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In this paper, we introduce a theoretical perspective based on the concept of relational control, the exercise of control over social relationships. The paper focuses on three of the principal ways human agents structure cooperation and... more
In this paper, we introduce a theoretical perspective based on the concept of relational control, the exercise of control over social relationships. The paper focuses on three of the principal ways human agents structure cooperation and conflict among persons and groups: through control of interaction and organizational opportunities, control of differential payoffs or outcomes of interaction, and control over cultural and ideological orientations of actors in relation to one another. We consider divide-and-rule strategies used to structure noncooperative or conflictive social relationships. The role of the state in regulating management/labor relationships in industrialized or industrializing societies is examined to illustrate the structuring of more cooperative relationships. Parallels to the analysis of international relations are suggested.
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ABSTRACT: Taking the new institutionalism as a point of departure, this article focuses attention on socio-cognitive models or paradigms and the related discourses that are part and parcel of any institutional arrangement and its... more
ABSTRACT: Taking the new institutionalism as a point of departure, this article focuses attention on socio-cognitive models or paradigms and the related discourses that are part and parcel of any institutional arrangement and its evolution. Institutional paradigms are communicated ...
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ABSTRACT Abstract Empirical research shows that humans face many kinds of uncertainties, responding in different ways to the variations in situational knowledge. The standard approach to risk, based largely on rational choice... more
ABSTRACT Abstract Empirical research shows that humans face many kinds of uncertainties, responding in different ways to the variations in situational knowledge. The standard approach to risk, based largely on rational choice conceptualization, fails to sufficiently take into account the diverse social and psychological contexts of uncertainty and risk. The article addresses this challenge, drawing on sociological game theory (SGT) in describing and analyzing risk and uncertainty and relating the theory’s conceptualization of judgment and choice to a particular procedure of multi-criteria decision-making uncertainty, namely the TOPSIS approach. Part I of the article addresses complex risk decision-making, considering the universal features of an actor’s or decision-maker’s perspective: a model or belief structure, value complex, action repertoire, and judgment complex (with its algorithms for making judgments and choices). Although these features are universal, they are particularized in any given institutional or sociocultural context. This part of the article utilizes SGT to consider decision-making under conditions of risk and uncertainty, taking into account social and psychological contextual factors. Part II of the article takes up an established method, TOPSIS with Belief Structure (BS), for dealing with multi-criteria decision-making under conditions of uncertainty. One aim of this exercise is to identify correspondences between the SGT universal architecture and the operative components of the TOPSIS method. We expose, for instance, the different value components or diverse judgment algorithms in the TOPSIS procedure. One of the benefits of such an exercise is to suggest ways to link different decision methods and procedures in a comparative light. It deepens our empirical base and understanding of values, models, action repertoires, and judgment structures (and their algorithms). The effort here is, of course, a limited one.
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... well as prices and wages - independent, decentralized enterprises were to assume responsibility and authority ... Modelling these two types of systems provides a point of departure for the conceptualization and analysis of... more
... well as prices and wages - independent, decentralized enterprises were to assume responsibility and authority ... Modelling these two types of systems provides a point of departure for the conceptualization and analysis of technologies, socio-technical systems,13 and ...
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The studies on new technologies in this book were supported by research grants from the Swedish Building Research Council and the Norwegian Oil and Energy Department. They speak for their systematic encouragement of entrepreneurs and... more
The studies on new technologies in this book were supported by research grants from the Swedish Building Research Council and the Norwegian Oil and Energy Department. They speak for their systematic encouragement of entrepreneurs and change agents to initiate new ...
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... Prix indicatif 47,73 Ajouter au panier le livre de BURNS Tom R., UEBERHORST Reinhard. Date de parution : 10-1988 Langue : ANGLAIS 190p. 23.4x15.6 Paperback Disponible chez l'éditeur (délai d'approvisionnement : 15 jours).... more
... Prix indicatif 47,73 Ajouter au panier le livre de BURNS Tom R., UEBERHORST Reinhard. Date de parution : 10-1988 Langue : ANGLAIS 190p. 23.4x15.6 Paperback Disponible chez l'éditeur (délai d'approvisionnement : 15 jours). ... Médicaments - les règles du jeu. ...
