Post-theory

Alvin Concha | Sociology of Development | MASOR Gender Studies | Ateneo de Davao University
Submitted to Dr Mae Ursos | 17 December 2005

As we go through the sociological theories before us and point out the inadequacies of
each, we slowly realize that history is not propelled by just a “singular intentional force.”1
We believe ever more that there is danger in too much cultural determinism, economic
determinism, biological determinism or any other form of determinism. We begin to
doubt that any sociological state is the inevitable consequence of some state of affairs
before it.

Sociological states, and human affairs for that matter, have multifarious and intricate
dimensions that are too complex to be contained in one paradigm or theoretical
framework. The moment we anchor a sociological phenomenon on a grand theory (or
metanarrative), we start to notice loopholes in the theory where little nuances slip through
and leave a mark of skepticism on the whole theory. Analyses have a tendency to be
inadequate, predictions are likely to be inaccurate and conclusions tend to miss a lot of
important dynamisms.

The “’totalitarianism’ of metanarratives”2 does not only predispose analyses, predictions

and conclusions to mistakes. Intrinsically, metanarratives also ascribe power on certain
societies or people while trivializing others. We are very much aware of the effects of the
“underdeveloped country” label on nation-states brought about by the very concept of
“development,” or of the repercussions of being a “primitive society” in relation to a
“civilized society.” Within the bounds of these concepts, it is not so difficult to imagine a
lot of repression, discrimination and silencing of whole societies in order to maintain a
hegemonic breed of people.

There is wisdom in thinking outside of paradigms, metanarratives or grand theories. Post-

paradigm or post-theory thinking potentially emancipates people because it eliminates the
restraining boundaries of theoretical frameworks. It allows for wide-ranging possibilities
of expressing selves, negotiating a way of life or steering societies. It accounts for every
little variation without assigning hierarchies. There is great promise in exposing
descriptive features of sociological phenomena without attempting to fit everything in a
theory. This way, judgments can be suspended and greater energies can be expended at
celebrating multiple and varied ways by which people and societies approach, deal with
and explain sociological phenomena and human affairs.

1
Brigg, Morgan (2002) Post-development, Foucault, and the colonisation metaphor. Third World Quarterly
23(3):421-436.
2
DeFazio, Kimberly (2002) Urban post-theory, class and the city. The Red Critique [Internet] Retrieved 16
December 2005. Available at
http://www.etext.org/Politics/AlternativeOrange/redtheory/redcritique/JanFeb02/Urbanposttheoryclassandt
hecity.htm