Sociological Interpretation Research Articles

Рождение социологии спорта и Лестерская историко-социологическая школа

The paper describes the origins of sports sociology in Great Britain within the “Leicester School” of Historical Sociology of Norbert Elias, explaining the causes for the strong influence of the ideas of Elysianism on the present-day international sociology of sports. The overall development of the historical and sociological “Leicester School” of the 1960s and 1970s, its influence on the sociology of Great Britain, as well as the role of Elias and Ilya Neustadt in its formation are shown. The contemporary historical and sociological tradition of social analysis, inspired by the ideas of Elias and called the ‘sociology of process’ or ‘figurative research’, is described. Its key features are indicated: focus on relations–in–progress, relativism, studies of phenomena in their dynamics, the collection of historical materials, comparative analysis, and interdisciplinarity. The seminal works of Eric Dunning and Elias on sports sociology are considered, in addition to the early development of this field of studies. It is noted that both authors viewed sport and leisure activities as a means to understand society and proposed a sociological interpretation of sport as a tool for the civilizational process. Their work was based not only on a theoretical framework, but also on extensive historical research. This contributed to the early acceptance of the ideas of Leicester School during the establishment of international sports sociology in the 1960s. The paper is based on an informal interview in 2010 with Eric Dunning, the founding father of the British Sociology of Sport, co-author and student of Norbert Elias.

Elites and ordinariness in cross-status encounters: Adding Goffman's ritual interaction order to sociological interpretations

Elites and higher-class people often downplay – even conceal – their status when interacting with people of lower class/status than themselves. This finding has been reported from several countries in the Global North. It is also shown in research from disparate academic fields and disciplines: the sociology of class, psychology, cognitive decision-making, and microsociology. This paper reviews and synthesises the literature on elites and high-status people who downplay social differences in cross-status social interaction. It makes two main contributions: First, I show that the phenomenon is more widespread transnationally than especially Nordic researchers have assumed. The second contribution comes from tracing the theoretical interpretations in the research. I notice tendencies of an individual – structure dualism in some strands of research, with the relevant analytical levels being the broader moral repertoires and predispositions. Other strands of research suffer from overly individualist interpretations. I argue that what is missing in most current research on cross-status interaction, is an adequate theoretical grasp of the social situation. I discuss how the study of cross-status interaction can be fertilised by the classical microsociological idea of situations’ existence in themselves, a social domain that cannot be reduced to dispositions or broader culture. I engage here especially Erving Goffman's ritual interaction order. From this vantage point, I also highlight situational variation, something attended to by few studies of cross-status interaction.

Историко-лингвистический метод познания права

The article analyzes the role and place of the historical and linguistic methodology of the knowledge of law in modern jurisprudence. The main attention is paid to the methods of etymology of legal concepts, sociological interpretation of legal terms, methods of historical and linguistic reconstruction, linguistic and cultural approach. Historical and linguistic methodology allows us to understand the true nature of Russian and foreign law through the prism of studying the history of the emergence and development of the legal language and the specifics of its use in various legal texts.

Социальные и политические основания конструктивной девиации студенческой молодежи: анализ цифровых следов в региональных сетевых сообществах

Deviant behavior is a popular research topic. The article examines interdisciplinary approaches to its causes, types, and consequences in university students. Constructive deviation is a relatively new phenomenon, which requires systematization and formalization. The current socio-political changes encourage certain socially significant values and helping behavior practices, which makes it possible to develop social resources, as well as social, intellectual, and civic potential in young people. The authors studied internet activities of first-year university students to reveal the social and political prerequisites of constructive deviation. These foundations included the institutional conditions for the development and implementation of the state youth policy, youth initiatives, helping behavior practices, hypernormality, such socially significant values as patriotism and altruism, etc. The sociological interpretation of constructive deviation clarifies the challenges that are relevant for young people and directions for their social consolidation.

Self-control of states: bridging social psychology to international relations discourses.

Why do states respond non-coercively in the face of crisis? Existing scholarship within international relations has stagnated in its conclusions regarding understanding this occurrence. This perspective article attempts to bridge the self-control theory of social psychology to provide a more nuanced understanding of why states self-refrain themselves from taking aggressive retaliatory foreign policies in state-to-state crises. It argues the importance of cognitive-affective units, such as encodings, expectancies, beliefs, goals, values, and self-regulatory plans, as the sociological interpretation of why states are committed to pursuing delayed rewards. It builds upon existing sociological theories adopted in international relations scholarship, such as state identities and role conceptions, and further considers the social psychology variables detrimental in self-control theories, and argues for its relevance to decompose the ability of a state to prioritize delayed gratification over immediate awards in tensions faced.

