Darwinian Social Evolution and Social Change

This book introduces the value of a Darwinian social evolutionary approach to understanding social change.
The chapters discuss several different perspectives on social evolutionary theory, and go on to link these with comparative and historical sociological theory, and two case-studies. Kerr brings together social change theory and theories on nationalism, whilst also providing concrete examples of the theories at work.

The book offers a vision of rapprochement between these different areas of theory and study, and to where this could lead future studies of comparative history and sociology. As such, it should be useful to scholars and students of nationalism and social change, sociologists, political scientist and historians.

Exemplifies evolutionary theory through empirical work Explores how evolutionary ideas can be used to understand institutional change Discusses a wide range of different approaches to Darwinism in sociology.

Auteur

William Kerr is a Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Derby.

Contenu

1 Introduction.- Part I: Theoretical Expositions.- 2 Descent with Modifications.- 3 From Biology to Sociology.- Part II: Setting the Scene.- 4 Darwinian Social Evolution as a Theory of Social Change.- 5 Theories of Nationalism.- Part III: Evolving Nations: A Darwinian Study.- 6 The Origins of Nationalism in England/Britain.- 7 Fukoku Kyhei: Nationalism in Japan.- 8 The Comparative Case.- 9 Conclusion.