The Analytical and Political Utility of Poststructuralism: Considering Affirmative Action.

In this paper, I argue that a poststructuralist sociology can increase the civic capacity of sociology. Poststructuralist theories present an opportunity for sociologists to analyse societal debates with the specific goal of increasing our political participation in our societies. I suggest that the work of Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida can be read as one path along which a poststructuralist sociology might develop. Finally, I use my own research into the current controversy over affirmative action policies in the United States as an illustrative example of a working poststructuralist sociology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]