Norbert Elias and Figurational Research: Processual Thinking in Sociology

Norbert Elias has been increasingly recognised as one of the most important sociologists of the twentieth century and, moreover, one whose writings retain their significance and relevance for the twenty-first century. Although there are some important parts of the globe - most notably the USA - where sociologists still know relatively little about him, there are now energetic research networks using his ideas in every continent. This monograph provides a unique perspective on Elias's thought. It includes a comprehensive background to his writing, an analysis of its theoretical and substantive influence upon the sociological tradition, an exploration of the international dimensions and multi-disciplinary aspects of his work, and a selection of some of the most exciting empirical research that is presently being conducted using what has become known as 'figurational sociology'.