Florian Znaniecki's Sociological Theory and the Challenges of 21st Century

Book excerpt: The volume includes texts by sociologists from the USA, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Australia and Poland, all of whom deemed Florian Znaniecki's ideas worth discussing in the context of the condition of contemporary sociology and society at the turning point of this era. Znaniecki (1882-1958), an eminent Polish and American sociologist and philosopher of culture, conducted research into the possibility of developing social solidarity on a global scale. Znaniecki pioneered new ideas in the field of the sociology of nation and in the theory of the global society. The main issue for Znaniecki was the possibility of creating inter-cultural communication leading to a peaceful order. All texts present creative pursuit of his ideas. They bring into focus the theoretical and practical challenges offered both to the departing and to the new generation entering life now, at the dawn of the twenty-first century.