‘Society on its own’: the sociological promise today

Abstract

Several prominent sociologists believe that the concept of society has become inapplicable because of its Enlightenment roots in belief in progress and rationality. This article assesses this claim. The Enlightenment critique of Hobbes's account of order showed that social order in modern societies is possible without an external sovereign state. The legitimacy of the political order is derived from the social, not vice versa. Drawing on Koselleck and Donzelot the article discusses the totalitarian potential of democratic societies, and argues, first, that sociology has contributed essentially to politics of representation. Secondly, the article stresses the recent, state-driven but individualistic progress of modern societies towards autonomy and intimacy. Today these values are no longer ideals but taken for granted principles of legitimation of the social order including the state. These principles are contradictory and create conflicts. Political legitimacy can only be maintained respecting the autonomy and right to intimacy of citizens, but on the other hand autonomy and intimacy can only be assured with the help of the state. Understanding these contradictions is essential for understanding social order. The promise of sociology today involves an effort to contribute to this understanding, holding on to the Enlightenment idea of society on its own.