The Sociology of Zygmunt Bauman: Challenges and Critique

Zygmunt Bauman is one of the most inspirational and controversial thinkers on the scene of contemporary sociology. For several decades he has provided compelling analyses and diagnoses of a vast variety of aspects of modern and liquid modern living. His work is increasingly popularized, appraised and adopted. However, there can be reasons to discuss and take a critical stance towards his work while also considering the theoretical significance of his contribution to sociology. To do this is the aim of this book.

The Sociology of Zygmunt Bauman introduces and critically appraises some of the most significant as well as some of the lesser known and overlooked contributions of Zygmunt Bauman to contemporary sociology - ethics, freedom, utopia, genocide, metaphors, ambivalence, politics, strangers, globalization, power and consumerism. In separate chapters Bauman inspired scholars from the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Scandinavia delineate and discuss how Bauman's treatment of these themes challenges conventional wisdom in sociology thereby revising and revitalizing sociological theory. As a special feature, the book concludes with Bauman's intriguing reflections and contemplations on his own life and intellectual trajectory published here for the first time in English. In this postscript aptly entitled "Pro Domo Sua" ("About Myself"), he describes the pushes and pulls that throughout the years have shaped his thinking.