Sociological Exploration Research Articles

When sociology must comprehend the incomprehensible: interpretation of Weber and Durkheim in the sociology of Theodor W. Adorno

In this article, we will delve into Theodor W. Adorno’s sociology. The general aim is to study Adorno’s theory of society and its relation to sociological interpretation. What primarily distinguishes Adorno from other sociologists (of his time and today) is that he considers society to be the fundamental concept of the discipline. Theorising on the post-liberal capitalism of his time, Adorno proposes the concept of the exchange society, which is understood as an antagonistic totality that reproduces itself through the suffering it inflicts on socialised individuals. Within texts dating back to the 1960s, such as ‘Society’, Adorno engages in an exploration of comprehensive sociology and the sociology of social facts, reciprocally examining them. He confronts one with the other in a proposal of an interpretative model of the comprehensibility or incomprehensibility of society. This intellectual confrontation, while avoiding synthesis, leads Adorno to two main outcomes. First, it yields a diagnostic perspective on social theory, portraying capitalist society as simultaneously rational and irrational, comprehensible and incomprehensible. Second, it hints at a sociological interpretation of specific phenomena. In addition to exploring this central theme in Adorno’s sociology, we will also shed light on his distinctive approach to classic texts and concepts. Specifically, Adorno links to the received terminologies but incorporates them into constellations that imbue them with eloquence by revealing the underlying objective moments they encapsulate. The theoretical significance of this article lies in the aim to demonstrate that Adorno’s contributions to sociology are not merely borrowed from philosophical contemplations. Instead, they arise from an immanent critique of the sociological tradition.

Men, Intimate Connections and the Timing of Fatherhood: Conceptualising ‘Misconnect’ within the Sociology of Personal Life

Sociological explorations of trends of later parenthood have paid insufficient attention to the significance of intimate relationships, and of connectedness more generally, for such trends. This article presents findings from qualitative interviews with men (n = 25) who do not (yet) have children about their experiences of intimate relationship establishment and progression and imaginaries of fatherhood, presenting three themes: dating as elusive, fatherhood as elusive for unpartnered men and intimate relationships as risky. Findings are discussed in relation to theories of connection and connectedness, and theories of masculinities to consider how narratives are structurally shaped by gender. The article discusses the nuanced, complex ways in which people do and do not form and practise close relationships, and introduces the concept of ‘misconnect’ to better attend to disjunction in connection, discussing the significance of this concept for understandings of later parenthood and for the sociology of personal life more broadly.

Understanding asexuality: A sociological review

AbstractAsexuality, a sexual identity that refers to those who experience low/no sexual attraction, has garnered increasing attention in recent years, yet its sociological exploration remains relatively nascent. This review article examines the burgeoning interdisciplinary field of asexuality studies through a sociological lens, examining asexual studies' conceptualizations, theoretical frameworks, and empirical contributions. First, I review how asexuality is defined and conceptualized in existing literature, highlighting diverse understandings and complexities surrounding this sexual orientation. I analyze the various conceptualizations of asexuality, ranging from the absence of sexual attraction to conceptualizations that emphasize the fluidity and spectrum of asexual identities. Next, I identify the subfields in sociology where asexuality studies is making or has the potential to make theoretical and empirical interventions. I examine how asexuality intersects with broader sociological themes such as gender, sexuality, identity, the family, intimacy, relationships, stigma, and community. Drawing on existing research, I examine how asexuality challenges normative assumptions about sexuality and how it contributes to ongoing conversations within sociology. Finally, I offer recommendations for how sociologists can approach the study of asexuality. I advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, methodological pluralism, and intersectional analyses to capture the complexity and diversity of asexual experiences. Moreover, I emphasize the importance of centering asexual voices and perspectives in research, while also acknowledging the ethical considerations and challenges inherent in studying a marginalized and often misunderstood sexual orientation. Overall, this review provides a scoping overview of the sociology of asexuality, offering insights into its conceptualizations, theoretical implications, and avenues for future research.

Guardians of the Nightlife: A Sociological Exploration of Bouncers and Dancers in Exotic Dance Clubs

ABSTRACT This paper examines the primary agent of social control in strip clubs: the bouncer. It discusses the bouncer’s various roles, including gatekeeping, controlling patron behavior, managing dancer behavior in different club settings, and enforcing all rules of conduct. Additionally, it explores lesser-known roles that generate income for both bouncers and dancers, such as the relationship between rules and bouncer behavior, and the scheduling of regular clients for exotic dancers. The research is based on over 200 interviews conducted with bouncers and dancers at all levels of clubs between 1993 and 2023 across several states.

