An Age of Limits

The reader has come to expect brilliant sociological analysis from Ralph Schroeder, and his latest book is no exception. The scope is broad and what the author promises - and also delivers - is a theory of modern society, based on comparative-historical analysis. Recommended reading not only for sociologists, political scientists, and economists, but also for general readers who want to experience what really good social science is like. - Richard Swedberg, Professor of Sociology, Cornell University, USA This is the most thought-provoking piece of social theory I have encountered for years, suggesting as it does that our place in history has changed - with limits and constraints replacing dreams of progress. This is an elegant, high-powered, wide-ranging, and extremely disturbing book. It will cause a stir. - John A. Hall, Professor of Sociology, McGill University, Canada Ralph Schroeder presents a masterful sociological projection of the next phase of modernity. Pluralist democracy, market capitalism, and rapid-discovery science have triumphed everywhere, or soon will. But all major institutions have now come up against limits. Utopian prospects are no longer feasible, whether unlimited economic growth and control of nature, social equality, or political harmony. On the bright side, these structures make it unlikely there will be another world war or extremists taking power. After several spectacular centuries, the world is settling down to rattling around within confined limits. All thoughtful viewers of our future should take note. - Randall Collins, Dorothy Swaine Thomas Professor of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania, USA This is an ambitious, original, and provocative analysis of the fundamental structures of modern society, especially strong in its analysis of economic markets and science and technology. A significant contribution to the grand classical tradition of comparative and historical sociology. Michael Mann, Professor of Sociology, University of California, USA