In search of global sociology: a critical overview of competing research agendas

This article critically examines the idea of global sociology in relation to the discipline of Sociology. It distinguishes between sociology as a field of study and Sociology as an academic discipline, noting the latter's origins in Western societies and its subsequent expansion globally. The article analyzes two prominent research areas claiming a global scope: global modernization (and Global Studies) and postcolonial sociology. While both offer valuable insights, they also suffer from limitations, particularly in their handling of Eurocentric biases and the complexities of global interconnectedness. The author proposes an alternative approach emphasizing a plurality of narratives and a 'glocal' perspective that integrates local and global dimensions, avoiding the search for a single overarching grand narrative.

Victor Roudometof