SCLG2601 Matthew Brodie

Qu. 3: Why is the concept of the lifeworld central to phenomenological sociology?

Does the concept of the lifeworld provide unique insights into processes of social
reproduction? Do the strengths of the phenomenological approach outweigh its
alleged weaknesses?

The term ‘lifeworld’, first coined by the pioneer of phenomenological thought

Edmund Husserl, in his 1900 and 1901 work: Logical Investigations is the concept
central to the sociological discipline of phenomenology and the grounding upon
which the phenomenological methodology is laid. Phenomenologists regard the
lifeworld as the world that appears to an individual in everyday life; the world that is
experienced prior to any self-reflection and whose meanings are not questioned but
rather taken for granted. Before elaborating upon this brief description and
launching into an in-depth analysis of the lifeworld and the phenomenological
theory that it accompanies, it must be noted that phenomenology is an area of
inquiry that has been keenly disputed by its numerous members since its inception
at the turn of the 20th Century [Ladkin, 2005]. Consequently there is no singular
phenomenological methodology that is agreed upon by its practitioners; rather,
theorists such as Heidegger, Schutz and Berger (to name but a few) have each
developed their own approaches that attempt to provide the most effective method
for gathering knowledge and investigating human consciousness. However, what is
agreed upon is the importance of the lifeworld for any investigative approach
conducted in a phenomenological spirit, as well as its ability to provide unique
insights into processes of social reproduction. The latter is best exemplified in the
respective works of Peter Berger (2008) and Alfred Schutz (2008), which draw upon
the teachings of Husserl to attempt to resolve the dichotomy between the individual
as a passive product of society and society as a passive product of the individual;
one that has troubled thought throughout modernity. Many critics see the
advancements made in the area of social reproduction as a strength of the
phenomenological approach, among others, although the discipline is by no means
without its detractors. Over the course of the 20 th Century and beyond, weaknesses
of the phenomenological approach have been the focus of much debate, and a
significant many believe that the sociological discipline has successfully been
discredited [Krasnodebski, 1990]. However, the lasting impression that
phenomenology has had on the direction of modern sociological and philosophical
thought tends to suggest otherwise and supports the discipline’s credentials as a
valid and useful methodology that does hold explanatory power in examining and
explaining the phenomena of human consciousness and experience.

Firstly, in order to answer the question “why is the concept of the lifeworld central
to phenomenological sociology?” a thorough understanding of the purpose,
processes and methods of phenomenology is required. Phenomenology was

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SCLG2601 Matthew Brodie

established as a way of thought at the turn of the 20th Century by Husserl in

reaction to the ‘crisis of modernity’ [Krasnodebski, 1990]; this ‘crisis’ originated in
the scientific methods of positivistic science, which were deemed by Husserl as
inadequate when attempting to describe lived experience (Rouse, 1987: p 223).
Phenomenologist’s view positivistic scientific methods as