Emancipating Sociology: Postmodernism and Mainstream Sociological Practice
Author(s)
Smith, Joel
Abstract
Using analyses of mass communication and research methodology, this article assesses the validity of the postmodernist critique for sociology. These analyses locate various weaknesses and inconsistencies in the critique. Three hypotheses are proposed to account for the tolerance the critique receives from many sociologists despite its recognized inadequacies. Some implications for the discipline of the factors involved in those hypotheses are discussed. The analysis concludes that sociologists are unduly tolerant of and responsive to such critiques.