... Societal decision-making: Democratic challenges to state technocracy : confrontations over nuclear, hydro-power and petroleum projects in Norway. Post a Comment. CONTRIBUTORS: ...
The studies on new technologies in this book were supported by research grants from the Swedish Building Research Council and the Norwegian Oil and Energy Department. They speak for their systematic encouragement of entrepreneurs and... more
The studies on new technologies in this book were supported by research grants from the Swedish Building Research Council and the Norwegian Oil and Energy Department. They speak for their systematic encouragement of entrepreneurs and change agents to initiate new ...
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"Organised civil society and European governance (CIVGOV)" reports
Preliminary 1. Background Most human social activity – in all of its extraordinary variety – is organized and regulated by socially produced and reproduced rules and systems of rules (Burns and Flam, 1987; Giddens, 1984; Harré, 1979). 1... more
Preliminary 1. Background Most human social activity – in all of its extraordinary variety – is organized and regulated by socially produced and reproduced rules and systems of rules (Burns and Flam, 1987; Giddens, 1984; Harré, 1979). 1 Such rules are not transcendental abstractions. They are embodied in groups and collectivities of people – in their language, customs and codes of conduct, norms, and laws and in the social institutions of the modern world, including family, community, market, business enterprises and government agencies. The making, interpretation, and implementation of social rules are universal in human societies, as are their reformulation and transformation. Human agents (individuals, groups, organizations, communities, and other collectivities) produce, carry, and reform these systems of social rules, but this frequently takes place in ways they neither intend nor expect. Social rule systems play a key role on all levels of human interaction (Burns et al, 1985;...
Nuestro punto de partida es la perspectiva de sistemas sociales introducido en la Parte I — o sea la dinámica actor-sistema, en contraposición a perspectivas de tipo Ulrich Beck, que particularmente rechazan el teorizar sistemático a la... more
Nuestro punto de partida es la perspectiva de sistemas sociales introducido en la Parte I — o sea la dinámica actor-sistema, en contraposición a perspectivas de tipo Ulrich Beck, que particularmente rechazan el teorizar sistemático a la vez que niegan valor a la sociología empírica. Este articulo enfatiza que la sociedad contemporánea (por Beck definida como “sociedad de riesgo”) es caracterizada tanto más por los extendidos discursos acerca del riesgo (curiosamente mucho de esto debido al mismo Beck) — elaboraciones teóricas acerca del riesgo, gestiones del riesgo, sensibilización a la noción de riesgo —, que por los riesgos a que efectivamente estaría expuesta. Lo que es verdaderamente característico de las sociedades modernas es el enorme poder discrecional que estas tienen para determinar las dimensiones, niveles y regulación del riesgo. Esto quiere decir que la sociedad moderna tiene la opción de desarrollar o no diversos tipos de tecnología y de cuan estrictamente debe la tecn...
THE META-POWER PARADIGM: Impacts and Transformations of Agents, Institutions, and Social Systems – – Capitalism, State, and Democracy in a Global Context Tom R. Burns and Peter M. Hall (editors) in collaboration with Thomas Baumgartner,... more
THE META-POWER PARADIGM: Impacts and Transformations of Agents, Institutions, and Social Systems – – Capitalism, State, and Democracy in a Global Context Tom R. Burns and Peter M. Hall (editors) in collaboration with Thomas Baumgartner, Ulrich Beck, Walter Buckley (deceased), Philippe DeVille, Anne Marie Kalliokoski, Stephen D. Krasner, Kevin McElmurry, Nora Machado, Patrick W. McGinty, Hannes Peltonen, Ewa Roszkowska, Dusko Sekulic, & J. P. Singh TABLE OF CONTENTS PrefaceError! Bookmark not defined. Part I: Selected Classic Studies of Meta-power 1. Conceptualizing Power and Meta-power: Causalities, Mechanisms, and ConstructionsError! Bookmark not defined. Tom R. Burns (with Peter M. Hall and Patrick McGinty) 2. Meta-power and Relational Control in Social Life Error! Bookmark not defined. Tom Baumgartner, Walter Buckley, and Tom R. Burns 3. Interactions and the Study of Social Organization Error! Bookmark not defined. Peter M. Hall 4. Meta-power and the Structuring of International ...
