Analysing the Morphogenic Society. Regularities and Social Ontology

This chapter discusses a few crucial issues raised by the application of the morphogenetic approach to macro-social problems. The argument proceeds in three analytical steps. First, the meaning and problems of the use of the morphogenetic approach to study macro-social change are introduced. Second, the concept of regularity becomes the focus of discussion, insofar as it can be a watershed between different approaches to social theory. Various ways to understand this notion are discussed. Finally, the underlying social ontology assumed in this volume is spelled out. The main argument here consists of the attempt to develop a realist and relational social ontology that is adequate to the current social situation, marked by hyper-complexity and high contingency. At the same time, a sociologically sound conceptual framework must rejects pure fragmentation and the impossibility of theorizing social change.