Видовое разнообразие делинквентных молодежных субкультур в современной России: опыт теоретического исследования

Social disorganization triggers the development of subcultures, both positive and negative. As part of innovative adaptation, a person or a group may update certain sets of values, thus offering an alternative solution to some existing contradictions. Destructive socio-cultural associations, on the contrary, revise and oppose the generally recognized and accepted values, which leads to protest activity and what Peter Berger defined as anti-societies. The article describes the current diversity of delinquent youth subcultures in Russia and their development. The author designed a typology based on sociological interpretation, affiliations, and risks: 1) subcultures with career prospects; 2) subcultures of antisocial leisure activities; 3) subcultures that imitate certain totalitarian organizations; 4) subcultures of escapism; 5) subcultures of gender orientation; 6) street subcultures; 7) school-shooting subcultures. This classification takes into account those aspects of social life that deserve special scientific attention. Each subcultural community requires a special interdisciplinary approach that would consider its socio-cultural and legal adaptation mechanisms, causes, and online and offline functioning.

Exploring Information Gathering Work Undertaken by Immigrant Parents to Choose a High School in Montreal

ABSTRACT This article explores information gathering work undertaken by immigrant parents before choosing their children’s high school in Montreal. Rooted in an interpretive sociology, it explores the experiences, challenges, and specific needs as they gather information and their agency and proactiveness to mitigate feelings of ignorance and lack of referents by leveraging their skills, advantages, or privileges. It also examines similarities in participants’ experience and variations explained by reconfigured academic capital and/or acquired local social capital and pathways in the host society. By focusing on a seldom-studied category in information gathering work, this article sheds light on experiences as yet rarely explored.

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.

The destructive frames of social behavior: anthropological analysis of the Columbine ideology

The results of a complex research on the Columbine phenomenon, which was conducted by the authors in 2020-2021 in Tatarstan, became the basis for the writing of the article. Adolescents and young people aged 13 to 23, who share the values of the Columbine subculture, became the object of the research. The study was carried out in a concept of interpretive sociology and the theory of frames, with the use of qualitative methods such as frame analysis to monitor the open groups in social networks and select the informants, as well as the method of focused interview. The total number of theme groups, in social networks such as VKontakte and Telegram, that were included in the monitoring was not less than 50. Furthermore, 25 interviews were conducted with members of Internet groups in Kazan and Naberezhnye Chelny. The aim of the research was to analyze the impact of framing narratives of the subculture on the personal and group attitudes of the participants in the general context of conflict risks of social interaction. In this article, the authors tried to analyze the nature of the relationship between the virtual environment and the real social space on the example of a well-known destructive subculture, which received the official status of a terrorist movement in Russia in 2022. The causal and latent motives for adolescents, as well as youth representatives getting involved in Columbine communities, were considered. Situations and factors that form misanthropic imperatives were typologized. It was suggested that there are successive stages of indoctrination that cause psychological and social transformations of the individual. A method for identifying participants in the subculture with a high degree of involvement to prevent possible destructive acts was proposed. The presented research contributes to modern socio-anthropological knowledge in terms of critical analysis of existing subcultural practices aimed at dehumanizing social space and manifests the value of protecting human-centric values and dignity of the individual.

Socio-economic characteristics of small enterprises in the aspect of risky circumstances

The article considers the characteristics of small business entities in the context of risky circumstances. The socio-economic characteristics of small enterprises are analyzed taking into account the new crisis phenomena and their influence on the construction of management strategies. In the process of research the interrelation between these characteristics and risk factors is established, the necessity of actualization of existing approaches and methods of management of small enterprises is proved. Methods of search, analysis and generalization of information were used. The sociological interpretation of the concept of “risk” in historical retrospect and taking into account modern approaches is given, as well as the main provisions of risk concepts are given. Among the key ones are socio-economic characteristics of small enterprises interrelated with risky circumstances. Limited capital investments, small number of employees, the need to fulfill social obligations, relatively low level of income, simpler organizational structure, uniqueness of goods and services produced, localization of markets, significant social burden are highlighted. It is concluded that modern transformations in various spheres of society increase the probability of crisis processes. At the same time, the level of risk is interrelated with the socio-economic characteristics of small enterprises, which are more exposed to risk consequences. Small business shows significant adaptive capabilities and readiness to quickly change management tactics in terms of predicting and regulating risks.

