The Sociology of Socialism: A Review and Prospectus

Is socialism still relevant for sociology? Sociology and socialism are entwined logically and historically. But today, American sociology seems mostly silent about socialism. This essay argues that socialism should be placed back on the agenda of sociology. First, I argue that socialism is both a relevant social and political fact in the United States, and is superior to social justice as a framework for envisioning emancipatory alternatives. Second, I review the sociological literature on socialism since Erik Olin Wright’s 2012 real utopias address. I find that both mainstream and critical sociologists have neglected the study of contemporary socialist politics, both in the US and abroad, and that Wright’s real utopias project has had little resonance in mainstream sociology. Third, I make a proposal for a ‘sociology of socialism’ which emphasizes the comparative study of socialist organizations and movements. I conclude that contemporary socialism is not relevant for sociology but that it could be again, and that a disciplinary reengagement with socialism is both timely and urgent in the face of rising neo-fascism.