Preliminary Draft (February 5, 2014); Revised (December 1, 2014) We are grateful to Ugo Corte for his many suggestions and inputs into this manuscript. Also, earlier related collaboration with has played a significant role in the... more
Preliminary Draft (February 5, 2014); Revised (December 1, 2014) We are grateful to Ugo Corte for his many suggestions and inputs into this manuscript. Also, earlier related collaboration with has played a significant role in the development of the sociology of creativity.
This article conceptualizes the multi-dimensional "human factor" in risky technology systems and cases of accidents. A social systems theory is applied to the analysis of hazardous technology and socio-technical systems, their... more
This article conceptualizes the multi-dimensional "human factor" in risky technology systems and cases of accidents. A social systems theory is applied to the analysis of hazardous technology and socio-technical systems, their complex dynamics, and risky dimensions. The "human factor" is often vaguely identified as a risk factor in hazardous socio-technical systems, particularly when accidents occur. But it is usually viewed more or less as a "black box", under-specified and under-analyzed. Three key aims of the article are: (1) to identify and theorize in a systematic way the multi-dimensional character of the "human factor" in risky systems and accidents; (2) to enable the systematic application of a substantial social science knowledge to the regulation of hazardous systems, their managers and operatives as well as regulators, especially relating to the "human factor;" (3) to serve as an guiding tool for researchers and regulators...
... collective interests of all AT players. The proposed'solutions' are stated not in the form of'how to play the game so as to get most'but in terms of balancing all of these criss-crossed pressures and interests. If... more
... collective interests of all AT players. The proposed'solutions' are stated not in the form of'how to play the game so as to get most'but in terms of balancing all of these criss-crossed pressures and interests. If such solutions are offered ...
Equilibrium in economics solely concerns efficiency properties defined over the commodity space. But, in different and often conflicting ways, members of society judge market performances also on equity rounds and express preferences not... more
Equilibrium in economics solely concerns efficiency properties defined over the commodity space. But, in different and often conflicting ways, members of society judge market performances also on equity rounds and express preferences not only over bundles of commodities but also over social relations and social orders. Social equilibria are states of the system where institutional arrangements, including market processes and outcomes, that make up for the quality of social life are considered just, i.e. fair and legitimate. “Justice” entails guaranteeing minimum efficiency levels in the allocation of resources, fairness in distributive outcomes and freedom to choose among alternative organisational arrangements. Legitimacy of procedures and outcomes derives from constitutionally grounded democratic decision-making processes. A conceptual framework is elaborated to discuss types of social equilibria and conditions for their emergence and reproduction.
Dynamic system theories: theorizing about capitalism and its evolution
Paradigms in Public Policy: Theory and Practice of Paradigm Shifts in the EU, 2009 Peter Lang Publishers: Frankfurt am Main, Berlin, Bern, Bruxelles, New York, Oxford, Wien, 2009. 444 pp., ISBN 978-3-631-57905-3 pb. Drawing upon and... more
Paradigms in Public Policy: Theory and Practice of Paradigm Shifts in the EU, 2009 Peter Lang Publishers: Frankfurt am Main, Berlin, Bern, Bruxelles, New York, Oxford, Wien, 2009. 444 pp., ISBN 978-3-631-57905-3 pb. Drawing upon and developing public policy paradigm theory, the book reports on investigations of public paradigm shifts in the EU (also, some instances of “temporary” failures. Policy action is driven, shaped and regulated by the ways in which cognitive frames and interests shape and define issues and analyses – with the involvement of par¬ticular authorities, experts, problem-definitions and solutions. To understand these processes is particularly important in the realm of democratic policymaking, where agents driven by divergent interests and alternative principles struggle to preserve or reform policy, law, and institutions. This book analyzes continuity and change in EU policy and provides a systematic understanding of the interactions between ideas, organized actors...
