Ralf Dahrendorf

Ralf Dahrendorf (1929 to 2009) has worked in sociology, political practice and political philosophy, and is associated with significant impulses in role theory and conflict theory. This book presents the first synthesis of his extensive oeuvre in English.

Dahrendorf's political commitment was driven largely by his desire to maximize life chances, thus contributing to the further development of liberalism. In the tradition of Karl Popper, his work in all areas was aimed at defending the open society, and he saw conflicts, if they were settled, as being suitable in principle for contributing to social progress. This book provides insights into the various methodological and theoretical aspects and critiques of Ralf Dahrendorf's work, as well as his reflections on the position of sociology in the system of sciences and in relation to political practice. The current crisis of liberal politics has made Dahrendorf’s work more relevant than ever, and this overview will be of great interest to students and researchers across sociology, political science, political ideologies and European integration.

• Conflict theory
• Homo Sociologicus
• Liberalism
• role theory
• liberal democracy
• competition
• epistemology

“Perhaps because he was prominent as politician, administrator and public intellectual, there has been a tendency to under-estimate Ralf Dahrendorf’s contribution to sociological theory and analysis. This excellent study of his life and work – discerning, critical, and thoroughly researched – rectifies this error, and establishes Dahrendorf’s claim to be taken seriously as a leading figure of late 20th century social science.” —Colin Crouch, Emeritus Professor, University of Warwick, UK

“The current crisis of liberal politics has made Dahrendorf’s work more relevant than ever, and this book shows why. Kühne and Leonardi guide us perceptively through Dahrendorf’s thoughts on freedom, democracy, capitalism, society and conflict. The analysis is timely and enlightening. This book is highly recommended to students of sociology, political science, political ideologies and European integration.” —Jan Zielonka, Professor, University of Venice, Italy, and University of Oxford, UK

• Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany

  Olaf Kühne

• University of Florence, Florence, Italy

  Laura Leonardi

Olaf Kühne is Professor of Urban and Regional Development at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany.

Laura Leonardi is Professor of Sociology at the University of Florence, Italy.

Policies and ethics