Call for papers: Functional lines of thinking

Despite strong criticism, functional reasoning is still present in social theory and research. However, references often remain hidden. As a consequence, potentials cannot unfold, nor shortcomings be reflected. Starting from this consideration, our special issue aims to reconsider the potentials and shortcomings of functional lines of thinking in current sociology.

New Book: The Socialist Side of World Literature

The Socialist Side of World Literature explores Socialist Realism in English-language publications since 1935. While many studies have focused mainly on the Soviet Union and Europe, often overlooking significant figures from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and marginalized groups in the First and Second Worlds, this book looks at the many crucial questions that have remained unanswered, including why the emergence of Socialist Realism in Eastern Europe constituted a pivotal cultural event for Russia.

Call for Papers: International Conference on (Former)Third World Literature and Culture

This conference centers on exchanges in literature, film, and acrobatics between the (former)Third World and the (former)First and (former)Second Worlds, alongside interactions within and across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Equal emphasis is placed on addressing gender and minority issues within these contexts. We invite submissions from scholars across disciplines to engage in this vibrant intellectual exchange.

Franco Ferrarotti 1926-2024

by Carlo Bordoni

If there are any records in Italian sociology, Franco Ferrarotti (1925-2024) conquered them all: the youngest full professor of Sociology at the Sapienza University in Rome, winner in 1961 of the first and (at that time) only chair in his discipline. He was also the founder of journals and degree courses (such as the one in Sociology at the University of Trento), a diplomat, translator, editorial and research director, in the course of a long and incessant activity that has rightly been defined as multifaceted, due to the insatiable variety of interests and aspects he touched upon.

Obituary: Fredric Jameson 1934-2024

by Rjurik Davidson

The King is dead, long live the King!” This ancient French phrase, dating to at least the Fifteenth Century, is the kind that might have set Fredric Jameson on one of his extended, languorous, alternately dense and playful, intellectually demanding examinations. Marxism’s preeminent cultural critic for more than fifty years, Jameson was the foremost proponent of dialectical thought, in which two seemingly contradictory phenomena were shown to be united by some underlying logic.

The Secret of John Mayall

by Peter Beilharz

Transatlantic bluesman John Mayall died in California July 24 2024. He was ninety.

What’s the fuss? The record is well enough known. Mayall was a player, musical organiser, entrepreneur and publicist for blues music over six decades. He was champion of JB Lenoir, Sonny Boy Williamson 2, and Elmore James, all of whom he wrote songs for; the Kings, especially Albert and Freddie; Otis Rush and Spann. He was the platform provider for a bevy of brilliant guitar talent, Clapton, Green, Taylor, later Mandel, Trout etc. etc

Ian North, AM, 1945-2024

by Peter Beilharz

Ian North was a major shaker in the Australian art world. Not that you would guess on meeting him – mild mannered, soft in style, a gentle man who could nevertheless change the way you saw the world with a wink, a raised eyebrow or a single phrase. His personal style was minimal, and this helped make him lovable as well as determined.