered? One unanswered question is whether sociologists yet know the relevant facts about modern life. Does a deeper problem of content and research methods block efforts to simply interpret the currently known facts? For example, do we really know how people today associate as fans and communicate through new media? Holmes' optimistic vision presents an exciting opportunity. But are we ready to turn sociological research in this new positive direction?

Author

• John Christopher Holley, Suffolk University