Society and Social Pathology

A Framework for Progress

verfasst von: R.C. Smith

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buchreihe : Critical Political Theory and Radical Practice

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

This book offers one of the most comprehensive studies of social pathology to date, following a cross-disciplinary and methodologically innovative approach. It is written for anyone concerned with understanding current social conditions, individual health, and how we might begin to collectively conceive of a more reconciled postcapitalist world.
Drawing reference from the most up-to-date studies, Smith crosses disciplinary boundaries from cognitive science and anthropology to critical theory, systems theory and psychology. Opening with an empirical account of numerous interlinked carises from mental health to the physiological effects of environmental pollution, Smith argues that mainstream sociological theories of pathology are deeply inadequate. Smith introduces an alternative critical conception of pathology that drills to the core of how and why society is deeply ailing. The book concludes with a detailed account of why a progressive and critical vision of social change requires a “holistic view” of individual and societal transformation. Such a view is grounded in the awareness that a sustainable transition to postcapitalism is ultimately a many-sided (social, individual, and structural) healing process.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

This chapter introduces the basic structure of the book. Opening with the question, “Is Society Sick?”, Smith offers a broad empirical look at prevailing mental health crises throughout the world. Following this survey, the chapter contextualizes this overwhelming data by looking at scientific, empirical and philosophical studies, and drawing connections among mental health, physical health and social environment. We know systemic air pollution affects the body, but what about the mind? Conversely, we know the strain of consistently long workweeks affects one’s mental well-being, but what about one’s physical health? Can societal ills like inequality really affect individuals’ psychophysiology? This chapter begins to piece together a bigger, interrelated societal collage, from skyrocketing rates of depression to prevailing physical issues, leaving the reader to reflect on the object of the deeply pathological status of our modern social world.

R. C. Smith

Chapter 2. An Alternative Conception of Social Pathology

Abstract

This chapter first explores studies and movements within the sociology of health. Smith discusses some of the benefits and also some of the deficiencies currently found within this broad area of research, offering suggestions on how this research field might more accurately conceptualize the social determinants of health. Smith then focuses on mainstream theories of pathology within the social sciences, arguing why many are inadequate. He introduces a new, corrected critical conception of social pathology, which includes a penetrating critique of sociological relativism. Using this innovative and multidimensional approach, Smith interprets the seminal works of Fromm: his study of social pathology, critique of Freud and “radical humanism”. Smith then dissects the inadequacies of Freud’s instinct theory, introducing an alternative philosophy of psychology with a more progressive view of the subject; presents an important discussion on norms; and, finally, engages with current arguments in critical theory with a mind towards advancement.

R. C. Smith

Chapter 3. History, Systems of Domination and Moral Norms

Abstract

This chapter explores historical studies of pathological society. From key anthropological works to fundamental philosophical and psychological-behavioural studies, Smith uses a cross-disciplinary framework to lay out a fundamental theory of the pathological development of human society. This discussion engages with many important and relevant issues, offering a broader philosophy of history based on a critique of the fundamental pathological processes and trends of human organization. Combining contemporary studies on human behaviour with scientific research, anthropological surveys and broad critical social philosophical frameworks, Smith offers a penetrating new look at “pathological society” while contributing to the retrieval and advancement of CT. This chapter also features a cross-disciplinary and detailed study of the subject, rich engagement with Adorno and Horkheimer’s Dialectic of Enlightenment, a fundamental account of norms and needs, and the development of a radical normative humanism and a theory of emancipatory societal values.

R. C. Smith

Chapter 4. The Individual in Capitalistic Society

Abstract

This chapter explores a fundamental alternative philosophy of the subject. Drawing inspiration from Adorno’s critical theory and from Fromm’s social psychology, Smith offers a contemporary, cross-disciplinary study of the subject, including the individual’s relation with society and social development. What emerges is a deeply insightful approach to understanding social interaction, developmental psychology and the problem of ego colonization. Enriching arguments laid out in early chapters, Smith employs a methodologically innovative conception of the development of the subject: from its (de)formation and early childhood development to more practical issues such as compassion fatigue, deficits of reason and empathy. Smith shows how negative social conditions foster emotionally overwhelmed individuals—a deeply repressed, closed, traumatized subject. This chapter also covers other important practical issues, such as the problem of economic coercion, pathological reproduction, cycles of domination and violence, and the everyday effects of “needless suffering” on the psyche.

R. C. Smith

Chapter 5. Emancipatory Politics and Social Transformation

Abstract

This chapter explores the idea that social transformation is actually a deeply healing process. Smith begins by building on past chapters, laying out a theory of the interactive nature of suffering. Drawing once again on a cross-disciplinary framework, Smith shows that the transition to post-capitalism is deeply entwined in a process of social and individual healing, transformation and reconciliation. He argues that a critically retrieved notion of “social progress” requires that we lend a normative ear to suffering, and understand the importance of creating social conditions which foster and support a free-flourishing, mediating subject. In introducing an alternative philosophy of systemic change, Smith offers both immediate policy proposals, ranging from mental health to alternative economics, and a long-term vision of a more emancipatory post-capitalist future. This includes discussion on consumerism, mass surveillance and other contemporary developments in relation to the fragile self and possible roads to sanity.

R. C. Smith

Backmatter

Titel: Society and Social Pathology
verfasst von: R.C. Smith
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-50325-7
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-50324-0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50325-7