Metamorphoses of Sociology in Times of Crisis

This article introduces the topic of crises in sociology and presents the dossier “Metamorphoses of Sociology in Times of Crisis.” To this end, it offers a brief literature review on the topic, highlighting the importance of conceptual discussion, the relations between crises in society and in the sphere of knowledge, and themes present in contemporary crisis diagnoses. It discusses the recurrence of some themes that appear in distinct contexts, suggesting more lasting differences in sociologists’ understanding of the discipline itself. At the same time, the article highlights some new developments in contemporary debate, particularly the controversy surrounding the existence and definition of a sociological “canon” and the emergence of ecology as an important theme associated with transformations in the social perception of crises and problems. The articles comprising the dossier are presented throughout the text along with the broader literature.