Third-Wave sociology and the end of pure science

Abstract

In this article Michael Burawoy criticizes the Strong Program in Professional Sociology (SPPS) — a project of pure science applied to the research of society. In its place, he proposes a public sociology, which consists in the engagement between sociologists and different publics beyond the university, aiming the strengthening of civil society. According to author, social science without values is impossible. Thus the question is not to exempt the sociology from values, but to know which values makes more sense today. Here Michael Burawoy presents his scheme of three waves of capitalism. According his analysis, we are today in the third-wave marketization, a period in which States and markets are in collusion against labor and social rights won in previous periods of advance of capitalism. This request a new approach to sociology (a third-wave sociology) — which is defi nied by the standpoint of civil society and by the defense of human rights.