The article aims to (I) show a theoretical turn in Niklas Luhmann's sociology (after 1992) that followed its need to face "peripheral social contexts" of modernity. The argument states [that] (a) a revision of functional differentiation theory as the main characterizing feature of modernity, (b) a shift of interest towards themes of social integration (inclusion/exclusion) and (c) a sophistication of the (non-harmonic) world society took place in this theoretical turn. (II) The "peripheral modernity" concept and the critics to it are applied to approach descriptions of contemporary world society (III) and some recent debates on the field. It is argued that the (paradoxical) tension between "´foreign´ universalistic theories" and "exception cases" is a fruitful one to the further development of sociological debate. It is intended to promote a shift from the usual focus on the "explanation on 'exotic' social contexts" towards [intern] inner theoretical developments and further analysis on the modern world society.
Systems theory; Niklas Luhmann; Brazilian social thought; Peripheral modernity