Just Fun and Games? A Sociological Consideration of Fun in Video Games

The concept of “fun” is widely used within the game design and game studies literature, and is frequently highlighted as a key component of good game design, as well as a key factor in why people play games. However, it is a term rarely unpacked, and fun in video games remains relatively underresearched, certainly in comparison to other associated terms such as “play.” This article therefore provides a much-needed sociological exploration of a term at the center of games design and studies, and moreover, argues, that doing so allows us to explore a range of important and related topics, such as the changing relationship between work and leisure and the blurring of fun and no-fun boundaries, as well as enabling us to delineate between often interchangeably used terms, such as happiness, enjoyment, and pleasure.

The post-war Japanese eating model: A sociological exploration of semi-compressed food modernity

Among multiple factors that can influence people’s food security, the gender inequality factor has attracted inadequate attention in high-income countries, particularly in Japan. To analyse how and why gender inequality issue has been neglected in food policy in Japan, I propose the notion of the ‘post-war Japanese eating model’ based on the sociologies of family and food. I demonstrate how Japanese society has persisted with this eating model by examining two dominant dietary discourses, the Japanese dietary pattern and Hōshoku (deterioration of dietary practices). The former reinforced the post-war Japanese eating model, despite the prevailing agricultural and nutritional accounts. Regarding the latter discourse, Hōshoku was overestimated, resulting in enlarging the contradiction between norms (the Japanese dietary pattern) and practices. Given the increasing difficulty in performing such practice, their dietary norms need to be reconstructed through awareness of reflexive or ‘semi-compressed’ food modernity facing Japan.

“Straight-acting to the Front”: Investigating the Influence of a Sexually Normative Double-bind on Gay and Lesbian Students at a South African University Campus

Heteronormativity posits heterosexuality as the only acceptable and normal presentation of gendered and sexual identities. Similarly, homonormativity structures social life along heteronormative beliefs and ideals to construct conventional gay and lesbian identities. This article comments on a critical sociological exploration of the influences of these sexual normativities on the identity construction of gay and lesbian students at one campus of a South African university. Discourse was explored through a qualitative research paradigm focused on the lived experiences and reported narratives of gay and lesbian students. Three findings emerged from the data: first, how the participants socially constructed and performed their “ideal” gay and lesbian identities according to interrelated and mutually reinforcing hetero- and homonormative principles; second, these idealised typologies informed the social placement of gay and lesbian students on campus; finally, said ideals resulted in a so-called sexually normative double-bind that required gay and lesbian students to continuously navigate their membership of in- and/or out-groups on campus.

‘I was just left to get on with the job’: Understanding grief and work through a relational lens

Although grief can have a profound effect on the workplace, the long-term lived experience of working after bereavement remains under researched. But how is grief experienced at work? And to what extent does this experience vary according to type of loss and form of work? Drawing on data collected through a qualitative online survey (n = 220), this article provides a sociological exploration of experiences of work after bereavement. The article will argue that while grief can be silenced in the workplace, work can also provide an important source of relational connection for bereaved individuals. It concludes by reflecting on the need to move beyond linear approaches to grief and work, highlighting the important intersection of social relations and place. By analysing experiences through a relational lens, this article seeks to offer an original contribution to the sociology of work, and to grief theory as applied in the workplace.

Are We Really Free to Choose Our Own Career Path?

This essay aims to discuss whether citizens are really free to choose their own career paths. In this essay, the word ‘free’ will be elaborated and further explored. This essay focuses more on the sociological exploration of free choice of career, and this essay places the emphasis on working class people, black people, and women. The conclusion is that the above-mentioned people are not truly free to choose their careers.

“Dialling up the Testosterone”: A Sociological Exploration of How South African Gay Rugby Players Mitigate Homohysteria

Increases in overt displays of homosocial tactility among men and declines in homophobia and homohysteria are contributing globally to changes in the social dynamics of masculine expressions. Said changes spill over into various social institutions, including that of contact sport. Long regarded as a hypermasculine context, studies show that rugby has become more inclusive. Although research conducted in the US and UK is well-documented, the topic remains under-researched in South Africa. To this end, the article relates findings of a qualitative sociological exploration of seven self-identified gay rugby players and their experiences of homohysteria. The findings showed that the participants mitigate homohysteria through accruing gender and body capital and establishing horizontal homosocial brotherhoods with their gay and heterosexual teammates.

