1st Edition
Autobiographies of Transformation Lives in Central and Eastern Europe
Autobiographies of Transformation is a completely unique history of sociology in Central and Eastern Europe in the post-Communist era.
Through the autobiographies of ten key sociological witnesses from the region, the sociological imagination is turned upon itself, resulting in a compelling and revealing account of the struggles, triumphs, and continuing challenges faced. The sociologists examined fall into three cohorts: early, mid and late career.
As participants, each of the sociologists included has witnessed the intersection of history and biography in Central and Eastern Europe. As sociologists, they have tried, and continue to try, to connect the two so that they and their fellow citizens may better understand their circumstances and the futures that may follow.
This revealing book, ideal for students and researchers of sociology, and Central and Eastern Europe studies, provides powerful and compelling autobiographical accounts, relating them to the current interest in this area's transformation.
Preface 1.Witnessing Sociological Lives in Central and Eastern Europe 2. My Life as a (Female) Sociologist 3. Hand in Hand with Sociology 4. From Totality to Pluralistic Democracy 5. Sociology in My Life and Times 6. Touched by Transformation 7. Challenges and Disillusions 8. An Accidental Encounter with the World of Sociology 9. Belonging to a Dying Species 10. Living with Discrepancies 11. Becoming a Social Researcher in Transitional Estonia 12. Conclusion References About the Editors About the Contributors
Biography
Mike F. Keen is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Master of Liberal Studies Program at Indiana University South Bend. His research interests cover the history of sociology, theory and urban studies. He is author of Stalking Sociologists: J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI Surveillance of American Sociology (Transaction Publishers, 2004).
Janusz L. Mucha is Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at the AGH University in Cracow, Poland. His research interests include the theory and history of sociology and social (cultural) anthropology, as well as minority studies.