Is social theory losing its relevance? A call for social impact and cocreation from dialogic sociology

Abstract

Currently, the interest in and use of social theory by policy-makers, organizations, and citizens have decreased worldwide. While excellent research focuses on the social influences of social theory and teaching methods, the research often neglects the link between social theory and contemporary societal needs. This gap is addressed by examining the social impact and effects on the motivation for using dialogic theory, which emphasizes dialog and consensus building. Following a communicative methodology approach, this study includes nine communicative interviews and three participatory observations: two in seminars with readers of <em>The Dialogic Society</em> (TDS) (“<em>duihuashehui </em>(《对话社会》)”) by Flecha, and one in an online, international debate about the book. The findings reveal a fourfold impact: First, increased motivation for sociology and social theory; second, deeper comprehension of the theory; third, potential for transforming social contexts; and fourth a shift toward cocreation and social impact. This study highlights key aspects of dialogic theory to address contemporary needs and to bridge the gap between theory and practice to revitalize the field of social theory in diverse contexts, highlighting the way the dialogic theory contributes and could contribute to different countries, including China. In doing so, this study helps advance the development of an independent knowledge system in philosophy and social science in China, which China proposed in 2024.