Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book shows that the fundamental problem of performativist sociology stems directly from a substantial distance from the Austinian conception of the performative–namely, from no longer defining it by its conditions of success and its potential failures. It aims to interrogate the heuristic value and complete the theoretical representation. The book explores the theory of performativity. Three case studies serve to isolate one of the three criteria: the social impact of the theories of rationality, the role of financial models in the constitution of markets, and the establishment of markets in the context of organ trade. Sociology has regularly criticised the economic discipline. From Emile Durkheim to Pierre Bourdieu, from Max Weber to Mark Granovetter, it intends to play the role of a credible alternative to this dismal science.