Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book defines the status and power dimensions and provides several axioms that provide a foundation for theory construction using these dimensions. It also examines Durkheim's argument and proposes that only when status-power relations are favorable to participants is solidarity a likely outcome. The book then examines a number of illustrative instances from the status-power relational position. It explores Collins's view of interaction ritual as rhythmic performance. The book then considers Collins's venture into sex and love, the latter being the ultimate in social bonding, both for Collins and for status-power theory. It then concludes with a consideration of the nature of status-power theory, qua theory and about the nature of prediction, proposing that at certain stages of theory development, post-diction may be all that is possible and perhaps good enough.