Return Policies and Everyday Resistance: An Exploration of Nigerian Migrants’ Experiences in Austria

This article delves into the nuances of resistance among Nigerian migrants in Austria, situated within the larger framework of European migration. Against the backdrop of the stringent migration regulations implemented in Austria during the 2015 long summer of migration and amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aims to provide a deeper exploration of the political sociology of return. Drawing on semi-structured interviews conducted with 18 Nigerian migrants, I examine the perspectives of migrants and their interpretations of voluntary and forced return policies and implementation, shedding light on their motivations, strategies, and decision-making processes. Additionally, the paper incorporates 15 interviews with government officials, non-governmental organisations, and activists to explore the implementation of return policy. Using the framework of everyday resistance by Johansson and Vinthagen (2019), this study uncovers the nuanced ways in which Nigerian migrants in Austria navigate the pressures of returning to their home countries. This analysis is especially significant because of Nigeria’s prominence as a major origin country for migrants in Europe. It provides valuable insights into the broader European migration context and contributes to a better understanding of resistance within return migration processes. These acts manifest in various forms in everyday life, challenging the execution of asylum and return policies in specific physical locations, such as workplaces, cities, and streets, highlighting the complex subtleties of resistance in the context of return migration management.

Deux ex Machina (“ God From the Machine”): Exploring Digital Worship in the Salvation Ministries, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This paper presents a sociological exploration of the digital worship practices of the Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt. It investigates the impact of technology on the members’ and how it engages their relationship with the Divine. Utilizing qualitative research, including interviews with members and analysis of online reviews, the study examines the role of digital worship in fostering relationships between members and the divine. It employs the Media and Technological Determinism theories to examine this relationship in depth. The paper also examines the implications of the emergence of the “God from Machine” in worship services, arguing that worshippers are constructing a new type of connection that transforms their religious experiences. The findings demonstrate that digital worship has significantly expanded the reach of Salvation Ministries beyond its physical boundaries. Virtual sermons and prayer sessions have strengthened the sense of community among members, facilitating easier connections with leaders and fellow worshippers. However, caution is advised regarding the potential risks of excessive reliance on technology, diminished personal interaction, and substituting genuine spiritual experiences. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the importance of balancing embracing technology and preserving the authenticity and sincerity of spiritual practices.

Mapping Social- Legal Identity and Inequality: A Sociological Exploration of the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Women Street Vendors in Urban Areas

Gendered development is a critical factor for inclusive development. The inclusion of women in central policies is indispensable for any country's development. India, with its vast economic and socio-cultural diversity, also faces socio-cultural inequality. Street vendors, who provide essential goods and services at affordable prices, are a marginalized and neglected group in our society. Despite their significant contribution, they remain impoverished and excluded from the mainstream. The COVID- 19 pandemic aggravated the existing social inequalities, particularly for street vendors. Lockdowns and lack of economic opportunities led to forceful migration and economic struggles for these vendors, especially women. In this background, this study focuses on two research questions: the socio-economic and legal status of women street vendors during the pandemic and an assessment of legal enactments for their protection. The study utilizes secondary sources and follows a descriptive approach. The main argument of the paper is that addressing gendered development is crucial for the progress of India. COVID- 19 Pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by women street vendors, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive measures to ensure their socio economic wellbeing and legal protection. It is essential to evaluate legal frameworks in order to protect socio-legal rights

Women’s Narratives of Domestic Violence and Help Seeking Behaviour in Coastal Areas of Bangladesh: A Feminist Sociological Exploration

In Bangladesh, various forms of violence are much higher in the remote areas of the southern coastal districts than in any other part of the country. Though there are a number of legal support-related organisations available in the country, they have limited presence in the coastal areas. Hence, based on ten in-depth interviews, this paper focuses on women’s personal reflections on their experience of domestic violence and their attitude towards seeking help to protest against violence. The research findings reveal that although domestic violence takes place inside the family, however, is strengthened by the broader patriarchal structure and legitimised through the practice of negative socio-cultural discourses, religious beliefs, norms, and gender bias legal systems. The findings further establish that patriarchal mentality, traditional norms and discourses, women’s insecurity, lack of education and economic dependency of women create hindrance from receiving legal assistance, which in turn create further scope for domestic violence. Social Science Review, Vol. 39(3), Dec 2022 Page 37-54

