Release | Toward a theory of multifunctional liberalism: Systems-theoretical reflections on the nature of statehood

Abstract: As neoliberalism is sinking into disrepute, states are responding to current crises by inroads on basic rights. This constellation adds urgency to the timeworn subject of statehood and its relationship to law and liberty. The paper addresses this subject by enhancing the neoliberal concept of an encased economy with James Coleman’s concept of law as […]

Veröffentlichung | Der Staat des multifunktionalen Liberalismus. Zu den Entscheidungsprämissen der nächsten politischen Ökologie

Zusammenfassung: Die Coronakrise schafft Momentum für notstandsstaatliche Massnahmen und Gruppenmoral. Man begründet Sonderrechte und überträgt das aktuelle Krisenmanagement gedanklich auf den Kampf gegen den Klimawandel. Vor dem Hintergrund dieser «neuen Normalität» skizziert der vorliegende Beitrag ein Staatsverständnis, das sich mehr als Rahmenkonzept von Staatlichkeit denn als Gegenmodell zum totalitären Notstandsstaat versteht. Dabei zeigt sich, dass dieser […]

Release | Heal the world. Eine lösungsorientierte, systemisch-therapeutische Sicht auf Umweltprobleme

Zusammenfassung: Die Umweltbewegung ist eine ausgesprochen problemzentrierte Bewegung, geht sie doch davon aus, dass unser kapitalistischer Lebensstil und unsere Abhängigkeit von ungebremstem Wachstum für die drohende Selbstauslöschung der Menschheit verantwortlich sind. Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, das Risiko aufzuzeigen und zu moderieren, dass die Umweltbewegung von den Problemen co-abhängig ist, die sie zu lösen versucht. […]

Release | Social goals in the theory of the firm: a systems theory view

Abstract: Drawing on Luhmannian social systems theory, this article revisits the single- versus multiple-objective debate on the theory of the firm. Firms are conceptualized as complexity-reducing systems structurally coupled with potentially risky environments, and profit-maximization is considered as a complexity reduction strategy for making sense of these environments. Whereas single-objective approaches reflect cases when environmental […]

Release | East of nature. Accounting for the environments of social sciences

Abstract: At the core of ecological economics is the image of the economy as an open system embedded in the natural environment whose carrying capacity is limited. The present paper revisits this image by drawing upon Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory. To Luhmann, the modern society consists of a multitude of social systems each bringing […]

Guiding distinctions of social science | An online brainstorming

The purpose of this online brainstorming, supported by the International Sociological Association, was to gather as complete a collection of guiding distinctions of social sciences as possible. By guiding distinctions we mean dichotomies or dualisms, such as economy/society, action/behaviour, market/hierarchy, micro/macro, or male/female, that have been or still are at the heart of the debates […]

Release | Heal the world. A solution-focused systems therapy approach to environmental problems

Roth S. (2019), Heal the world. A solution-focused systems therapy approach to environmental problems, Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 216 No. April, pp. 504-510 [SSCI 6.395, Scopus, FNEGE**, CABS**, VHB***]. Article available for download here. Abstract: In observing a capitalist lifestyle of addiction to relentless growth responsible for an imminent self-extinction of the human race, environmentalism […]

#luhmannomics 0.1: Futures of social science above and beyond Economy and Society

The beta version of #luhmannomics is installed on the 16th International Social Theory Consortium (ISTC) Annual Conference in Innsbruck, May 24-26, 2017. We are calling for submission of abstracts at: #luhmannomics 0.1: Futures of social science above and beyond Economy and Society *** Photo credit: Markus Heidingsfelder.

Release | Growth strategies for post-growth societies

Abstract: A sharp problem focus sharpens the problem. Sustainably ongrowing bodies of text on degrowth are not the key to post-growth scenarios because evocations of the limits of growth reinforce rather than transcend the economic principle, which is in the observation of scarcity. We therefore focus on alternative forms of growth rather than alternatives to […]

Dr. Steffen Roth

Economics