The Shaping of Social Organization introduces a new social theory - social rule system theory - and shows how it can provide fresh insights into the major institutions of modern social life. The book advances a distinctive approach to the study of actor-structure dynamics, placing itself in a rich scholarly tradition developed by major thinkers such as Weber, Lindblom, Giddens and Goffman. It presents social rule system theory as a framework with which to investigate social institutions, and clarifies the principles behind their formation, maintenance and transformation. Drawing on a wide range of case studies, the authors also demonstrate the relevance of the theory for research programs. As a result, they are able to provide innovative perspectives on the structure and performance of markets, information, technocracy and the sources of social and structural incoherence in modern societies.
The Shaping of Social Organization was among the finalists for the amalfi European Prize in Sociology and Social Science.