Martin Orr

Sociological analyses of race and ethnicity since the 1950s : A sociology of sociology explanation for metatheoretical shift

Abstract This contribution to the sociology of sociology identifies and offers an explanation for a transformation in the categorical underpinnings of the discipline. Through the articulation of the arguments of Chertok (1990) and Szymanski (1985), it is argued that “metatheoretical shifts” — systematic changes in the categorical and paradigmatic underpinnings of sociological theories and analyses — are a function of the vitality of social movements. Through a historical and textual analysis of the characteristics of sociological analyses of race and ethnicity since the 1950s, tentative evidence for the existence of a recent metatheoretical shift is documented.

The Failure of Neoliberal Globalization and the End of Empire

This chapter offers a critical analysis of the development and dissolution of neoliberalism and neoconservatism, with emphasis on the role of popular resistance in bringing about the collapse of both forms of imperial domination. Responding to the brutal realities of the post- cold war “new world order,” opposition to neoliberal globalization grew over the 1990s, culminating in the protests against the 1999 meetings of the World Trade Organization in Seattle. Having successfully blocked the machinations of the leading capitalist powers for world domination, Seattle served as a model for a series of worldwide protests and demonstrations that, despite state repression and media obfuscation, prevented the expansion of the neoliberal globalization agenda. At the same time, the increasing inability of oil production to keep up with the growth of emerging industrial economies has further intensified inter-imperialist rivalry. Under the cover of the attacks of September 11th, the neoconservative forces in the United States adopted a policy of overt imperial intervention in an attempt to gain control over its rivals’ access to oil and thus secure its global domination. Although this turn at first deflated the antiglobalization movement, growing condemnation of the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq gave the anti-imperialist movement new life, and broadened its agenda. With vast majorities at home and abroad in opposition to U.S. aggression in Iraq and around the world, the failure of neoconservatism marks the end of empire.