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Classicism and Romanticism in the Sociology of Time *
Author(s) -
Jaworski Gary Dean
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
sociological inquiry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.446
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1475-682X
pISSN - 0038-0245
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-682x.1991.tb00177.x
Subject(s) - romanticism , pessimism , optimism , sociology , romance , period (music) , balance (ability) , classicism , centennial , epistemology , psychoanalysis , aesthetics , social science , history , philosophy , psychology , art history , neuroscience , archaeology
The sociology of time has recently witnessed a shift in its underlying theoretical preferences. Early work emphasized system balance and the primacy of the social: a sense of optimism pervades these writings. In contrast, more recent analysts emphasize time's tyranny and the primacy of the individual; a gloomy pessimism pervades these writings. This paper analyzes representative writings of each period in order to demonstrate the shift. The current phase, the‘romantic interlude,’is said to derive from both a pessimistic national mood and dissatisfaction with academia during a period of educational contraction.