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This article presents a relatively straightforward theoretical framework about distributive justice with applications. It draws on a few key concepts of Sociological Game Theory (SGT). SGT is presented briefly in section 2. Section 3... more
This article presents a relatively straightforward theoretical framework about distributive justice with applications. It draws on a few key concepts of Sociological Game Theory (SGT). SGT is presented briefly in section 2. Section 3 provides a spectrum of distributive cases concerning principles of equality, differentiation among recipients according to performance or contribution, status or authority, or need. Two general types of social organization of distributive judgment are distinguished and judgment procedures or algorithms are modeled in each type of social organization. Section 4 discusses briefly the larger moral landscapes of human judgment – how distribution may typically be combined with other value into consideration. The article suggests that Rawls, Elster, and Machado point in this direction. Finally, it is suggested that the SGT framework presented provides a useful point of departure to systematically link it and compare the Warsaw School of Fair Division, Rawls, ...
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Game theory in its several variants can be viewed as a major contribu- tion to multi-agent modeling. One development of classicalgame theory, Generalized Game Theory (GGT), entails its extension and generalization through the formulation... more
Game theory in its several variants can be viewed as a major contribu- tion to multi-agent modeling. One development of classicalgame theory, Generalized Game Theory (GGT), entails its extension and generalization through the formulation ofthe mathematical theory of rules and rule complexesand a systematic gro- unding incontemporary social science. Social theory concepts such as norm, value, belief,role,socialrelationship,andinstitutionaswellasgamecanbedefinedinauniform way interms of
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ABSTRACT EXTENDED ABSTRACT Drawing on a sociological multi-level, dynamic systems approach – actor-system-dynamics (ASD) -- which has been developed and applied in institutional, organizational, and societal analyses, we formulate a... more
ABSTRACT EXTENDED ABSTRACT Drawing on a sociological multi-level, dynamic systems approach – actor-system-dynamics (ASD) -- which has been developed and applied in institutional, organizational, and societal analyses, we formulate a general model for the comparative analysis of social groups and organizations. This social systems approach has not been previously applied in the group area. We claim that the approach can be systematically and fruitfully applied to small as well as large groups and organizations as a methodology to understand and analyze their structure, functioning and dynamics. A group is considered a system with three universal subsystems on which any human social organization, including small groups, depends and which motivate, shape and regulate group activities and productions. The subsystems are bases or group requisites – necessary for group “functioning” and performance in more or less orderly or coherent ways; on this basis a group may be able to realize its purposes or goals(as well as possibly some members’ personal goals) and maintain and reproduce the group. The group bases consist of: first, a rule regime (collective culture)defining group identity and purpose, shaping and regulating roles and role relationships, normative patterns and behavioral outputs; second, an agential base of group members who are socialized or partially socialized carriers of and adherents to the group’s identity and rule regime; of relevance here are involvement/participation factors motivating member to adhere to, accept, and implement key components of the rule regime; third, there is a resource base, technologies and materials, self-produced and/or obtained from the environment, which are essential to group functioning and key group performances. Section I briefly presents the framework and outlines the group systems model, characterized by its three universal bases or subsystems and its finite universal production functions and their outputs as well as the particular context(s) in which groups function. For illustrative purposes, the section identifies three major ideal-type modalities of group formation: informal self-organization by agents, group construction by external agents, and group formation through more or less formal multi-agent negotiation. The general systems model presented in Section II characterizes a social group not only by its three universal bases but by its finite universal production functions (elaborated in Section IV) and its outputs as well as by its shared places (situations for interaction) and times for gathering and interacting. Group productions impact on the group itself (reflexivity) and on its environment. These outputs, among other things, maintain/adapt/develop the group bases (or possibly unintentionally undermine/destroy them) Thus, groups can be understood as action and interaction systems producing goods, services, incidents and events, experiences, developments, etc. for themselves and possibly for the larger environment on which they depend for resources, recruits, goods and services, and legitimation. The model provides a single perspective for the systematic description and comparative analysis of a wide diversity of groups (Sections III and IV). A major distinctive feature in our systems approach is the conceptualization of rules and rule regimes (Sections II, III, IV, and V). Finite universal rule categories (ten distinct categories) are specified; they characterize every functioning social group or organization. A rule regime, while an abstraction is carried, applied, adapted, and transformed by concrete human agents, who interact, exchange, exercise power, and struggle within the group, in large part based on the rule regime which they maintain and adapt as well as transform. The paper emphasizes not only the systemic character of all functioning groups – universally their three bases and their output functions together with feedback dynamics -- but also the differentiating character of any given group’s distinct rule configuration (Section IV). For illustrative purposes Section IV presents a selection of rule configurations characterizing several ideal types of groups, a military unit, a terrorist group, a recreational or social group, a research group, a corporate entity Section V considers the dynamics of groups in terms of modification and transformation of group bases and their production functions. The group system model enables us to systematically identify and explicate the internal and external factors that drive group change and transformation, exposing the complex interdependencies and dynamic potentialities of group systems. Section VI sums up the work and points out its scope and limitations. The group systems model offers a number of promising contributions: (1) a universal systems model identifies the key subsystems and their interrelationships as well as their role in group production functions/outputs and performances; (2) the work…
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Abstract. An earlier article, drawing on the mathematical theory of rules and rule complexes, extends and generalizes game theory (GGT). The theory has been used to conceptualize and analyze diverse social relationships, roles, and games... more
Abstract. An earlier article, drawing on the mathematical theory of rules and rule complexes, extends and generalizes game theory (GGT). The theory has been used to conceptualize and analyze diverse social relationships, roles, and games as particular types of rule ...
