A Theory of Fields (Excerpt)

  • Neil Fligstein
  • Doug Mcadam
Keywords: new institutionalim, theory of fields, strategic action, social structuration, social order, social changes

Abstract

The central goal of this book is to explicate an integrated theory that explains how stability and change are achieved by social actors in circumscribed social arenas. The theory rests on a view that sees strategic action fields, which can be defined as mesolevel social orders, as the basic structural building blocks of modern political/organizational life in the economy, civil society, and the state. In constructing a new perspective, the authors draw upon the rich body of integrative scholarship produced by economic sociologists, institutional theorists in both sociology and political science, and social movement scholars. The Journal of Economic Sociology is pleased to publish the first chapter, “The Gist of It.” In this chapter, the authors sketch the basic features of this perspective in some detail, differentiating the new elements from the old, including Bourdieu, Giddens, institutional theory, network analysis, and social movement theory.

 

Author Biographies

Neil Fligstein

Professor, Department of Sociology, University of California. Address: 410 Social Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA 94720-1980, USA.

Doug Mcadam

The Ray Lyman Wilbur Professor of Sociology, Stanford University and the former Director of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences. Address: 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305-2047, USA.

Published
2022-02-01
How to Cite
FligsteinN., & McadamD. (2022). A Theory of Fields (Excerpt). Journal of Economic Sociology, 23(1), 60-100. Retrieved from https://vo.hse.ru/index.php/ecsoc/article/view/13842
Section
New Translations