The last chapter's detour through metaphysical problems justifies the question whether it is helpful to speak of Adorno's sociology at all. His work certainly contains extensive reflections expressly dedicated to the problems and potentials of sociology: on the concept of society, the selection of sociological research phenomena, empirical research, theoretical analysis, sociology's socio-critical dimension, its relationship with political praxis and the question of the sociological text. Moreover, Adorno's oeuvre comprises a range of substantive sociological studies dealing with radio content, fascist propaganda, products of the culture industry, details of everyday life, public and non-public opinions etc. Adorno's sociological writings also took lasting inspiration from fellow and rival sociologists, notably Durkheim, Weber and Kracauer, but also Veblen, Simmel, Lazarsfeld and Riesman.

And yet readers of Adorno's sociological writings will hardly overhear their dialogue with his other areas of interest. His sociology informs his epistemological critique of factual knowledge, his rejection of elementary analysis and his refusal to endorse collective activism. Conversely, his perspectives on empirical social research and the sociological text are shaped by aesthetic considerations, while his views on theoretical analysis, sociology's socio-critical components and its engagement with death and dying are guided by his work in different philosophical fields.