Legal Construct, Social Concept

A Macrosociological Perspective on Law

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Legal Construct, Social Concept by Larry Barnett, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Larry Barnett ISBN: 9781351509169
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Larry Barnett
ISBN: 9781351509169
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Based on sophisticated demographic analysis, Legal Construct, Social Concept argues that legal doctrine on social issues is shaped by the needs and values of society rather than by individuals and interest groups and that it evolves in response to social change but has little impact on that change. The book also explains why a substantial body of social science research has found that although law may be effective for some types of economic problems, its impact on social problems is generally small and of brief duration. At least in the United States, legal doctrine seems to operate primarily to provide symbols that enhance commitment to the social system and increase the cohesiveness of the system.

Barnett's approach to legal thought derives from the practices and assumptions of the social sciences, particularly sociology, and not from those of critical legal studies. His main concern is with social issues issues that substantively differ from economic issues. In addressing legal thought on social problems with the conceptual framework and quantitative techniques of macrosociology, he considers a topic that is infrequently investigated and employs an approach that is infrequently used.

To illustrate this thesis, Barnett presents data on social patterns relevant to three current issues: sex discrimination, age discrimination, and the availability of contraception and abortion. His analyses of these data are compared to constitutional philosophy, judicial rulings, and federal statutes. Barnett then turns from the evolution of legal doctrine in the past to its possible change in the future and considers whether active forms of euthanasia are likely to be legalized. He concludes with an exploration of additional issues for future research and theory.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Based on sophisticated demographic analysis, Legal Construct, Social Concept argues that legal doctrine on social issues is shaped by the needs and values of society rather than by individuals and interest groups and that it evolves in response to social change but has little impact on that change. The book also explains why a substantial body of social science research has found that although law may be effective for some types of economic problems, its impact on social problems is generally small and of brief duration. At least in the United States, legal doctrine seems to operate primarily to provide symbols that enhance commitment to the social system and increase the cohesiveness of the system.

Barnett's approach to legal thought derives from the practices and assumptions of the social sciences, particularly sociology, and not from those of critical legal studies. His main concern is with social issues issues that substantively differ from economic issues. In addressing legal thought on social problems with the conceptual framework and quantitative techniques of macrosociology, he considers a topic that is infrequently investigated and employs an approach that is infrequently used.

To illustrate this thesis, Barnett presents data on social patterns relevant to three current issues: sex discrimination, age discrimination, and the availability of contraception and abortion. His analyses of these data are compared to constitutional philosophy, judicial rulings, and federal statutes. Barnett then turns from the evolution of legal doctrine in the past to its possible change in the future and considers whether active forms of euthanasia are likely to be legalized. He concludes with an exploration of additional issues for future research and theory.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Future of Global Currency by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book 5S Video Participants Guide by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book Introduction to Policing and Police Powers by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book France and the 1998 World Cup by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book Reconsidering American Liberalism by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book Beyond Edge Cities by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book The Olympic Games: Meeting New Global Challenges by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book Sociology, Curriculum Studies and Professional Knowledge by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book An Introduction to Politics (Works of Harold J. Laski) by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book American Government by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book Late Antiquity on the Eve of Islam by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book Theory for Education by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book A Handbook of Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book Universals, Concepts and Qualities by Larry Barnett
Cover of the book renovatio urbis by Larry Barnett
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy