The Sociology of modem revolutions

a review of the US Literature

Abstract

The article discusses the need for an interactive focus comparing the structural and intentional approaches found in US sociology on modem social revolutions. Covering the period from 1913 to 1994, analyzed models range from initial works within the so-called natural history of the revolution and crowd psychology to such recent challenges as the new cultural history, rational-choice theory, and the new sociology of development. The article encompasses as well the area’s ‘classic’ studies deriving from social psychology, functionalism, political conflict theory, and historical sociology. It is argued that in accounting for the modem revolutionary phenomenon, Charles Tilly’s and Theda Skocpol’s works constitute a theoretical contribution not yet surpassed.