Theories of Industrial Society (RLE Social Theory)

Taylor & Francis

The concept of industrial society plays a dominant role in the social sciences. The \u2018Great Divide\u2019 between pre-industrial and industrial societies is commonly assumed to be the main bridge separating modern societies from the past, and distinguishing \u2018developed\u2019 from \u2018undeveloped\u2019 states in the present era. In history, economics, politics and sociology the concept of industrial society underlies a wide variety of discussions, particularly those relating to economic development and social progress. Outside academic writing, too, the concept exerts a great deal of influence. In the developing world, there is a widespread concern to \u2018industrialise\u2019, whilst in the developed world there is growing uneasiness as to whether \u2018industrialisation\u2019 is beneficial or not, but still the concept is central. This book examines critically the concept of industrial society, its pervasiveness and influence. It reviews all the major theories of industrial.