Translating ‘Understanding’/ understanding translation: A reflexive approach

This article has its starting point in an apparently marginal undertaking: Bridget Fowler’s translation of Pierre Bourdieu’s ‘Comprendre’, a methodologically oriented chapter which appeared at the end of the collectively authored book La Misère du monde. Its objective is to show how translation, beyond its apparent marginality, is in fact a key component of sociological practice, and inseparable from sociological interpretation and theorizing. Because of this, translation can provide an original and unexpected point of view that sheds light on little considered sociological matters and relations which usually escape from critical consideration. First, Fowler’s translation is discussed in the context of her critical engagement with Bourdieu’s sociology. Second, sociological approaches to the mostly neglected craft of academic translation are examined. Third, the project of a reflexive sociology is related to that of reflexive translation through what can be characterized as a translational sociology.

Политическое лидерство в условиях глобального кризиса: от запроса обществ к парадоксам методологии и уровней осуществления

A new growth of interest in political leadership, dictated by the fusion of social and scientific reactions to the onset of a global crisis, requires both individuals adequate to overcome it, and bold, honest theoretical work to rethink the tools describing the subject field of leadership. Its paradoxes outlined in the article, both using examples of them in methodology and those that reflect the state of the phenomenon at the current stage, indicate a revision of the role of a number of categories that came to us from Western (American) political science. The paradoxes of leadership in combination with the principles of its modern integrative understanding, leading to the acceleration of the process of unification of Russian society and the state, confirm the priority of the sociological interpretation of the nature of political leadership. It makes it possible to achieve greater verifiability of conclusions about its legitimacy and effectiveness, the logic of actions/relationships of transformational leaders.

Artificial sociality in the light of old and new theoretical and methodological approaches

The article critically analyzes the problems of artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial sociality (AS) from several theoretical and methodological positions. First, it is shown that the concept of IS actualizes extra-subjective approaches to understanding social ontology and is comparable with a number of concepts developed in the history of sociology, in particular, with P. Sorokin’s “conductors” (“mediums”). In this respect, AI is similar to other cultural (“artificial”) phenomena. Second, in the perspective of the Slavophile concept of “integral knowledge”, the limited epistemological horizons of AI as “rational cognition” are scrutinized. Third, sociological interpretations of AI that do not provide clarity in understanding its agentic status in social interactions (“participant” or “mediator”) are subjected to revision. Fourth, it is argued that a sociologically correct formulation of the IS question should focus not on natural or artificial agents of sociality, but on forms of sociality as ways of implementing social order. Today’s social reality, so the author of this paper, has not led so far to destruction of old and emergence of fundamentally new forms of social interactions, which, in the situation of insufficient theoretical comprehension, renders IS issue a journalistically superficiality.

Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Sociality: Sociological Interpretation and Interdisciplinary Approach

Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Sociality: Sociological Interpretation and Interdisciplinary Approach

Literacy Culture About Sociology of Contemporary Religious Texts: A Study of Interpretation of The Quran in Indonesia

Quraish Shihab’s role in modern Quranic interpretation in Indonesia is the backdrop explanation for the choice of this article’s major object of research. His work was often studied in academics in the field of Quranic interpretation and Indonesian Islam in the early stages of the development of theme interpretation in this country. This article aims to provide a solution to the research question: is the substance orientation of the thematic interpretation in books by Quraish Shihab regarding sociologists, in accordance with the theory of thematic interpretation? Content analysis and comparative methodologies are employed. Al-lawn wa al-ittijâh, the style or approach and direction of interpretation, serve as the foundation for content analysis. According to the research presented in this article, Quraish Shihab’s theme interpretation analysis in the field of sociology may be divided into three categories: internal analysis, extrinsic analysis, and study of the findings of earlier researchers. There are 18 types of analysis, with the following details: 12 of them (67%) include internal analysis, 2 (11%) extrinsic analysis, and 4 (22%) analysis based on the opinions of prior researchers. Quraish Shihab prioritizes interpretations that are implications of the themes discussed in order to be a workable solution in the contemporary context, based on the spirit of the Quran, while Dawam Rahardjo and Nur Kholis Setiawan prioritize interpretations that are implications of the themes discussed. Quraish Shihab also explains more about the ontological aspects of the themes he discusses and relates them to various internal aspects of the themes. The sociological interpretation of the Qur’an represents a method of fusing scientific and religious literature. The concern with the process of the relationship between the Qur’an and science, according to a number of experts in the field of science integration in the Indonesian Islamic community, is that science is justified by verses from the Quran even though scientists were the ones who discovered it. Even “possibly” a scientific theory cannot “read” the text of the Quran. Even if science and the Qur’an were on equal footing, neither could adequately explain how the Qur’an and nature are comprehended. In light of this, it is unnecessary to emphasize that the Quran is a source of knowledge.
 Keywords: contextualization of comparative interpretation in a holistic manner, implications of thematic interpretation

