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Henry H. Kim

Abstract

This exploratory paper argues that Christian sociology must account for the interplay between structure, agency, and contingency. The discussion is first grounded in a brief overview of both the development of sociology as a discipline in general and its inception in U.S. contexts in particular. In general, sociology tends to emphasize the role of social structures more so than individual agency. However, what has been largely missing is an analysis of the role of contingency that is necessary for sociology, and essential for Christian sociology, though not necessarily sufficient. The article concludes by returning to the roots of sociology and suggesting new frontiers concerning structure, agency, and contingency via complexity science and its respective components.

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Keywords

Christian sociology, contingency, social networks, complexity science

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