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The paper is divided into three parts: In section 29.1 of the paper, Generalized Game Theory (GGT) is outlined, and its applications in formalizing key social science concepts such as institutions, social relationships, roles, judgment,... more
The paper is divided into three parts: In section 29.1 of the paper, Generalized Game Theory (GGT) is outlined, and its applications in formalizing key social science concepts such as institutions, social relationships, roles, judgment, and games are presented. Institutions operate as a type of social algorithm, organizing and regulating agents playing different roles as they engage in deliberation and judgment activities and make and implement collective decisions. Section 29.2 of the paper will present simple multi-agent simulation models and selected results of the simulation. Section 29.3 will briefly outline an agenda for societal research based on the application of GGT to explaining and managing problems of insecurity and social disorder in multi-agent systems. In the GGT perspective, the problem of security can be formulated in terms of regulating a system and its agents, and dealing with social disorder and crisis.
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Policy action is driven, shaped and regulated by the ways in which cognitive frames and interests shape and define issues and analyses-and the involvement of particular authorities, experts, problem-definitions and solutions. To... more
Policy action is driven, shaped and regulated by the ways in which cognitive frames and interests shape and define issues and analyses-and the involvement of particular authorities, experts, problem-definitions and solutions. To understand these processes is ...
This paper outlines, from a sociological and social psychological perspective, a theoretical framework with which to define and analyse consciousness, emphasizing the importance of language, collective representations, conceptions of... more
This paper outlines, from a sociological and social psychological perspective, a theoretical framework with which to define and analyse consciousness, emphasizing the importance of language, collective representations, conceptions of self, and self-reflectivity in understanding human consciousness. It argues that the shape and feel of consciousness is heavily social, and this is no less true of our experience of collective consciousness than it is of our experience of individual consciousness. The paper is divided into two parts. Part One argues that the problem of consciousness can be approached fruitfully by beginning with human group and collective phenomena: community, language, language-based communica- tion, institutional and cultural arrangements, collective representations, self-conceptions, and self-referentiality. A collective is understood as a group or population of individuals (or collective agents as members) that possesses or develops collective representations of its...
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Game theory in its several variants can be viewed as a major contribu- tion to multi-agent modeling, with widespread applications in economics and the other social sciences. One development of classical game theory, Generalized Game... more
Game theory in its several variants can be viewed as a major contribu- tion to multi-agent modeling, with widespread applications in economics and the other social sciences. One development of classical game theory, Generalized Game Theory (GGT), entails its extension and generalization through the formula- tion of the mathematical theory of rules and rule complexes and a systematic grounding in contemporary social sciences. Social theory concepts such as norm, value, belief, role, social relationship, and institution as well as game can be de- fined in a uniform way in terms of rules and rule complexes. Such a conceptual toolbox enables us to model social interaction taking into account economic, socio psychological, and cultural aspects as well as incomplete or imprecise or even false information. The article presents foundation and applications of GGT, among others: (1) GGT provides a cultural/institutional basis for the conceptualization and analy- sis of games in their social c...
