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DANY
COHN-BENOIT
assigned to study juvenile delinquency, another racism, a third slums.
Each will seek an explanation for his partial problem, develop a thesis,
and propose solutions for the limited area of conflict he is studying.
Even as he performs the function of watchdog, our sociologist will also
be contributing to the mosaic of sociological "theories".
The confusion of the social sciences which has its source here is
manifested in the "interdisciplinary" study which is so fashionable today
(d.
Althusser). The uncertainty of the individual specialist, when it
encounters the uncertainties of other specialists, can only result in broad
platitudes.
Behind this confusion there is the never emphasized lack of theor–
etical status for sociology and the social sciences. In the last analysis,
their only meeting ground is that they claim to constitute "broadly
speaking, methodical techniques for social adjustment and readjustment,"
not to mention the reintegration of all dissent: the majority of our
sociologists are "Marxists." In support of this thesis let us mention the
conservative nature of the concepts utilized presently: hierarchy, ritual,
integration, social function, social control, equilibrium, etc. . . .
The "theoreticians" must explain localized conflicts without refer–
ence to the social totality that has given rise to them.
This allegedly objective procedure implies an incomplete and biased
approach in which the phenomena are not interrelated (though racism,
unemployment, juvenile delinquency, slums constitute a totality ) and in
which the rationality of the economic system is never questioned. Since
the word profit has fallen into disrepute, reference is made to growth,
to adjustment to change, exalted to a sacred power. But where is this
change going, where does it corne from, who is organizing it, whom
does it profit? Are these questions too speculative to be of interest to
science?
These considerations lead us to conclude simply that the malaise
of students in sociology may be understood only if we question sociology
about its function in society. It is apparent that in the current conflicts
the sociologists have chosen their side, that of business management and
of the state which assists them. Under these circumstances, what is the
significance of the defense of sociology which certain people demand?
Nanterre
The general analysis given above throws light on the particular case
of Nanterre. Here, again, we encounter the pattern: crisis in sociology,
anxiety about job opportunities, confusion in the instruction offered, and
importation of doctrines "Made in U. S. A." Those who remain outside
