The Theory of Historical Sociology of Michael Mann

Denial of the Conception of Unitary Societies and the Four “Sources of Power”

Abstract

The novel theory of Michael Mann has great potential for historical study and for analysis of contemporary world, both requiring to relativize nation-states. Conventional sociological theories assume totality of a society and attempt to specify a factor （or factors） deciding social structures among components （dimensions, subsystems, or etc.） of the society. Against them, Mann argues that societies are constituted of overlapping and intersecting networks. He assumes that there are interstices among dominant networks, and new networks which grow interstitially bring social changes. The most important networks of them are four “sources of power”—ideological, economic, military, and political organizations, networks, or relations. His framework includes military power and interstate relations, which has been disregarded by most sociologists, but are inevitable aspects for study of societies. In that sense, Mannʼs theory is a great contribution to development of sociological theory.