Critically assess the sociological theory of Jurgen Habermas.

Habermas is considered one of the most influential academics in the domain of Sociology and Philosophy (Gerry 1991: 345). He has had much influence and success in coherence with the Frankfurt School and Neo-Marxism. Despite the institute loosing some of it’s influence, Jurgen Habermas modernised the theory, and his influential discussion of democracy went alongside the democratic movements of the last century (holbergprisen 2013). In order to adequately evaluate the extent to which Habermas’ theory contributed to not only the field of Sociology but the world in which it aims to study. It is important to emphasise how much his theory can be applied to contemporary society, and how much of a future the man and his works has.

The Frankfurt School

Jurgen Habermas is often associated with the Frankfurt School and it’s ideologies. He is seen as being influenced by Marx, however, in relation to rational thought. The school adopted the theory that society should no longer be dominated by the system of state capitalism. With inclinations towards the need for society to take a critical approach to current the western europe’s democratic institutions. Therefore, society has a duty to impose a revolutionised system that would in turn free citizens from their self-imposed state of ‘alienation’ that arises from the restraints of the capitalist structure. This illustrates first hand how influential Habermas was because he was part one of the most influential institutions there has ever been. The institution has not only modernised and analysed the works of Karl Marx, arguably one of the most controversial thinkers. It is also one which attempts to change society for the better, and engage it’s audience it alternative critical theory (McCarthy 1978: 119).

Habermas’ expansion on Marx’s theories could be considered a great triumph. This is because if the study of society is