Juggernaut Of Modernity Essay

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Anthony Giddens, born in 1938 in London, held positions at The University of Leicester, Cambridge University and the London School of Economics as well as several visiting positions at universities in the United States. Giddens’ early academic work focused on re-conceptualizing classical theory, particularly Functionalism and Structuralism. Similar to Foucault, he took interest in politics later in life. Giddens is known for supporting third way politics, which is a shift from traditional left and right political policies and practices (Calhoun et al 2007: 219). He cofounded Polity Press, served as Director of the London School of Economics and acts as a political advisor in England (Ritzer 2010: 132). Theory and Methodology Giddens …show more content…

The juggernaut is a metaphorical representation of how modern society proceeds from pre-modern society (Ritzer 2010: 130).. The juggernaut of modernity captures structuration and the modern relationship between society and structures. Capitalism and industry, for example, are societal structures built in part and maintained by individuals. The structures over time advanced society towards modernity, and the course is now determined and accelerating. There are however, inherent flaws in the systems as well as the potential for human agency to intervene on the path. The juggernaut continues to move society towards modernity, despite problems and human agency, but the juggernaut adapts to both and continues the path to modernity (Ritzer 2010: …show more content…

I agree each theorist is relevant within his or her time and place; however there is a reason the three dead white guys still dominate social theory discussions. Marx, Durkheim and Weber constructed predictions, theories and methods that stood the test of time, at least most components did. All of the Giddens readings this week paid diligence to early social theory and theorist. He also does a thorough exploration of the classical theories to highlight shortcomings that arise from the distinction between early Industrial, Capitalist societies and these societies in current times. Many of the methodologies and theories are still relevant, however modern times call for modern applications. Giddens succeeds in creating modern frameworks and applications for classical

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