The Sociology of Zygmunt Bauman : Challenges and Critique

Zygmunt Bauman is one of the most inspirational and controversial thinkers on the scene of contemporary sociology. This collection introduces and critically appraises Bauman's contributions to the field, illuminating how he challenges conventional wisdom in sociology. It concludes with an original contribution by Bauman about himself, never before published in English.

Zygmunt Bauman is one of the most inspirational and controversial thinkers on the scene of contemporary sociology. For several decades he has provided compelling analyses and diagnoses of a vast variety of aspects of modern and liquid modern living. This book considers the theoretical significance of his contribution to sociology, but also discusses and adopts a critical stance towards his work. The Sociology of Zygmunt Bauman introduces and critically appraises some of the most significant as well as some of the lesser known of Bauman''s contributions to contemporary sociology. An international team of scholars delineates and discusses how Bauman''s treatment of these themes challenges conventional wisdom in sociology, thereby revising and revitalizing sociological theory. As a special feature, the book concludes with Bauman''s intriguing reflections and contemplations on his own life and intellectual trajectory, published here for the first time in English. In this postscript aptly entitled ''Pro Domo Sua'' (''About Myself''), he describes the pushes and pulls that throughout the years have shaped his thinking.