The Logic of Compressed Modernity

An original and fascinating work by a distinguished and globally versed Korean sociologist, critically reflecting on the societies of the multi-faceted compressed modernity coming out of the extraordinary rise and transformation of South Korea and of East Asia. Gran Therborn, University of Cambridge An important view from the dynamic East Asia, this book is an excellent presentation of compressed modernity theory as a surpassing of classical modernization theory. A must-read for scholars of development and of South Korea and Asia in general. Paget Henry, Brown University The Logic of Compressed Modernity provides a stimulating discussion of the particularly relevant historical case of South Korea, from which Chang articulates key principles that help explain the past and orient the possible futures of compressed societies. I recommend brushing up on South Korea history first so that you are prepared to appreciate Changs eloquent theorizing from this case: the theoretical payoff is well worth it. Social Forces The Logic of Compressed Modernity is a culmination of Changs arduous effort since the last three decades to understand the phenomena of social, cultural, political and economic changes in South Korean society as seen through the lens of compressed modernityThe book will definitely be useful for anyone who wishes to understand contemporary South Korean society but also to the students and teachers of social sciences who wish to make sense of complexity of lived experiences of modernity in non-Western societies. Millennial Asia

Chang Kyung-Sup is a Professor of Sociology at Seoul National University.

List of Figures, Tables and Illustrations Preface Part I. Compressed Modernity in Perspective Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. Compressed Modernity: Constitutive Dimensions and Manifesting Units Chapter 3. Compressed Modernity in the Universalist Perspective Part II. Structural Properties of Compressed Modernity Chapter 4. Internal Multiple Modernities: South Korea as Multiplex Theater Society Chapter 5. Transformative Contributory Rights: Citizen(ship) in Compressed Modernity Chapter 6. Complex-Culturalism vs. Multiculturalism Chapter 7. Productive Maximization, Reproductive Meltdown Chapter 8. Social Institutional Deficits and Infrastructural Familialism Chapter 9. The Demographic Configuration of Compressed Modernity Part III. After Compressed Modernity Chapter 10. The Post-Compressed Modern Condition Notes References Index