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This paper concerns itself with the general problem of achieving cooperation in human groups and higher levels of social systems. Several social situations are considered where cooperation is problematic because self-interest contradicts... more
This paper concerns itself with the general problem of achieving cooperation in human groups and higher levels of social systems. Several social situations are considered where cooperation is problematic because self-interest contradicts group or collective interest: the prisoners' ...
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After long neglect, evolutionary thinking is receiving new emphasis in the social sciences. Although evolutionary theories in biology are complex, changing, and often controversial, the basic concepts of variation, selection, and... more
After long neglect, evolutionary thinking is receiving new emphasis in the social sciences. Although evolutionary theories in biology are complex, changing, and often controversial, the basic concepts of variation, selection, and transmission potentially have powerful applications in sociology. In such uses, a crucial distinction must be made between developmental processes and evolutionary processes. Two main approaches characterize current evolutionary thinking in sociology: sociobiological explanations, and ...
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... (a) the interaction situation - the possibility for A and B to communicate, combine, and cooperate; or to segregate and com-pete or conflict; (b) interaction payoffs or outcome structure - the promotion of competitive private... more
... (a) the interaction situation - the possibility for A and B to communicate, combine, and cooperate; or to segregate and com-pete or conflict; (b) interaction payoffs or outcome structure - the promotion of competitive private in-terest, or shared group interest; (c) the actor attitudes ...
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AUTHORS' NOTE: An earlier version of this paper was presented at the session on "Economy and Society," Eighth World Congress of Sociology, Toronto, August 1974. The research presented in this paper has been... more
AUTHORS' NOTE: An earlier version of this paper was presented at the session on "Economy and Society," Eighth World Congress of Sociology, Toronto, August 1974. The research presented in this paper has been supported in part by a summer dissertation fellowship granted to T. ...
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Earlier work formulated an evolutionary theory of the formation, alteration and transformation of social rule systems such as normative orders and institutional arrangements. The theory specifies processes of the generation of variety in... more
Earlier work formulated an evolutionary theory of the formation, alteration and transformation of social rule systems such as normative orders and institutional arrangements. The theory specifies processes of the generation of variety in social rules, retention and transmission of rules, and the selection of rules. It stresses the role of human agents in generating variety and change, in structuring and manipulating selective processes and in the diffusion and transmission of new systems. This article applies the theory to problems of conceptualizing and analysing revolution, that is, major transformations of social orders. The authors focus on cases of agential driven processes of transformation. Three general types of agent-generated change are identified and illustrated. (1) A dominant elite changes its paradigm of social order and uses its power to bring about transformation of the existing order. (2) Through a power shift, an established elite is replaced by an elite or coaliti...
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In this paper we outline a general evolutionary theory, which we suggest can provide a useful point of departure for the description and analysis of cultural and institutional dynamics. The paper defines culture and institutions as... more
In this paper we outline a general evolutionary theory, which we suggest can provide a useful point of departure for the description and analysis of cultural and institutional dynamics. The paper defines culture and institutions as systems of social rules, produced and reproduced by human groups, and formulates the evolutionary dynamics of such rule systems. In the context of the resurgence of evolutionary thinking in the social sciences in the last decade, we distinguish between contemporary evolutionary approaches and earlier developmental approaches. By evolutionary we mean models of the generation of variety, transmission of information and the operation of selection and other processes (migration, distorted or incorrect knowledge transmission etc.) on the distribution of information within and between populations over time. The key units of information consists of social rules, the production, reproduction and transformation of which is the focus of the theory. In this scheme m...
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The paper outlines an open systems approach to modeling human evaluation and decision-making, both individual and collective. It specifies and elaborates a number of premises which are seen as being basic to any attempt at model building... more
The paper outlines an open systems approach to modeling human evaluation and decision-making, both individual and collective. It specifies and elaborates a number of premises which are seen as being basic to any attempt at model building and which stand in opposition to many of the questionable psychological and sociological assumptions underlying game theory as well as most theories of decision-making. A multi-level, multiple objective model of evaluation and decision-making is presented in Part I, Parts II and III are concerned with the general question of the effects of complexity and conflict, arising from the interrelatedness of action systems and processes, on decision behavior and effectiveness, and the strategies actors utilize to deal with such complexity. The theoretical framework is used to shed light on such matters as conflict in evaluation and decision-making, intransitivity, the Arrow paradox, and the unintended and sub-optimal outcomes of "rational" piecemeal decisions and actions.