The Age of Contentment: Exploring Happiness through Generational Lenses in Pakistan

This study provides a comprehensive sociological exploration of happiness among older adults in Pakistan, drawing on a diverse array of socio-cultural factors. Utilizing a mixed-method approach that combines in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the research investigates the multifaceted dimensions of happiness, with particular emphasis on the satisfaction with meeting physiological demands, the generational shift from collectiveness to individuality, the role of social support and family, and a comparative analysis with the younger generation's perspectives. Key findings reveal the paramount importance of good health and basic health facilities in achieving happiness, with close family ties and economic stability acting as significant contributors. The intricate interplay between joint and nuclear family structures sheds light on the complex dynamics of personal freedom, independence, and the value of positive relations within the family. The study further uncovers the linkage between educational achievements and happiness, portraying a cohesive picture that aligns with broader societal values and norms. Cultural reflections unveil a specific understanding of happiness within the Pakistani context, highlighting the nuanced interactions between traditional values and modern aspirations. The findings offer profound implications for policymakers, educational institutions, and communities, emphasizing the need to foster supportive environments, nurture social connections, and understand the evolving nature of social relations within a rapidly changing society. Overall, the research contributes a rich and nuanced understanding of happiness, resonating with universal themes while deeply rooted in the specific socio-cultural landscape of Pakistan.

DISTINCTION OF SOCIAL AND PUBLIC RELATIONS IN SOCIETY

Mastering of the “sociology” major by domestic students takes place in accordance with the curricula approved by the management of each university, taking into account the normative documents of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Therefore, modern applicants (students) are initially inclined to functionalism and systemic theory in sociology, offering to study the works of the classics of sociology of the end of the 19th century – the beginning of the 20th century. However, the applicants will later learn about theoretical polyparadigmism in modern sociology and the possibility to choose not only classical concepts for the implementation of their scientific developments. This possibility was a consequence of the fact that changes were taking place in the paradigm of system theory. This influenced the evolution of sociological theorizing. Therefore, the above now affects the choice of applicants, post-graduate students and doctoral students of the basic concept for their sociological explorations, in order to avoid accusations of ignorance of modern sociological theory. The situation, as a rule, has two contradictory sides. So, on the one hand, there are classical instructions or settings for scientists to carry out their cognitive procedures (for example, diagnosis, classification, stratification, typology, or systematization in general). On the other hand, alternative post-classical foundations have already been proposed, which are rather only outlined in most textbooks and textbooks on sociology, and therefore deserve in-depth study in order to reveal their diverse potential (heuristic, diagnostic, methodological, etc.).

"There isn't anybody else like me around here": the insider-outsider status of LGBT residents in housing with care schemes for older people.

The intersections between aging, social minority status and housing needs in later life is a neglected area of sociological exploration, even more so for older people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT). Recent sociological findings indicate that older LGBT people in housing schemes stress the importance of bonding social capital and look to other people in their social networks who reflect their identities and experiences as sources of support. In this paper, we examine the insider-outsider status occupied by older LGBT residents living in housing schemes that provide some form of care and support, for example extra care and independent living schemes. We present qualitative findings generated from a mixed-methods study of social inclusion practices in housing with care in England and Wales (UK) (2019-22). In this study 15 LGBT residents participated in semi-structured interviews (55-79 years of age) across a total of 31 interviews. Through a queer gerontological lens we examine how older LGBT people are socially situated within mainstream housing schemes in which they experience partial visibility while also encountering exclusionary pressures that locate them as "the other." This insider-outsider status undermines the premise of housing with care schemes to provide safe, secure spaces to grow old. We discuss three core themes: (1) how LGBT residents navigate their outsider status in scheme life and how the intersection of disability and minority status amplifies this social location; (2) the exclusionary practices exercised by other residents that reinforce boundaries of sexual and gender normalcy; and, (3) the heightened importance of maintaining external social connections among LGBT residents. We conclude by introducing an alternative notion of marginal aging and expanding on the implications for housing providers, reflecting on their responsibilities for promoting and maintaining queer-friendly environments.

Road Accidents in India & Role of the Family- A Sociological Exploration with Special Reference to Ajmer

According to the recent report released by the WHO every year around 1.25 million people die due to road accidents. It is indeed a loss for any society, especially when people aged between 18-39 are the maximum and die from road accidents. Every death has a socio-economic ‘cost’ that can’t be repaid by any government. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ 2020 report, there were a total of 1,31,714 deaths due to road accidents in India. India accounts for almost 10% of all crash-related deaths while accounting for only 1% of the world’s vehicles. Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) are the eighth leading cause of death globally for all ages and the first cause in the 5-29 years age group. This paper is an attempt to explore if there is any relation between road accidents and the role of family in lessening them.

