Journals / Yalova Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 16 Sayı: 1

The Map of Contemporary Sociological Thought: Sociologists’ Perspectives in the Light of Theoretical Traditions

Çağdaş Sosyolojik Düşüncenin Haritası: Kuramsal Gelenekler Işığında Sosyologların Perspektifleri

Arif Akbaş(SİVAS CUMHURİYET ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-8480-4350
Pages
153–175
Publication Date
2026-04-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings indicate that contemporary sociology has shifted toward a plural and non monolithic structure.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study aims to re-evaluate the multi layered structure of contemporary sociological thought by examining the interaction between classical and modern theoretical traditions and recent approaches.
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Key Findings & Data:The study emphasizes the growing need for locally generated concepts within Turkish sociology and argues for rethinking theoretical frameworks in alignment with the local social context.
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Conclusion & Impact:The findings indicate that contemporary sociology has shifted toward a plural and non monolithic structure.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Sosyoloji Teorisi · Bilgi Sosyolojisi · Sosyolojik Tahayyül

Abstract

This study aims to re-evaluate the multi layered structure of contemporary sociological thought by examining the interaction between classical and modern theoretical traditions and recent approaches. The analysis compares foundational frameworks such as functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interaction, and utilitarian perspectives with postmodernism, feminism, cultural sociology, network theory, and new materialism. The main research question is expressed as follows: “How does the interaction between classical and modern theories and contemporary sociological trends transform the analytical boundaries of sociology?” Using document analysis, the study classifies selected sociologists’ theoretical positions through descriptive content analysis. The findings indicate that contemporary sociology has shifted toward a plural and non monolithic structure. Classical theories, when combined with recent developments, open the way for new syntheses; cultural sociology, feminist theory, debates on network society, and new materialist approaches expand the scope of sociological imagination. The study emphasizes the growing need for locally generated concepts within Turkish sociology and argues for rethinking theoretical frameworks in alignment with the local social context. Ultimately, it proposes a more integrated, multilayered, and locally grounded approach that strengthens the connection between classical heritage and new explanatory models to enable sociology to respond effectively to current social issues.

Özet

Bu çalışma, çağdaş sosyolojik düşüncenin çok yönlü yapısını klasik, modern ve güncel kuramsal yaklaşımlar arasındaki etkileşim bağlamında yeniden değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmada işlevselcilik, çatışma kuramı, sembolik etkileşim ve faydacılık gibi temel yaklaşımlar; postmodernizm, feminizm, kültürel sosyoloji, ağ kuramı ve yeni materyalizmle karşılaştırmalı olarak ele alınmıştır. Çalışmanın ana sorusu, “Klasik ve modern kuramlarla güncel sosyolojik eğilimler arasındaki etkileşim sosyolojinin çözümleme sınırlarını nasıl dönüştürmektedir?” biçiminde ifade edilmiştir. Belge çözümlemesi yöntemiyle yürütülen araştırmada seçilen sosyologların kuramsal konumları betimleyici içerik çözümlemesiyle sınıflandırılmıştır. Bulgular, çağdaş sosyolojinin tek bir kuramsal çerçeveye bağlı kalmayan çoğul bir yapıya yöneldiğini göstermektedir. Klasik kuramlar, güncel açılımlarla birleşerek yeni sentezlere kapı aralamakta; kültürel sosyoloji, feminist kuram, ağ toplumuna ilişkin tartışmalar ve yeni materyalist yaklaşımlar, sosyolojik tasavvurun kapsamını genişletmektedir. Çalışma, Türkiye’de sosyoloji yazınında artan yerli kavram ihtiyacına dikkat çekmekte ve kuramsal çerçevelerin yerel toplumsal bağlamla uyumlu biçimde yeniden düşünülmesi gerektiğini vurgulamaktadır. Sonuç olarak, sosyolojinin güncel toplumsal sorunlara yanıt verebilmesi için klasik miras ile yeni açıklama modelleri arasında daha bütünleşik, katmanlı ve yerli düşünceyi önceleyen bir yaklaşım önerilmektedir.

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Cite This Article

Akbaş, A. (2026). The Map of Contemporary Sociological Thought: Sociologists’ Perspectives in the Light of Theoretical Traditions. Yalova Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, Cilt: 16 Sayı: 1, 153–175. https://doi.org/10.17828/yalovasosbil.1849145

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