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Game theory in its several variants is widely recognized as a contribution to social and economic modeling. One relevant development of classical game theory, Generalized Game Theory (GGT), entails its extension and generalization through... more
Game theory in its several variants is widely recognized as a contribution to social and economic modeling. One relevant development of classical game theory, Generalized Game Theory (GGT), entails its extension and generalization through the formulation of the mathematical theory of rules and rule complexes. Social theory concepts such as norm, value, belief, role, social relationship, and institution as well
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Page 1. European Journal of Social Theory http://est.sagepub.com/ The Evolution of Parliaments and Societies in Europe : Challenges and Prospects Tom R. Burns European Journal of Social Theory 1999 2: 167 DOI: 10.1177 ...
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THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS Part 2: Individual Selves, Self-Awareness, and Reflectivity Tom R. Burns, Uppsala Theory Circle, Department of Sociology, POBox 821, University of Uppsala, SE-751 08 Uppsala, SWEDEN. E-mail... more
THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS Part 2: Individual Selves, Self-Awareness, and Reflectivity Tom R. Burns, Uppsala Theory Circle, Department of Sociology, POBox 821, University of Uppsala, SE-751 08 Uppsala, SWEDEN. E-mail tom.burns@soc.uu.se ...
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Page 1. THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS1 Part 1: Collective Consciousness and Its Socio-Cultural Foundations Tom R. Burns, Uppsala Theory Circle, Department of Sociology PO Box 821, University of Uppsala, SE-751 08 Uppsala,... more
Page 1. THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS1 Part 1: Collective Consciousness and Its Socio-Cultural Foundations Tom R. Burns, Uppsala Theory Circle, Department of Sociology PO Box 821, University of Uppsala, SE-751 08 Uppsala, SWEDEN. ...
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This paper outlines a multi-level approach to sustainable business development. It builds on the notion that contemporary production systems are extensive, increasingly global in their reach. National government regulation is not feasible... more
This paper outlines a multi-level approach to sustainable business development. It builds on the notion that contemporary production systems are extensive, increasingly global in their reach. National government regulation is not feasible in many cases. Attempts to ...
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Research Interests: Supply Chain Management, Corporate Governance, Sustainable Development, Supply Chain, Civil Society, and 11 moreRain forest, Business and Management, Case Study, Forests, Design Methodology, Oil palm, Palm Oil, Governance Structure, Oil Palm, Government Intervention, and Finance and Investment Banking
Page 1. studies in cybernetics: 12 SUBJECTIVITY, INFORMATION, SYSTEMS INTRODUCTION TO A THEORY OF RELATIVISTIC CYBERNETICS GUYM.JUMARIE CORDON AND BREACH SCIENCE PUBLISHERS Page 2. Page 3. Subjectivity, Information, Systems Page 4. ...
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European societies have exhibited high levels of xenophobia and racism in attitude surveys, a desire to limit immigration and acceptance of refugees, and a readiness to exclude foreigners from certain social areas and arenas (Hargreaves &... more
European societies have exhibited high levels of xenophobia and racism in attitude surveys, a desire to limit immigration and acceptance of refugees, and a readiness to exclude foreigners from certain social areas and arenas (Hargreaves & Leaman 1995; Solomos & Wrench 1993; Eurobarometer surveys for EUMC). Furthermore, there is a persistent threat that racist socio-political movements will arise and establish themselves, introducing a “racist agenda,” pressuring established parties to shift their position, and blocking or ...
Technology has become the new central factor in the debate about development. The means to achieve development (which, it is assumed, must necessarily be in the image of a few industrialized countries, whether of the West or the East) is... more
Technology has become the new central factor in the debate about development. The means to achieve development (which, it is assumed, must necessarily be in the image of a few industrialized countries, whether of the West or the East) is conceptualized simply as the transfer of technology, regardless of the certain mismatch between imported, culturally determined, technology and the historically given structural and institutional frameworks of the importing societies. On the international level, transferred technology tends to create dependency; on the national level, it leads to distortions and undesirable developments. This paper explicates the relationship between technology and social systems, and discusses its implications for development strategies.
