World history, civilizational analysis and historical sociology: Interpretations of non-Western civilizations in the work of Johann Arnason
Willfried Spohn
The aim of this article is to assess Arnason’s civilizational theory and methodology their application non-Western civilizations from a historical-comparative sociological perspective. Although analysis historical sociology as orientations in are closely connected, concentrates particularly on the macro-history civilizations, whereas (particularly its American variety) orientated rather meso- micro-analytical foundation societal developments therefore more time- context-sensitive. From such perspective, reconstructs, first, theoretical methodological approach discusses his contribution origins dynamics West measuring rod for non-European societies. Second, it then assesses two major exemplary studies: Soviet model Russia, Eastern Europe world well Japanese civilization broader East Asian context. concludes with critical summary highly innovative vantage point recently developing global orientation comparative sociology.
European Journal of Social Theory|GoeScholar  The Publication Server of the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (Georg-August-Universität Göttingen)