John Scott CBE FBA, FAcSS DU Essex (Hon) is a British sociologist working on issues of economic and political sociology, social stratification, the history of sociology, and social network analysis.

John Scott, Sociologist

I have been Professor of Sociology at the Universities of Plymouth, Leicester, and Essex and have also taught at Strathclyde University. I have held Honorary Professorships at Bergen University, Exeter University, and Copenhagen University, and am currently also a Visiting Professor at Essex University.

I am a Fellow of the British Academy, a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

I was awarded a CBE in 2013 for Services to Social Science, the BSA Distinguished Service for Sociology award in 2014, and an Honorary Doctorate of the University of Essex in 2016.

I have very broad interests in sociology, but the core areas in which I have undertaken research can be broadly grouped into four divisions as shown in the panel.

My core areas of research

History of Sociology: The varied national histories of sociology, but especially the history of British sociology. 

Social Theory: Understanding the many theoretical approaches to studying social phenomena, especially those developed within sociology. 

Social Structure: Substantive issues concerning the constraining structures that influence human activity, especially those relating to economic organisation, social stratification, and power. 

Research Methods: Methodology, philosophy of science, and the specific research methods that I have used and worked on in my work. 

 

My books

Class and Social Honour. Lords, Knights, and Companions

Class and Social Honour. Lords, Knights, and Companions

Palgrave Macmillan

This book develops a theoretical approach to social stratification and applies it to the development of the official system of state honours in Britain. It examines both class and status, and sets out...

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Talcott Parsons is often derided as irrelevant to contemporary sociology. Criticised for his jargon and obscurity, his work is left unread. However, a number of sociologists are re-emphasising his importance...

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