Each of us attempts, in one way or another, to understand and interpret the society in which we live. Insights found in seminal sociological works can provide us with valuable perspectives. I was delighted to learn that the book “The Coming Crisis of Western Sociology” by the renowned sociologist Alvin W. Gouldner —which I translated for Sakarya University— has been published and its promotion has begun. I wanted to share with you a one-page summary and assessment of this 682-page volume, as I believe you will find it interesting. In the twenty-first century —particularly in developed nations but also widely across the globe— we are witnessing the inadequacy of existing sociological theories and approaches when it comes to understanding new generations and society, as well as interpreting and explaining societal power dynamics. While social relations are characterized by rapid dynamics of change and evolution, it has become evident that the scientific tools at our disposal are insufficient for analyzing society and the strata and groups that constitute it. Having translated Alvin W. Gouldner’s “The Coming Crisis of Western Sociology”, I would like to present to readers a summary of the impressions and interpretations I formed while working on the text. “The Coming Crisis of Western Sociology” highlights—in its broadest sense—the fact that Western sociology has failed to develop a satisfying model or theory capable of explaining current realities; this failure stems from the difficulties encountered in understanding new generations across the globe —particularly in developed nations— and the challenges regarding how these generations adapt to society and how society adapts to them. According to Gouldner, Western sociology is human-centered and places significant emphasis on the critique of modern society; yet, a crisis awaits it. Contrary to sociological models and theories that prioritize societal stability and development, the younger generation is becoming radicalized —or, from the perspective of some, degenerating. Yes, sociology should concern itself with the problems of the society in which it exists and present solutions to them within a theoretical framework. In Gouldner’s view, Western sociology developed as a reaction against utilitarian culture. Younger generations in developed countries can sometimes react to society’s successful utilitarian output with phenomena such as “drug culture.” Consequently, the question of the extent to which social order and ethical consensus —themes that have remained constant across classical sociological movements— are at risk naturally remains on the agenda. To what extent can the work sociologists do in alignment with the Welfare State resolve sociology’s looming crisis? What kind of societal future is signaled by the economic and social support provided —by both capitalist and socialist state structures— to segments of the population experiencing dissatisfaction within social systems, and by the role sociologists play in this equation?
Will sociology be able to find a way out of this crisis alongside society? Gouldner’s examination of the developments within the European and American branches of Western sociology—starting with Plato and focusing particularly on the university as a key institutional base and environment—vividly illustrates the dynamics of sociological inquiry throughout history. I am certain that the sections interpreting the academic environment of social scientists, their relationships with state institutions, and their professional concerns and approaches will particularly capture the reader’s interest. Social theories determine what is taken as real or valuable when viewing the world. Every theory rests upon the theorist’s implicit assumptions about the field; this implies the persistence of preconceptions. Why do sociologists and social theorists accept certain assumptions while rejecting others? Emotions and preconceptions play a role in the formation of these assumptions. Sociology changes as its underlying assumptions change. Gouldner points out that even the claim to neutrality can create an effect of alienation—and consequently, bias—for sociologists. “The Coming Crisis of Western Sociology” leaves us grappling with certain questions regarding the understanding and interpretation of the broader society in which we live, as well as the task of predicting the direction in which things are heading.