Harnessing Collective Capacities: A Sociological Exploration of Stakeholder Contributions in Community-Based Environmental Stewardship and Empowerment

This study examines the role of diverse stakeholders in the Kampung Harmoni Empowerment Program, a community-based initiative aimed at environmental preservation in Indonesia. It utilizes Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to examine the contributions of the local community, the Environmental Agency (DLH), and CSR PT Indaco Warna Dunia, as they navigate the complexities of sustainable community development. The stakeholders' contributions are categorized into five types: physical labor, financial resources, material resources, moral support, and decision-making. Utilizing social capital theory, collective action theory, and the theory of planned behavior, the study provides a detailed analysis of the contributions and their impact on the program's success. The results reveal that the community's investment in social capital, the collective action exhibited by all stakeholders, and the moral guidance and motivation provided have fostered a communal vision for environmental preservation and community empowerment. This intricate interplay of stakeholder contributions provides a robust model for sustainable community development. The study concludes that successful community-based environmental preservation programs necessitate collaboration, shared resources, and an underpinning of sociological understanding. The findings provide valuable insights for similar initiatives and underscore the power of community-led, multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable development. This research enriches the field of sociology by providing an in-depth examination of how the collective efforts of various stakeholders can result in the effective management and preservation of the environment.

Craft Culture in Early Modern Japan: Materials, Makers, and Mastery by Christine M. E. Guth

Mention of Japanese crafts or mingei typically generates an image of delicate straw baskets, indigo-dyed cloth, and lacquered combs. So too does it recall the well-known mark of distinction given to skilled artisans in Japan, even in the twenty-first century—“Living National Treasures.” Such icons of craft culture represent the institutionalization and preservation of traditional techniques and materials for specific crafts by contemporary practitioners. But in contrast to considering Japanese crafts in the context of unchanging traditions and the continuous use of the original materials that shaped everyday objects centuries ago, Guth takes a different perspective in Craft Culture in Early Modern Japan. Her deep expertise in Japan’s visual and material culture between the late sixteenth and nineteenth centuries leads her to develop a dynamic rather than static view of “traditional” Japanese crafts. For Guth, Japanese crafts are best seen not as direct descendants of a material culture developed centuries ago but as products of social and technological processes inherent to the environments in which they evolved. Such environments change over time, producing changes in the relationship between artisans and the natural materials and technical tools that they use.Guth also moves readers away from the common trope that Japanese craftspeople have been motivated principally by their reverence for nature in their creation of objects from local natural resources. Rather, she documents the importance of shogunal policies in the Tokugawa period to address the decimation of forests, various crops, and other resources that made it possible for craft production to continue. In short, crafts did not necessarily manifest a love of nature so much as a pragmatic approach to exploiting natural resources to create the tools and utensils for everyday life.Craft production was determined not only by the varying availability of raw materials but also by the development of consumer markets. In the eighteenth century, craft production dispersed across Japan as lords sought ways to diversify the local economies under their jurisdiction. To this end, they encouraged the production of goods for sale. Local products came from local resources, becoming the meibutsu (regional specialties) now familiar to contemporary Japanese people and to those who visit Japan.Guth also pays attention to the variety of people engaged in the production of goods and to the processes of learning that craft production entailed. The young men who were formal apprentices typically spent seven to ten years learning their craft through observation and practice, as opposed to disembodied book learning. Learning took place in the process of doing and making, an important part of which entailed observation and experimentation with the ways in which different materials interacted with each other. As Guth writes, “Craft practitioners were not embodiments of tenacious traditions. They were flesh and blood problem solvers who used available materials, technical know-how, and ingenuity to adapt to changing environmental, social, economic, and political circumstances” (192). Although women were generally excluded from the guilds, workshops, and other groups organized around crafts, they too were “makers of things.” Women typically performed their work within the household, entering it into the public domain through the market.Guth’s approach centers less on a standard aesthetic analysis and more on a sociological exploration of how craft production was embedded in particular urban and rural spaces as well as on the political, economic, and social forces that shaped those spaces. In utilizing this approach, she brings to life the meaning of the gorgeous objects and scenes included in this visually stunning book.