Margaret R. Somers: Academic Contributions to Citizenship and Market Theory
The scholarly work of Margaret R. Somers provides a critical examination of the intersection between political identity, economic structures, and human rights. Through her extensive research, Somers challenges traditional notions of citizenship and explores how market forces influence the legal and social standing of individuals globally.
Genealogies of Citizenship
One of Somers' most influential works is Genealogies of Citizenship: Markets, Statelessness, and the Right to Have Rights, published by Cambridge University Press in 2008. This text delves into the complex relationship between market dynamics and the concept of statelessness—a condition where an individual is not recognized as a citizen by any state under the operation of its law.
The book emphasizes the "right to have rights," a foundational concept in political theory that argues for a basic legal standing that allows individuals to access other human rights. Due to its rigorous approach, the work was honored with the 2009 APSA Giovanni Sartori Qualitative Methods Award, recognizing excellence in qualitative research within political science.
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Academic Reception and Impact
The impact of Genealogies of Citizenship is reflected in its wide availability and the critical attention it received from the academic community. According to WorldCat, the book is held in 342 libraries. It has been reviewed in several prestigious journals, including:
- Socio-Economic Review (Michael B. Katz, 2011)
- American Journal of Sociology (Charles Lemert, 2011)
- Cultural Sociology (Bryan S. Turner, 2011)
- Thesis Eleven (Sheila Shaver, 2011)
- Contemporary Sociology (Carmen Sirianni, 2010)
The Power of Market Fundamentalism
Expanding her critique of economic systems, Somers co-authored The Power of Market Fundamentalism: Karl Polanyi's Critique in 2014 with Fred L. Block. This work utilizes the theories of Karl Polanyi—an economic historian and sociologist—to analyze market fundamentalism, the belief that unregulated markets are the most efficient way to organize society.
By applying Polanyi's critique, the authors examine how the drive for market-led governance can undermine social protections and democratic stability. This publication has also gained significant academic traction, with WorldCat reporting that it is held in 264 libraries.
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Key Facts
- Major Award: Won the 2009 APSA Giovanni Sartori Qualitative Methods Award for Genealogies of Citizenship.
- Library Reach: Genealogies of Citizenship is available in 342 libraries; The Power of Market Fundamentalism is in 264 libraries.
- Core Themes: Statelessness, the "right to have rights," and a critique of market fundamentalism.
- Theoretical Influence: Heavily engages with the work of Karl Polanyi.
Publication Summary
| Title | Year | Key Focus | WorldCat Library Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genealogies of Citizenship: Markets, Statelessness, and the Right to Have Rights | 2008 | Citizenship, Statelessness, Human Rights | 342 |
| The Power of Market Fundamentalism: Karl Polanyi's Critique | 2014 | Market Fundamentalism, Polanyian Theory | 264 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did Genealogies of Citizenship win?
The book won the 2009 APSA Giovanni Sartori Qualitative Methods Award.
What is the central theme of Genealogies of Citizenship?
The book explores the relationship between markets, statelessness, and the fundamental "right to have rights."
Who did Margaret R. Somers collaborate with for her work on market fundamentalism?
She co-authored The Power of Market Fundamentalism: Karl Polanyi's Critique with Fred L. Block.
Which theorist's work is central to The Power of Market Fundamentalism?
The book is based on the critiques and theories of Karl Polanyi.
How widely available are Somers' books in libraries?
According to WorldCat, Genealogies of Citizenship is held in 342 libraries and The Power of Market Fundamentalism is held in 264 libraries.