Theory and Society

This volume compiles lesser-known writings by Zygmunt Bauman, exploring themes of humanism and social theory in Theory and Society.

The breadth and depth of Zygmunt Bauman’s engagement with social theory and the history of social thought has often been underestimated. This oversight is partly due to many of his early writings being in Polish, which were never translated into English, and also because significant works appeared in edited volumes and journals that are not easily accessible. The volume titled Theory and Society brings together previously unknown or rare pieces by Bauman, focusing on the interplay of theory and society, while also making available unpublished material from the Bauman Archive at the University of Leeds.

A consistent theme throughout Bauman’s work is his deep engagement with humanism, which serves as a unifying thread within the pieces compiled in this volume. In Theory and Society, Bauman reflects on core concepts of sociology and examines the contributions of various social theorists, including Durkheim, Gramsci, Agnes Heller, and C. Wright Mills. He addresses key ideas such as inequality, identity, and social change, providing insights that are relevant to contemporary discussions in social theory.

This volume is the third and final installment in a series dedicated to showcasing the lesser-known writings of one of the most influential social thinkers of our time. It is designed to appeal to students and scholars across the arts, humanities, and social sciences, as well as to a broader audience interested in understanding the complexities of society and theory.