Theoretical sociology: past, present, future (round table)

This material is a discussion on key issues in the development of theoretical sociology both in Russia and worldwide today. The XXVI Kharchev’ Readings were held on November 23, 2024, within the framework of the conference “Sociology: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the “Sociological Studies” journal. The purpose of the Readings was to discuss the changing landscape of modern theoretical sociology and the factors behind these changes, including the influence of digitalization. The theme of the Readings was based on the specifics of constructing sociological theories in current conditions, but with reference to the history and revision of theoretical knowledge, in particular, the revision of the works of domestic theoretical sociologists and the issues of importing and adapting Western concepts. Particular attention was paid to the categorization and conceptual apparatus of sociology. We present to the readers’ attention the main provisions of the participants’ reports at the conference. Weaknesses in the development of theoretical sociology in the country were noted, including: separation from the empirical base and appropriating works on social philosophy; copying the concepts of foreign researchers without adaptation to Russian realities; lack of connection with the ideas of predecessors in Russia and the past development of society and its individual aspects; proclamation of an interdisciplinary approach without serious methodological development, etc. The question was raised about the productivity of conceptual transfer and Western methodology without taking into account Russian realities. The deficit of general sociological theories for describing the modern world both in Russia and abroad was discussed.