Re: could anybody assist me in relation to ....?

In a message dated 5/22/2003 6:44:18 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
seyedjavad@hotmail.com writes:
Interesting questions


> what are the key points in relation to the so-called 'westerness of 
>sociological tradition'? 

Sociology was largely produced in the context of industrializing Germany and 
France.  It was presumed that the features of these polities represented 
general tendencies of 'modern' society.  It was often theorized that something 
unique about the Western experience led to their 'development'.  My 
understanding is that the charge of Eurocentricism usually involves a critique 
of the idea that experiences of these countries represent universal 
tendencies--so all sorts of terms, including class, capitalism, etc can be 
regarded as Eurocentric categories.  Furthermore, the interrelationship between 
these states and other parts of the world were usually considered exterior to 
the project of sociology.

And what are the major currents of 'anti-eurocentric' critiques?

Identifying 'modern' culture as historically, geographically specific, rather 
than a universal tendency.  Identifying the way modern society, including the 
social sciences, was constituted through a relationship with many non-European 
actors.  Considering the relevance of non-western categories to explain 
society.  Opening up the possibility for other historical narratives besides 
the expansion of capitalism.

 Last but not least I wish to know who are the major contributors among 
postmodernists, world-system theorists and multi-culturalists (names, 
> major works, articles etc.)?
>

Postmodernists--Jaques Derrida, Lyotard, Baudrillard, Jameson (critique)

World Systems--Immanuel Wallerstein, Giovanni Arrighi, Samir Amin, Andre Gunder 
Frank, Christopher Chase Dunn.

Multi-Culturalists--Gloria Anzaldua, Bell Hooks, Cornel West, Judith Butler  

Steven Sherman