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The paper outlines a conceptual framework for understanding and analyzing the structuring of an institutional order. Particular attention is given to developments which make institution restructuring likely – for instance power shifts... more
The paper outlines a conceptual framework for understanding and analyzing the structuring of an institutional order. Particular attention is given to developments which make institution restructuring likely – for instance power shifts which favor actors with a different vision or model of an appropriate institutional order. The framework is applied in a brief historical study of the development of post-World War II international economic institutions and current developments associated with the ‘oil crisis’. This conceptual framework and historical investigation provides a basis on which to formulate propositions indicating potential sources of conflict and cooperation and certain ambiguities and dynamics of current institution restructuring in the international system. The paper concludes by outlining several action guidelines for structuring new global cultural forces and institutional forms related to bringing about a New International Economic Order.
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Agency has long been an important topic in sociological theory. Recently, sociologists have devoted attention to new models of cultural evolution drawn from a variety of disciplines. This paper examines the role of agency in evolutionary... more
Agency has long been an important topic in sociological theory. Recently, sociologists have devoted attention to new models of cultural evolution drawn from a variety of disciplines. This paper examines the role of agency in evolutionary theory. We begin by distinguishing evolutionary theory from developmental theories that are usually identified with evolution in discussions of social theory. We then offer an approach to agency and to power grounded in social rule systems theory. These discussions provide a context to definition of agency as effective, intentional, unconstrained and reflexive action by individual or collective actors. Using contemporary evolutionary theory, we consider the circumstances under which individual and collective action can meet these requirements and thus be considered agentic.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This is Part II of a three-part article. The article is predicated on the principle that creativity is a universal activity, essential in an evolutionary perspective, to adaptation and sustainability. This manuscript on the sociology of... more
This is Part II of a three-part article. The article is predicated on the principle that creativity is a universal activity, essential in an evolutionary perspective, to adaptation and sustainability. This manuscript on the sociology of creativity has three purposes: (1) to develop the argument that key factors in creative activity are socially based and developed; hence, sociology can contribute significantly to understanding and explaining human creativity; (2) to present a systems approach which enables us to link in a systematic and coherent way the disparate social factors and mechanisms that are involved in creative activity and to describe and explain creativity; (3) to illustrate sociological systems theory's (Actor-Systems-Dynamics) conceptualization of multiple interrelated institutional, cultural, and interaction factors and mechanisms and their role in creativity and innovative developments in diverse empirical instances. The preceding segment of this article, Part I, introduced a general model of innovation and creative development stressing the socio-cultural and political embeddedness of agents, either as individuals or groups, in their creative activities and innovative productions. This second part, Part II, investigates the " context of innovation and discovery " considering applications and illustrations ranging from, for instance: (i) " the independent innovator or entrepreneur " who exercises creativity based on absorbing a field of knowledge, concepts, challenges, problems, solution strategies, creativity production functions or programs (and who is likely to be in contact with libraries, relevant journals and may be directly or indirectly in contact with a network of others); (ii) groups in their particular fields operating greenhouse types of organization driving problem-solving and creative activities – both self-organizing groups as well as groups established by external powers (whether a private company, a government, or a non-government organization or movement); (iii) entire societies undergoing transformations and radical development as in the industrial and later revolutions. Part III of this article investigates and analyzes " the context of receptivity, selection, and institutionalization " of novelty.
Research Interests: Sociology, Economics of Innovation, Systems Theory, Management of Innovation, Social Systems Theory, and 8 moreInnovation and Creativity (Business), Sociology of Creativity, General Systems Theory, Economic and Sociology of Creativity, General Theory of Systems, Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and Sociology of the Arts and Creativity
... Department ofEconomics, Unioersity ofQuebec, Montreal, Canada TOM R. BURNS and L. DAVID MEEKER ... of New Hamp-shire, assisted in the preparation of an earlier version of this paper which was presented at the VTIlth World Congress of... more
... Department ofEconomics, Unioersity ofQuebec, Montreal, Canada TOM R. BURNS and L. DAVID MEEKER ... of New Hamp-shire, assisted in the preparation of an earlier version of this paper which was presented at the VTIlth World Congress of Sociology, Toronto, August, 1974. ...