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CFP | Luhmann Conference 2025 in Cambridge
Call for papers to the Luhmann Conference 2025 Topic: Programmes. Observed with social systems theory Venue: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom Submission deadline (abstracts): 15 May 2025Conference dates: 09-12 September 2025Pre-conference dinner: 08 September 2025 Supported by the Next Society Institute at Kazimieras Simonavicius University, European Sociological Association and the Inter-University Centre Dubrovnik. To download this Call for Papers, please click…
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Release | Guiding distinctions of social theory: results from two online brainstormings and one quantitative analysis of the ISA Books of the XX Century corpus
Abstract: In this paper, we report on the results of two online brainstormings that have collected over 480 and over 219 guiding distinctions of social theory, respectively. We draw on the results of these brainstormings as well as on a quantitative analysis of the Top 100 sociological groundworks as listed in the ISA Books of the XX…
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Release | The matrix reloaded. A revised framework for the inference of the four basic forms of social differentiation
Abstract: This paper revisits and refines Niklas Luhmann’s framework for understanding social differentiation, addressing unresolved ambiguities in his original theory. Luhmann’s approach, which initially identified three core forms of social differentiation—segmentation, stratification, and functional differentiation—expanded to include a fourth form, centralization. By critically examining the theoretical underpinnings and limitations of Luhmann’s distinctions, this study shows…
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Release | The state as creative destroyer. A systems perspective on entrepreneurship by organised monopolies on violence
Abstract: This article explores the concept of state entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on its darker aspects when states act as creative destroyers. This study employs a systems-theoretical approach to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of statehood and its role in driving disruptive innovation. The research design includes an analysis of cases of state-mandated…
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Release | Family businesses and business families in cultural context: interdisciplinary updates for family business research
Abstract: This article shows that business family and family business research is dominated by reductionist and biased concepts of culture that are in sharp contrast with recent advances in anthropology and the broader social sciences that would allow for more fine-grained analyses. Through an inbound theorizing approach, state-of-the-art anthropological and sociological concepts of culture are…
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Release | N-factorial scenarios. A systems-theoretical approach to scenario-planning
Abstract: Scenarios are among the most popular techniques for managing the uncertainty and complexity of the future. Even the more sophisticated scenario designs, however, often reduce the future to a narrow set of typically only two key factors that are arranged into a four-square matrix representing four distinct yet interrelated scenarios. Consequently, scenarios have been…
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New Mailing List for Systems Theories – Join Us!
I am pleased to inform you that JiscMail has approved our application for a mailing list dedicated to systems theories of all forms, including, but not limited to, open, closed, general, and autopoietic systems theories. We warmly invite you to subscribe at: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/systems We look forward to your engagement and valuable contributions!
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Kazimieras Simonavičius University Leads Lithuania in Social Sciences Research Output Ranking
According to the annual evaluation by the Research Council of Lithuania, Kazimieras Simonavičius University has the highest research output per capita (FTE) in the field of social sciences among all Lithuanian universities. I am very proud to be part of this momentum! Source: Research Council of Lithuania (see Socialinių mokslų srities mokslo darbų formaliojo įvertinimo rezultatų…
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Release | Rainmaking: Observed with social systems theory
Abstract: This article examines contemporary efforts to control climate change through the lens of social systems theory, particularly by drawing comparisons to rain dances and shamanic rituals. It argues that modern climate control strategies bear functional similarities to archaic rituals aimed at influencing weather patterns, despite the absence of direct causality. Using Niklas Luhmann’s concepts…
