Four propositions for a sociological analysis of social innovation
It is surprising that sociology as a disciplinary field shows little interest in social innovation. Social innovation leads to social transformation by intentional actions. Two major sociological concepts used to address this issue : a conception of social change and a conception of motivation of social action. Four sociological theories will be used to clarify the place of social innovation in their respective conception of social change and social action : the rational choice theory, social constructivism, institutionalism and social movement theory. Social innovation is not part of the conceptual language of these theories ; we must see how the concept can be integrated. Each theory and has a particular way of describing phenomena by taking a unique look at the meaning and the general properties of the problem and allows us to understand the knowledge and comprehension of the phenomenon by its scientific meaning as well as the process of production of knowledge.