Конструирование исторических образов в медиапространстве: социально-философские аспекты и когнитивное воздействие

The article discusses the socio-philosophical significance of historical images in media space and their impact on the cognitive and behavioral processes of individuals. The study aims to analyze the criteria that ensure the social relevance of historical reconstructions within intergroup communications. The main focus is on the pro-cesses of creating simplified but emotionally rich images of the past, which serve as an alternative to analytical research. The authors analyze the role of various sources of information, including art, scientific works, educa-tional materials, and mass media, in shaping these images. Particular attention is paid to analyzing the influ-ence of 20th-century mass media on the dissemination of historical knowledge and myths. The synergy of in-formation flows in creating a coordinated historical picture that influences public consciousness and perception of history is studied. The concept of “historical image” is of key importance in the study, determining the meth-odological approach and inclusion in the discourse of works devoted to the analysis of historical narratives and media representations. The results obtained contribute to the formation of an interdisciplinary basis for the study of historical images, allowing for a sociological interpretation of knowledge about the historical past, tak-ing into account the influence of culture, politics, and demographics, thus expanding the perspectives of analy-sis and the development of related scientific fields.

Mexican social vulnerability as a sociological fact

The article aimed to construct a sociological interpretation about the relevance of the concept of social vulnerability, where social inequality, as a narrative, generally leads to highlighting the relevance of State institutions in the realization of citizen rights. But as a binary narrative, it forces us to include in the interpretation social behaviors organized by various beliefs derived from values, whose resonance is expressed in the mass media. In response to these arguments, it was decided to study the Mexican binary narrative in general to interpret some social behaviors recorded in the press

Конструирование образа прошлого в кино: кейс сериала «Слово пацана»

The article examines the problem of historical accuracy in cinema on the example of the popular Russian TV series “A hoodlum’s promise – blood on the asphalt”. In the context of the popularity of movies covering real historical events, the author gives a sociological interpretation of the artistic techniques used in the series aimed at constructing the image of the past. Based on their analysis, the authors identify the criteria that allow us to judge the plausibility and correspondence of the image of the past embodied in the film to the historical reality. These include: 1) the degree of authenticity of reconstruction of material culture of a particular time pe-riod; 2) authentic representation of mentality of a particular time period; and 3) filmmaker’s understanding and interpretation of historical processes, events, etc. It is emphasized that the modern trend is to move away from documentary authenticity in historical films, but it is also stressed that the key importance in this regard is the author’s intention, in some cases designed to convey to the viewer a certain social idea expressed by the skill of filmmakers.

Custos vulnerabilis, fundamental rights and culture: reflections in light of Marc galanter´s critical ideas

This article attempts to investigate the public defender office’s intervention in Brazilian’s civil litigation as custos vulnerabilis. It will analyze whether this legal construction effectively has a redistributive impact on law and changes the status quo or would it be a symbolic commitment. It uses the argumentative dialectical approach method; the structuralism procedure method and the sociological interpretation method. As a research hypothesis, it considers that public defender office’s intervention as a “vulnerable’s guardian” is legitimated by the protection of vulnerable group’s fundamental rights. The objectives of this essay are: i) to analyze the public defender’s intervention as custos vulnerabilis; ii) to examine the civil litigation neutrality discourse and the limitations to law’s transformation by Marc Galanter; iii) associating law and culture, to investigate whether the referred intervention modality has the aptitude to promote social change, analyzing its theoretical basis of legitimation. The conclusions show that: i) the public defender office’s intervention as custos vulnerabilis is interpreted from art. 134 of Brazilian’s Constitution, to promote fundamental human rights; ii) the recognition of this interventional modality by jurisprudence reveals the Brazilian society’s cultural transformation and of process itself; iii) this interventional modality’s consolidation may contribute to a paradigm shift in Brazilian civil process, making it more inclusive and fairer.

A sociology of forgiveness in relationships: why the sociology of personal life should be interested in forgiveness

Abundant research in adjacent disciplines shows forgiveness (including forgiving, not forgiving, being forgiven and not being forgiven) to be an ordinary feature of how personal relationships are maintained, repaired and rescinded. Sociologists, however, have scarcely considered forgiveness at all. This article shows why sociologists of personal life should be interested in forgiveness, and how this contributes to sociological interpretations of conflict and repair in relationships. It is argued that sociologists of personal life should be interested in forgiveness because it seems to be part of the ordinary vernacular through which relationships are made sense of. It is also argued that sociologists of personal life can deliver a perspective on forgiveness in relationships that is missing from existing forgiveness research agendas.