Norbert Elias and Modern Social Theory

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The book explores Norbert Elias's life and writings, highlighting the evolution of his reputation in sociology. Dennis Smith uniquely juxtaposes Elias's theories with those of Talcott Parsons, Hannah Arendt, Michel Foucault, and Zygmunt Bauman. He demonstrates how Elias's insights shed light on Western modernity and social-political transformations. While emphasizing Elias's significance in sociology, Smith also candidly addresses the limitations of his approach, providing a balanced perspective on his contributions.