Modernity’s Critical Conscience

A Social Science that Matters

Olof Hallonsten

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English

Routledge
26 November 2025

Research methods: general; Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge; Social & political philosophy; Sociology; Philosophy of science

This book offers a thought-provoking defence of social science – and particularly the discipline of sociology – and its relevance for 21st-century challenges to democratic societies.

The author shows how social science holds a unique and critical role: namely, to act as modernity’s critical conscience by scrutinizing power relations and unmasking attempts to trivialize social reality. They do so by revisiting several classic texts in social science, demonstrating their timeless relevance for understanding society and the role of knowledge, and relating them to contemporary issues and debates. Although often depicted as having limitations compared to ""hard"" sciences, the book argues that the methodologies used in social science enables it to act as modernity’s critical conscience by embracing the essential qualitative and critical view that is its true essence. Contemporary calls for making social science relevant to society should be met by staying true to this approach and thus remain relevant rather than attempting to become relevant. In this way, social science can contribute to countering political polarization, ""knowledge resistance,"" trivialization, and other contemporary threats to democratic society, with the author ultimately advocating for a revitalization and institutionalization of social science’s mechanisms for self-reflection to the broader and deeper benefit of society.

A beautifully written, wide-ranging, and appealing explanation of what the social sciences, and sociology in particular, could, and should be, it will be of equal interest to professors and graduate students as to undergraduate students studying introductory modules to sociology.

By: Olof Hallonsten
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781041149194
ISBN 10: 1041149190
Pages: 136
Publication Date: 26 November 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Introduction: A social science that matters 1. The Critical Scholar 2. The Qualitative Approach 3. Research and be Damned 4. Disturbing the Peace 5. Working Together Afterword: Nothing is as simple as they claim

Olof Hallonsten is Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at the Lund University School of Economics and Management, Sweden.

Reviews for Modernity’s Critical Conscience: A Social Science that Matters

'As social scientists, we are occasionally confronted with the need for a clear and compelling ""elevator pitch""—a succinct way to articulate the value of our work in just twenty seconds. Hallonsten’s book offers a vital contribution to anyone seeking well-reasoned arguments about the role and relevance of the social sciences, both within academia and in the broader public sphere. Thoughtfully written and supported by a series of studies tracing the evolution of social science research over time, this monograph presents insights that deserve wide attention.' Ulla Eriksson-Zetterquist, Professor of Management Studies, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.