معرفی
Professor Axel van den Berg is a sociologist at McGill University, affiliated with the Department of Sociology since 1984. His research focuses on economic sociology, welfare states, labour markets, and sociological theory. He holds a PhD from McGill University (1985) and has held visiting positions at institutions including the Swedish Institute for Social Research and the Vienna Institute for Advanced Studies. His work critiques rational choice theory and explores the intersection of sociology with economics and political science. Notable projects include analyzing Quebec’s welfare state policies and cross-cultural studies of aesthetic judgment in art education. He has collaborated extensively on SSHRC-funded research and co-authored influential works like Combatting Poverty: Quebec’s Pursuit of a Distinctive Welfare State. His teaching includes courses on contemporary sociological theory and the welfare state. Recent research examines agency concepts in sociology and global road safety policy diffusion.
Education: PhD (McGill University, 1985); earlier positions at University of Alberta (1982–1984) and visiting roles in Europe and Canada.
Research Interests: Professor van den Berg’s work bridges political economy, welfare state analysis, and theoretical debates in sociology. He critiques grand sociological theory, emphasizing analytical approaches and social mechanisms. His projects often involve comparative studies between Canada, Europe, and other regions. Current interests include the problematic status of sociology as a science and the implications of social constructionism.
Publications: Over 40 articles and books since 1980, including foundational texts on Marxist state theory and welfare state comparisons. Recent works focus on agency debates, road safety policy diffusion, and Quebec’s social policies.
Grants & Advising: SSHRC-funded projects on art aesthetics and labour markets. Advised students on topics ranging from Russian business classes to EU single-currency implementation. Supervision interests include political economy, welfare state policies, and sociological theory.
